steel tube prices

[n8fgb]

If these tubes were indeed "steel" tubes they would be a lot cheaper. But I doubt there is much steel in them at all. They are made on ceramic, Aluminum, silver, tungston, and no doubt a host of other rare metals. And there is a brand new 8877 on ebay right now for 550. You just have to know how to shop. Just like I found a 572b exactly the same as the Taylor from RF parts for 39 bucks each.
Rich

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

If these tubes were indeed "steel" tubes they would be a lot cheaper. But I doubt there is much steel in them at all. They are made on ceramic, Aluminum, silver, tungston, and no doubt a host of other rare metals. And there is a brand new 8877 on ebay right now for 550. You just have to know how to shop. Just like I found a 572b exactly the same as the Taylor from RF parts for 39 bucks each.
Rich

I could never understand why some people (mostly CBer's) call them steel tubes either. They are rightfully called external anode ceramic based vacuum tubes. This is because the anode, or plate, is not contained inside the vacuum but rather outside of it to allow for better cooling. The "steel" part of the tube is silver plated copper and nothing more.The copper allows better heat transfer and the silver plating allows a better electrical path as silver is a better conductor than copper and even silver oxide is better than oxidized copper.

 

[Mr Clean]

Thats why I went with Soviet Steel. GS-31B 85 bucks or so. The big boy GS-35B 100 bucks.

 

[spider451]

and plenty of soviet surplus out there. if you know what u r doing go with them.

 

[Mr Clean]

The Soviet Union is not real hgh tech with alot of their stuff but it is always heavy duity for sure!

 

[linearone]

I wouldnt mind a gs-35b base amp sitting here
I have been thinking about building one for quite some time

 

[HiDef]

Here's an interesting page about the tOOB that is the best buy on planet Earth.

GS-35B GS35B Russian Triode Tube,Socket and Teflon Chimney - Linear Amp Project - HF, VHF, UHF Amplifier - W4ZT

The guy who put the page up recently passed away.

 

[Mr Clean]

Sorry to hear the guy died. He had alot of info. Love the pics of the tubes changeing colors. Some Hams are converting the Ameritrons to these 35s. Cheaper to have the amp moded and get a GS-35B than buy the replacement triode in the first place. I run the smaller GS-31B and they work great also. Just like the guy on the site said. Treat you amps like your wives. One to a house. If you need two tubes you need a bigger one.

 

[HiDef]

The GS-35B isn't happy below the high 3000 volt range under load. A lot of articles leave that out. 3800-4000 should be a design goal.

Non-reinforced turbocharger hose makes a nice chimney for these. All the tOOb's hot air can be routed completely out of the cabinet with a long enough hose. Alpha did that on the 76PA and others.