Magic eye tubes, commonly used in tube radios as tuning indicators, are becoming extremely rare and expensive. Unfortunately, it is also the one tube in a tube radio that is visible to the outside, and greatly appreciated as a symbol of the vintage look of these sets. The tuning eye gets more Oooos and Aaaahs the any other aspect of the radios once restored.
It has long been debated that the life of these tubes can be extended by increasing its supply voltage. While this fix will probably not be enduring, it can at least assist in prolonging the life of these parts.
I decided to record an experiment with a very burnt-out specimen to determine whether it would make a diference.
Have a look at the results for yourself.
Enjoy.
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DIY TEST GEAR: The title says it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7buNHf6HoDw&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KkjmWX0I0zNocg6NF33EfL
RESTORATION BUILDING BLOCKS: A series of videos showing detailed steps used the restoration process of tube equipment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xvTGd4ysRE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7JSYx8z2mw303vx287LHpzf
HowTo's: Various videos on some simple techniques and projects:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgr-J_D6pSU&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7K3B77iUGyLPai3RIvJOrkO
See also playlists on some other completed restoration projects.
PHILIPS BX750A:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8U9Lteja5o&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IG6XgctidGO0u0DeT3_CxF
TELEFUNKEN OPUS 2114:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HO2bjY5vuw&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7LhcZ9h9plfTFmjaM1mcifu
SABA UW-175-Z 3D:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cca4i60ZLw4&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IWL18nsrSf4RnjsuPjHC-p
GRUNDIG 1070:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4J5l0fwhko&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7JgnyYPRWOK763aJ8bg3iCI
SCHAUB-LORENZ GOLDY 58 type 3020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSbt7qVed78&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IBse5G--Kl89SPS9sATXfZ
BUSH VHF64:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U--6JymkQ1M&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KsvN5M48cX6cxN4jSz0s3X
GRUNDIG 3060A:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2sK2GSYeE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L8e9h8lrHGREPqcgWO-YQm
TELEFUNKEN OPERETTE 8:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsACM0mPzs&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7K3SXDv8Hu4uAyl1O7NE5dc
GRAETZ SUPER 171W:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhG-CH0gqm4&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IjUykGE8neJSI6GUxMl2YG
LOEWE-OPTA MAGNET 3737W:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSZBJ5sKQm8&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7J_hzDhnF8rs2c7wmgGfRlK
BRAUN ATELIER 3:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L3k5nPRvrk1aH764QRCTqE
LOEWE-OPTA TRUXA STEREO 4741W:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KhVk0KqPx0Wkh2KO_5f2fQ
GRAETZ COMEDIA 616:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwmW9k3TwNE&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7L5sAApLzV6xoYzmRNJpMW5
SABA FREIBURG W2:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7IqvS-LshUGpE1D_WY6mrZe
GRAETZ MUSICA 4R417:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5M_tA9ux7Ios98E59dWjwc2SRJyxwIn
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CAPACITOR LEAKAGE TESTER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pySErvzUIY&list=PLy5M_tA9ux7KWexvEjLB0SANSxQXi0zTS