Tubes

[Jimi J]

I have an "Pentron Emperor" reel to reel recorder. The recorder uses six
tubes. The problem with the recorder is that it doesn't seem to have enough
power to run. Also, when I apply power it smells like something is burning.
I presume that this is due to bad tubes. My question is, do any of you amp
gurus know anything about these old recorders? If not, do you know of any
news groups or websites to obtain information on the subject.

The tubes are as follows:
1 RCA Radiotron Electron USA 6SL7GT
1 RCA Radiotron electron USA 6J7
1 GE Electronic USA 6V6 GT
1 Sound Inc. USA 6X5GT
1 Sound Inc. by Sylvania 12AV7A
2 Sound Inc. USA 6AQ5


Thanks for your time.
JJ

[Stephen Cowell]

Post by Jimi J
I have an "Pentron Emperor" reel to reel recorder. The recorder uses six
tubes. The problem with the recorder is that it doesn't seem to have enough
power to run. Also, when I apply power it smells like something is burning.
I presume that this is due to bad tubes. My question is, do any of you amp
gurus know anything about these old recorders? If not, do you know of any
news groups or websites to obtain information on the subject.
1 RCA Radiotron Electron USA 6SL7GT
1 RCA Radiotron electron USA 6J7
1 GE Electronic USA 6V6 GT
1 Sound Inc. USA 6X5GT
1 Sound Inc. by Sylvania 12AV7A
2 Sound Inc. USA 6AQ5

I just happen to have a Pentron out in the garage... I restored
it in the '70s, it's a late '50s unit (has the green eye tube for
rec level). Don't know about your Emperor, but mine has
cloth belts. I'll bet yours does too... if so, they are in *bad*
need of replacement. Good luck finding parts... you'll need
it. I'll bet every tube in it is good. I'll also bet every electrolytic
cap in it is bad. It's a labor of love... do you love your Pentron?
__
Steve
.

[RonSonic]

Post by Jimi J
I have an "Pentron Emperor" reel to reel recorder. The recorder uses six
tubes. The problem with the recorder is that it doesn't seem to have enough
power to run. Also, when I apply power it smells like something is burning.
I presume that this is due to bad tubes. My question is, do any of you amp
gurus know anything about these old recorders? If not, do you know of any
news groups or websites to obtain information on the subject.

That's the problem, your nose isn't calibrated. You could put that thing on any
tech's bench and he'd know from the smell what part to look into.

If all you smell is hot dust, like the first time you turn on the heat, that's
okay. If you're smelling acrid burning electronic components that's different
from say the motor's shellac cooking and both are bad. I really doubt the tubes
are the problem and even if they are, the smell is coming from other components
that need service, too. There are sure to be mechanical problems.

Try www.repairfaq.org to get an idea what you're up against.

Ron