Jackson 715 tube tester most updated roll chart

[W1OAT]

I have a Jackson 715 tube tester. It works well but I’m often frustrated by the fact that the roll chart only shows tubes made up to the mid 1950s. I know they made more recent charts. Does anyone have a roll chart that is relatively up-to-date? I would really appreciate it, otherwise I may have to another tube tester. Thanks

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Many manufacturers of tube testers added update charts in booklet form. Installed roll charts can be difficult to remove and adding an updated chart can be difficult to install unless you have done it a number of times.

I don't know of any updated tube chart for the 715. Obviously, you're limited by the type of tube sockets already on the tester, so many of the tubes introduced in the 60's and 70's might require a socket that's not on your tester.

Personally, I would located at late 60's or 70's mutual conductance tester if you're running into problems testing newer tube types. I would still keep the 715 since it tests a lot of the older tubes which some of the newer testers can't do. B&K and Hickok have great quality tube testers from the 60's through the 70's. But, be aware, unless you're lucky, these testers don't go for cheap unless you find one at an estate auction or a yard sale.

[W1OAT]

Yes, I’m aware of how expensive the newer and better tube testers are. I’ve been looking at them for a couple of years. Right now, if I can’t verify that a tube is good because I can’t test it, I have to often assume it’s bad and buy a new one. That also gets expensive.

[wb1ead]

Hi Dan..saw ur posting..did look if there were any newer roll chart additions..none for that Jackson..I guess Pete saw none either..I own a Sylvania 220..50s vintage..only difference is a company called Coletronics published two updated listings..most of the newer tubes are there..however in order for someone like urself to be able to test much newer types..the key or at least a starting point is a tube manual showing tube basing..internet has Franks Vacuum tube listings if ya don't have a manual..here's an example..Heathkit uses the 6HS6 in some of their trcvrs..for sure you won't find it on ur tube checker..but knowing the basing(7BK)..i'm sure the 6AU6 or 6BA6 is there..there will be a slight difference in one or two settings but put ur 6HS6 in and do the test for a 6AU6 or 6BA6 and it will be very close..hopefully that helps but YMMV..I've been able using this "basing" method to write in the back of the manual various newer types while adjusting only the bias potentiometer to give a 100 to 110 MU reading..I'm not super comfortable with just one tube to check..but multiples seem OK.....best-o-luk  73 de DAVE WB1EAD

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Coletronics was the 'go to" place for many manufacturers of tube testers to generate tube testing data for newer tubes not covered in the original manufacturer's roll chart and/or their tube test data booklet.

The problem with the Jackson 715 is that it's old and little to no support through it life cycle and beyond.