"VacuTrace" Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer (discontinued)
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VacuTrace is a vacuum tube tester curve tracer instrument for the analysis, characterization and matching of vacuum tubes. It uses your existing analog oscilloscope as an X-Y display. Together, they form a complete stand-alone test station. The upgraded chassis forms its own carrying case for greater portability and protection when not in use. A second carrying case is included for adapter cards and cables. VacuTrace was created for engineers and technicians who develop, manufacture and test vacuum tubes and circuits. It is designed to measure tube characteristics and present the information in the manner you've come to expect - a set of operating curves. Matching tubes has never been easier or more accurate; thanks to its novel A/B alternating sweep capability, which overlays the curves of two different tubes (or sections within a dual type) for the ultimate comparison. In addition to sweeping curves, measurements of voltage, current, transconductance gain and output conductance (1/rp) can be read on the 3.5 digit LED display. Operation is simple and intuitive. There are no software, menu or boot delays to contend with as the circuitry is entirely analog and everything happens in real-time. Removable socket adapter cards accomodate the most popular tube pinouts. Blank adapter cards are available for customization. A optional "Jumper" adapter card is available for $249 that can wire up any 7, 8, or 9 pin tube. The VacuTrace connects to any analog oscilloscope in X-Y mode. For a PC-based USB scope, which can save outputs as .jpg or print screens, there is the Stingray, which is the only scope of this type that has X-Y capability. And it's only $220. A good used Tek scope can be bought on eBay for under $100. VacuTrace has received a number of reviews in the press. Actual customer testimonials. |
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Features
Specifications
| Plate Voltage | 0V to 380V @ 200mA |
| Cathode Current | 0mA to 100mA (200mA in 2A mode) |
| Grid Step Sizes | 0.5V, 1V, 2V, 5V, 10V (8 steps) @ 5mA |
| Plate Power | 20W peak (40W in 2A mode) |
| Screen Voltage | 100V to 300V @ 25mA |
| Transconductance | 0.1mA/V to 20.0mA/V |
| Output Conductance | 0.001mA/V to 2.000mA/V (1000k ohm to 0.5k ohm) |
| Basic Accuracy | 2% voltage & current, 5% conductances |
| Output Signal Gains (0V to 4V) | Plate/Screen: 10mV/V Grid: 50mV/V Cathode: 40mV/mA |
| Heater Supplies | 6.3V @ 5A 5V @ 3A |
| Socket Adapter Cards | Dual Triodes: 8 & 9 pin Pentodes: 8 pin A & B Power: Diodes & 300B Blank: (wire up your own socket) |
| AC Input Voltage | 100V, 110V, 120V, 200V, 220V, 240V (Selectable) |
| AC Input Power | 50W |
| Size | 10" x 10" x 4" (25cm x 25cm x 10cm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs. (7 kg) |
Downloads
VacuTrace Manual (863k pdf)
Jumper Card Manual (458k pdf)
Customer Testimonials