The Computerized Cardmatic Tube Tester

TubesontheWeb.Com

This is some rather important news in the world of tube testers.
There has never been anything else like it.

Imagine being able to test tubes, from the oldest antiques to the latest sweep tubes, without having to set any switches or dials.
Imagine being able to print mutual characteristic curves for your audio tubes so quickly and easily that it's possible to actually do so.
Imagine a tube tester that is smart and knows all about thousands of tubes.
Imagine a tube tester that is programmable.

You don't have to imagine. A unique marriage between modern computer technology and a fantastic Hickok built tube tester from days gone by has resulted in an instrument unmatched in the industry. It is everything you have ever wanted in a tube tester and more.

There is a lot of information here. Please feel free to kick back, stay a while, take it all in, and ask questions!

For more pictures, click here.

WHAT'S NEW?

04-14-2016: Extremely detailed 273 page PDF added to the Design page.

03-14-2016: Database updated to fix low reading 12AX7 and related tubes. See the changes here.

02-20-2016: An IBM Thinkpad laptop is now included free of charge with each system!

1-01-2006: The 10-pin miniature sockets, 7-pin Nuvistor socket, and Acorn socket are now optional. See the pricing page for details.

11-25-2005: Software Version 1.12 released. Use the links for Version 1.10 below to read about it.

01-09-2005: Software Version 1.10 released. See what's been added here. Also read about Undocumented Advanced Features.

OVERVIEW:
This is a custom built hardware device that wires into the Hickok or Western Electric Cardmatic Tube Testers (any Cardmatic model except the 121/123). If you are not familiar with the Cardmatic testers, click here. They are designed and built very well, and since they contain rock steady programmable power supplies they provide an ideal platform for adapting to computer control.

Using professional and sophisticated software, along with a comprehensive tube database, the device controls the tester just like a card would. Except, now that it is under computer control, all kinds of possibilities open up. The tester itself is not modified in any way, a wiring harness simply connects to the same points the card reader connects to. If you already have a Cardmatic tester, you can ship it to us and we will return it to you refurbished, wired, and ready to use with your computer.

Here are some of the highlights:

Very easy to use, and it is by far the fastest way to test tubes on the planet!
Turns your tester into an exquisitely sensitive curve tracer. Print curve charts with just one keystroke.
Your tester is completely refurbished (except for the card reader) before the wiring harness is installed. Saves hundreds on future repairs.
No cards needed -- even the calibration cards and the instruction cards are programmed into the database.
The database contains the equivalent of 3,924 Cardmatic cards.
Built-in universal adapter provides up to 7 additional tube sockets including Novar, Compactron and Nuvistor!
Plate current jacks for an external current meter are provided on the control box.
Fully tests for heater cathode leakage, shorts, gas, transconductance, plate current, cathode activity, grid current, grid emission, voltage drop.
A chart is displayed on the screen during each test which converts the meter reading directly to micromhos, milliamps, or volts.
Programmable test parameters -- you can program and store your own tests. The ultimate in versatility.
Built in calibration routines for the highest accuracy possible. Instructions are printed right on the screen.
Uses sealed computer controlled relays, meaning no wrong settings, no dirty switch contacts, no faulty readings.
For tubes that have more than one test the heater remains powered between tests. No extra warm-up time.
On-screen timer shows how long the heater has been powered.
Heater voltage is automatically adjusted for each tube to compensate for wiring/transformer voltage drops. No more line voltage adjustments.
Heater voltage can be varied while testing. Handy for rejuvenating tubes. Not normally possible with Cardmatics. See other advanced features.
Available as a complete tester, ready to use, or a wiring harness can be installed in your Cardmatic.
A 100% compatible IBM laptop is supplied with every system.
The program doubles as a handy tube cross reference guide.
Future program and database updates available through email or at this web site.
Perfect for testers with no cards, or testers that are experiencing card reader problems.

This instrument is a MUST for:

Tube Dealers - Unit pays for itself by saving tremendous amounts of time and adding value to your tubes
Audiophiles
Anyone who has a lot of tubes
Anyone wanting to test tubes in the fastest and most repeatable way possible

For more information:

Take a Detailed Look at the Software
See the new Undocumented Advanced Features
Read about Hickok Cardmatic Testers
Peruse the List of Tubes this Instrument Tests
Errors in the original cards? You bet! See list
Study the White Paper
Check out the FAQ
Ask a Question
Pricing
Online Manual
Home

Here are some comments we have received from satisfied customers, including many major tube dealers:

I think this is the coolest piece of gear I own! Christian Magee TubeDepot.com	You've done a nice job of simplifying our job! Dale Rogalski Radio Electric Supply
The Bitmatic was a godsend for our business.....a rugged, reliable unit, with an incredibly easy to use ergonomic computer interface, which not only has an incredibly extensive built in library of tubes, but the ability to customize tests (and parameters), and add additional tube types, by the end user themselves. Well done Phil ! Not sure how we did it before...but like the introduction of E-Mail and the FAX machine before it, the Bitmatic has become an indispensable tool for our tube business. Moreover, the customer service in support of it (software updates, etc...) is first rate. Chris Johnson, President PARTS CONNEXION	I am very pleased with the ease of operation and full range of tubes that the unit can test. We are looking forward to making the computerized tester the workhorses of our quality control testing. Greg Cravener Antique Electronic Supply
Over the last year and a half, Phil's tube tester has become an integral part of our daily operation. As we guarantee the performance and reliability of every tube we install in our clients' equipment, we have to be confident in the test results of each unit. Phils' tester is the center piece of our Quality Assurance process. Jim Hildenberger Analog Brothers	The computerized tube tester has speeded up our tube testing and it tests an amazing range of tubes. We had to keep several tube testers around to test different tubes. Now they have become standby units. The support has been great. Phillip Sellati Fair Radio Sales
SND Tube Sales I love this thing! Michael Marx www.vacuumtubes.com	Signal Systems Industries You have done the industry a definite service with your unit. Your tube testing should become THE standard. I think that anyone that has any quantity of tubes to test should order one or they are nuts. Russ Fox Signal Systems Industries, Inc.

"Don't let that clown get a hold of a Tek 570."
-Anonymous

One year warranty on materials and workmanship. Please do not send your tester without prior authorization.

04-14-2016