Are old electronic tubes worth anything?

According to many factors such as type, status, and use, old radio tubes’ value range in price from some to hundreds and thousands of dollars. For example, an RCA electron tube costs around $15, while a 101D vintage vacuum tube can take you $400.

Are old radios worth any money?

Some pre-battery powered radios from the 1920s and 1930s are valued according to their condition. Rare radio sets in good condition from these periods are the most valued items. Before buying a valuable antique radio, spend some time conducting research on eBay.

Who buys old radio vacuum tubes?

There are usually five types of buyers looking for vacuum tubes: The Radio Collector/Restorer looking to bring old radios back to life or setting it up to display, Tube Collectors (there are actually whole books on collecting vacuum tubes and their original box art), Musicians who still use and love the sound of a …

How much is a tube worth?

So, how much does a bike tube cost? The average price of a bike tube costs between $5 and $9. You can find tubes for as little as $2 and up and even some models beyond the $35.

How do you test old radio tubes?

Put the tube into your guitar amplifier, tester, or other tube-using machine. Turn on the machine to activate the tubes, and look for an orange, red, or purple glow. If the heated filament inside the tube glows orange like a setting sun, it’s usually a sign that the tube is healthy. The filament may be hard to see.

What can you do with vacuum tubes?

Thermionic tubes are still used in some applications, such as the magnetron used in microwave ovens, certain high-frequency amplifiers, and amplifiers that audio enthusiasts prefer for their “warmer” tube sound. Not all electronic circuit valves/electron tubes are vacuum tubes.

How do you date an old radio?

The normal way to identify a radio is by manufacturer and model number (for example, “Zenith 7G605” or “Philco 42-350”). Model numbers can include any combination of letters and numbers, and they may be long or short, although most are from two to six characters in length.

Does anyone collect old radios?

There are a number of museums in the United States devoted to radio and television history. Personnel at these establishments should be able to help establish the value of antique gear. Many of these are chartered as non-profit/tax-exempt organizations and accept donations in the same manner as charitable groups.

What can you do with an old radio?

If you don’t get any takers, recycle the radio. Gather your unwanted radios, along with any other electronic devices you want to donate, and pack them in a box. Tape shut the box to secure the electronics. Call your center of choice to find out how to donate or visit its website.

Is there precious metals in vacuum tubes?

Tubes. Tubes can be manufactured in a range of high purity precious metals, including platinum, gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, iridium and other alloys upon request. Depending on the metal, tubes can be manufactured with very small inside diameters, wall thickness and long lengths.

Are vacuum tubes still made?

As someone who has been a vacuum technology enthusiast for four decades now it makes me happy to find that tubes are still in production and their industry appears healthy for now.

How many types of vacuum tubes are there?

There are a lot of different vacuum tube types, all with their own applications, characteristics and construction, most of which fall into four general types: (1) The diode, (2) the triode, (3) the tetrode, and (4) the pentode.

How much do inner tubes cost?

​Inner tubes typically cost $8. Specialty tubes (extra long valves, odd sizes, thorn proof, etc.) may cost more. Bikes with internally geared hubs or full chain cases cost more due to extra time, complexity, or component rarity.

How long do latex tubes last?

Latex tubes deteriorate only if outside and exposed to light, sun, UV and extreme temperatures. There are tubulars that are 20 years old and still run great, so the tube has a long life when protected.

What is a vacuum tube radio?

A vacuum tube, also called a valve in British English, is an electronic device used in many older model radios, television sets, and amplifiers to control electric current flow. The cathode is heated, as in a light bulb, so it will emit electrons.

How do I know if my radio tube is bad?

Loss of Power and other Odd Noises

Sometimes you will hear strange sounds, loss of power, or heavily distort sound. These are signs that a tube is failing. Often power loss that seems like the amp is performing at half power or less will be one or more bad power tubes, or even a dying phase inverter tube.

How do I know if my tubes are bad?

Crackling, squeals and feedback, excessive noise and muddiness or low output are all evidence of tube problems. Power tubes. The two main symptoms of a power tube problem are a blown fuse or a tube that begins to glow cherry red. Either are typically indicative of a power tube failure.

Can I test a tube with a multimeter?

Open or shorted filaments can be detected using a multimeter, and should be done before plugging the tubes in. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and connect the meter’s test leads to the filament pins. (You can consult on-line tube manuals for the pin configuration.

Who still uses vacuum tubes?

One of the oldest forms of vacuum tube — the X-ray tube — has been around since the late 19th century. Besides the obvious application of medical imaging, X-ray tubes are used today for security scanners (we’ve all seen those at the airport), food inspection systems, thickness gauges, and more.

Does the 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 vacuum tubes making a comeback?

Vacuum tubes went the way of the dinosaurs in the 1960s, but researchers have now brought them back to life, creating a nano-sized version that’s faster and hardier than the transistor. It’s even able to survive the harsh radiation of outer space.

How much is an old Zenith radio worth?

It has become more popular with collectors in recent years and usually sells for between $300 and $500, depending on condition. Once in a while, though, one is found on a shelf in an antique store for under $200. A popular Zenith “Trans-Oceanic” portable shortwave radio. Zenith radios were sold worldwide.

What are the old radios called?

An antique radio is a radio receiving set that is collectible because of its age and rarity.

How much is a RCA Victor radio worth?

This is the 1939 model and if it is working and in very good condition it would probably be valued at $100-$150 but anything below that stated condition may not be worth $25-$35 and may never sell.

What are transistor radios worth?

Today pocket transistor radios manufactured in the 1950s are very collectable. Some models are highly sought after by collectors and regularly sell for hundreds of dollars. It is not uncommon to find a transistor radio at a yard sale for $4 or $5 and sell it the next week for several hundred dollars.

How do I convert my vintage radio to Bluetooth?

How do I convert my vintage radio to Bluetooth?

1. Step 1: choose a radio. The first step consists in finding a portable vintage radio with a nice look.
2. Step 2: find a Bluetooth speaker.
3. Step 3: empty the radio of its components.
4. Step 4: remove the transmitter from the Bluetooth speaker.
5. Step 5: connect the radio loudspeaker to the Bluetooth transmitter.
6. Step 6: reassembly.