etracer - vacuum tube curve tracer

mgalusha · « **on:** 22 Oct 2018, 03:45 pm »

For those who might have interest, a computer driven curve tracer for vacuum tubes is now available. The etracer from essues Technologies in Taiwan. Not inexpensive but for what it does, not unreasonable. ~$1100 depending on options.

https://www.essues.com/etracer/

I ordered one, received it in two days via DHL and finally had time to assemble it this weekend. The curves in the image are from a pair of 45's I received from Jim Rebman (RIP my friend) some years ago. Almost a perfect match for some 60 year old tubes.

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 06:08 pm »

Mike,

Thanks for sharing. Finally two technologies have merged to give us the best of both! This should be great for all of us tube enthusiasts!

Best,
Anand.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 07:36 pm »

Interesting software, it could be more affordable since tube datasheet already offer this chart.

mgalusha · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 07:38 pm »

The data sheet doesn't measure your actual tubes.

Quote from: FullRangeMan on 22 Oct 2018, 07:36 pm

Interesting software, it could be more affordable since tube datasheet already offer this chart.

orientalexpress · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 08:11 pm »

newbie question
Does it detect tubes noise?

thank you

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 09:29 pm »

Quote from: mgalusha on 22 Oct 2018, 07:38 pm

The data sheet doesn't measure your actual tubes.

Correct, for what the actual curves is useful to you?

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Oct 2018, 09:33 pm »

Quote from: orientalexpress on 22 Oct 2018, 08:11 pm

newbie question
Does it detect tubes noise?

thank you

Unfortunately no. Best noise test is listen in your system a few minutes, this device below also good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13n1VCR6UXw

mgalusha · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Oct 2018, 01:52 am »

Useful if matching tubes or designing circuits. It can test at actual operating points. Like other tools and test equipment, very useful for those who need it, not so much for everyone else. In my case, I do design and modify things, knowing the actual performance of the tube is very helpful.

Quote from: FullRangeMan on 22 Oct 2018, 09:29 pm