Ballast Tube - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Ballast Tube (/showthread.php?tid=7145)

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Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

I just got a GE radio with a ballast tube. I've never seen one(or heard of one) and was wondering how to test it.

I did some reading about it but couldn't find a test procedure. Any ideas?

Thanks,

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RE: Ballast Tube - BrendaAnnD - 07-31-2013

What's the number of the ballast?

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RE: Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

It's a BL42B

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RE: Ballast Tube - morzh - 07-31-2013

Eric

You simply measure resistance between the pins where the resistors inside the tube are connected to.
It is that simple.

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RE: Ballast Tube - BrendaAnnD - 07-31-2013

These ballasts are available from several sources for about $12. Looking at the schematic, I see that pin 3 to pin 7 should show continuity. Pin 7 to pin 8 is the dial lamp connection. To check both sections check from pin 3 to pin 8, then from pin 8 to pin 7

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RE: Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

Thanks, B A, I'll check it out.

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RE: Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

Well, you were right. No continuity at all. I opened it up just to see what it looked like and found broken wires inside. Has anyone put resistors inside the metal tube instead of replacing it?

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RE: Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

B A, where did you see them advertised?

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RE: Ballast Tube - BrendaAnnD - 07-31-2013

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/Prices%20Ballasts.htm

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RE: Ballast Tube - Eric Adams - 07-31-2013

Thank you. It will be ordered tomorrow.

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