Vacuum Tube Radio

November 26, 2023 Post a Comment

Vacuum tube radio

VACUUM TUBE RADIO. Vacuum Tube Radio. By the late 1920s, vacuum tube radio equipment replaced the primitive spark-gap systems on most merchant ships. This new equipment could send and receive signals virtually worldwide, by using high frequency or "short-wave" bands.

Are vacuum tube radios still made?

Today, there are few factories left in the world that still manufacture vacuum tubes, a technology developed more than a century ago instrumental to early radio and the go-to method for amplification until the increased popularity of cheaper solid-state technology in the 1970s.

Why did radios have vacuum tubes?

Radios were powered by hot, bulky and fragile vacuum tubes that needed to warm up before the radio would come on. Belanger said road vibrations would cause them to fail frequently.

When did radios stop using vacuum tubes?

By the mid 1960's transistors totally dominated radios with tubes hanging on until the early 70's for TV.

Why do vacuum tubes sound better?

Tube amps are more responsive than solid-state amps, enabling you to play more dynamically and expressively. Due to their natural compression and harmonic distortion, they also tend to sound warmer and more musical.

Why are vacuum tubes no longer used?

Vacuum tubes suffered a slow death during the 1950s and '60s thanks to the invention of the transistor—specifically, the ability to mass-produce transistors by chemically engraving, or etching, pieces of silicon. Transistors were smaller, cheaper, and longer lasting.

Does the US military still use vacuum tubes?

Though vacuum tubes still have their uses with medical and military applications, the most prolific consumers in modern times have to be audiophiles. Their dedication to vacuum tubes borders on stubborn. For x-rays or maintaining antiquated military systems, vacuum tubes are a necessity.

Are old tube radios valuable?

Older radios tend to fetch somewhat more than newer ones, but only in a very general way. Age alone doesn't make a radio priceless. 1920s radios are old, but some manufacturers made cheap, junky radios in those days, as in all other times. Scarcity of parts can make certain vintage sets very expensive to repair.

Are old vacuum tubes worth anything?

Radio restorers are always on the lookout for 01A tubes ($10-$15) used in most 1920s radios. These tubes also used the numbers 201A and 301A depending on the manufacturer. Other early tube numbers to watch out for are 45 ($50-$70), 50 ($200+), 245 ($100+), 250 ($250-$350), WD-11 ($50-$135), and WD-12 ($30-$50).

How far can a 50000 watt FM radio station reach?

Commercial FM broadcasts, even with a million watts of radiated power, typically will not travel more than 50 to 75 miles.

Are vacuum tubes still being used today?

1990s-Today - Vacuum tubes are still used today. Musicians still use tube amplifiers and claim they produce a different and desirable sound compared to solid state amplifiers.

Are vacuum tubes better than transistors?

Transistors are mechanically stronger than vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes are comparatively less efficient. Transistors have very high efficiency compared to vacuum tubes. For vacuum tubes, the voltage gain is low.

What countries still make vacuum tubes?

Most of the manufacturers are in Russia (Electro-Harmonix/EHX, Genalex, Mullard, SED, Sovtek, Svetlana, Tung Sol), but there are tube factories in the USA, Canada, Slovakia, Germany, and China, with the largest factory probably being Shuguang in China, making over 25% of the world's vacuum tubes today.

What device replace the vacuum tube?

Scientists William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain collaborated on inventing the transistor, which would replace the vacuum tube. The transistor worked more efficiently than the vacuum tube and operated on less power.

What technology replaced the vacuum tube?

Transistors made of semiconductors replaced tubes in the construction of computers. By replacing bulky and unreliable vacuum tubes with transistors, computers could now perform the same functions, using less power and space.

What are the disadvantages of vacuum tubes?

Vacuum Tubes: Disadvantages Bulky, hence less suitable for portable products. Higher operating voltages generally required. High power consumption; needs heater supply that generates waste heat and yields lower efficiency, notably for small-signal circuits. Glass tubes are fragile, compared to metal transistors.

How long can tube amps be left on?

According to the Little Dot MK III manual, they recommend, at least for burn-in (and, so, also for playback, I would gather) no more than 6 to 8 hours of continuous usage before a 30 minute to 1 hour cool-down period (with the amp off).

Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?

Think of a vacuum tube as a light bulb. It is a glass envelope that generates heat as it is working. You shouldn't be handling them all the time but occasionally touching them will not hurt. Let it cool off first though, they can get mighty toasty.

Does China still make vacuum tubes?

Typically manufactured in the Shuguang factory in China, Sino Chinese tubes have seen vast improvements over what was available just a few years ago. The EL34-B and KT88-98 have gotten many favorable reviews and the 5881 is the most affordable 6L6 type in our entire stock.

Are Chinese vacuum tubes any good?

Modern Chinese Vacuum Tube Amps can be very good but are restricted by the cheap mass market valves that are produced purely for consistency and cost restraints. Chinese Tubes such as 6J1, for instance are a direct copy and hence a direct equivalent of Russian 6J1P etc, etc.