Software Version 1.12 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):

Software Version 1.11 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):

Software Version 1.10 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):
Software Version 1.09 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):
Software Version 1.08 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):
Software Version 1.07 includes the following changes (see the bottom of this page for hardware revisions):
Software Version 1.06 includes the following changes:
 
  • The most significant change is the way damper diode tubes are tested.  The normal test subjects damper tubes to a peak to peak voltage of 1200 VAC, which also subjects the tester and control box to this voltage.  Not only is this hard on the equipment, but a chronic problem has been that noise generated during the test interferes with the digital circuitry in the control box.  This, in turn, can cause relays to energize and de-energize randomly, which is not a good thing.  In coming up with a solution for this problem, I realized that damper tubes are no longer used for television damper service.  They are used as power supply rectifiers, mostly by audiophile types.  This means they can be effectively tested at a more reasonable voltage.  The program now tests damper tubes at a more manageable 700V P-P.  As a further safeguard, the program will not apply this voltage until the heater has 25 seconds of warm up time (this applies to damper tube tests only).  The screen informs you when this warm-up period is active.

  • The program now displays an elapsed time indicator that informs you of how long the heater has been powered.  This is useful if you are testing a lot of tubes and want a uniform warm-up period for each tube.  It is also included on the curve trace screen to help insure uniformity for your curve traces.
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  • The program now defaults back to the first test after testing multiple test tubes, instead of staying on the last test.
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  • A bug has been fixed that can cause the program to crash on certain systems.
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  • A section has been added to the last test in calibration routine that asks what model of tester you are using.  The last test in the calibration sequence is a check of the tester's protection circuitry.  There is a difference in this circuitry between models, so the program needs to know which model of tester you are using.  This program addition is useful to those users who have more than one computerized tester.
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  • The program now displays the revision level of the control box hardware (A thru F) on the main menu.  This does not automatically change however, so you still have to use the right revision level of the program for your control box.  Again, this is helpful for those using multiple computerized testers.

    • Current customers should have already received the most current version via email.  If you did not receive your update, please email me at:

    mrtube@tubesontheweb.com

    Hardware Revision History

    Revision A: Only one was built, and it is here in our shop.

    Revision B: First computerized tester ever sold, it is the only one in existence.

    Revision C: None exist.

    Revision D: Many users have this revision.  It includes improved noise immunity over previous revisions.

    Revision E: This revision uses a different type of relay.  Four were built before discovering the relays were not reliable when used in the positions that have to handle high voltages.  These were quickly changed out and the units upgraded to Revision F.

    Revision F: Very similar to Revision E, except that a protection circuit has been added that prevents certain combinations of relays from energizing simultaneously, no matter what the computer is telling the relays to do.  This protects the relays by preventing things like shorting B+ to ground and other abnormal configurations.  Also incorporated are changes that makes the unit easier to manufacture.

    Revision G: This is the current version, and includes the addition of a hardware watchdog circuit.  It was found the relay protection circuit added with Rev. F hardware helped protect the relays under most circumstances, but relay damage could still occur during a malfunction which causes the relays to "chatter".  This watchdog circuit causes coil power to be removed from all relays if this rapid energizing/de-energizing starts to occur.  A software change was also made which resets this watchdog at the appropriate time.

    A hardware time delay circuit has been added to relays G16, L8, and L14. This allows time for the other relay protection circuits to do their job before these relays energize, preventing a short from the unregulated B+ supply to ground or the +150V short test supply to ground.  NOTE: Because of this delay these relays will sound different than the others when performing the sequential relay tests.  This is normal and not a cause for concern.  Also, considerable relay activity can be heard during the capacitor discharge cycle.  This is also normal and not a cause for concern.

    Customers that have Revision D or Revision E hardware can send their unit in for an upgrade to Revision G.  The relays and control box will remain the same, but the relay protection circuits and connectors will be added.  The cost of this upgrade is $250.00 + $45.00 shipping.  You can tell which hardware revision you currently have by looking at the bottom section of the Main Menu screen (works with software version 1.06 or later only).  Contact me at the email address above if you are interested.


    11-11-2005