Common Questions About Vintage Raytheon 6sn7 Tubes
Raytheon 6sn7 Tubes are dual triode vacuum tubes that have an 8-pin octal base. These vacuum tubes were designed to provide a medium gain for audio amplifiers during the 1940s and 1950s, and were also used for programmable digital computers. These items are available in vintage condition on eBay at an auction or "Buy it Now" price.
What are pin connections of the 6sn7 Tube?All 6sn7 Tubes have an 8-pin octal base. There are two large horizontal pins at the top of the base. These are the plate triodes. At the center of the base are four smaller pins. These are the grid triodes and the cathode triodes. At the bottom of the base are two more connections. These are the heaters. All of the pins protrude from the bottom of the tube and are metal-plated.
What does the Raytheon 6sn7 Tube look like?The Raytheon 6sn7 Tube has a large vacuum glass tube known as an envelope that is shaped as a long vertical dome. Inside the vacuum tube are the internal components. At the base of the tube are the eight connector pins. While the look of the tube may vary from model to model, the overall components will remain the same. eBay has a selection of various 6sn7 tubes for sale in various conditions.
What are the major variations offered?The Raytheon 6sn7 was offered in a number of variations. There were over nine versions of these manufactured tubes. eBay has these models in various conditions at a "Buy it Now" price or available for auction. Listed below are the more notable versions of the raytheon 6sn7 tubes:
- 7N7 - The first version of the vacuum tube which was developed and offered by Sylvania in 1940.
- 5692 - Made for RCA. This model was a premium version that had a guaranteed 10,000-hour lifetime of operation.
- 6SN7 DDR, 6?8?, E1606 (=CV278), OSW3129 - These versions offered larger glass envelopes than previous versions.
- 6042 - This version was first manufactured in 1951. This tube was designed to be a direct successor to the 1633 model type manufactured for RCA in 1941.
The lifespan of a vintage Raytheon 6sn7 Tube will vary from version to version. The Super Premium 5692 model was designed for 10,000 hours of active operation. The 6SN7W is a military version of the Raytheon 6sn7 tube and is designed for more durable and longer-lasting use. Overall, the average lifespan of a Raytheon 6sn7 Tube will be about 5,000 hours of active operation. Of course, the condition of the vacuum tube will play a factor in the actual lifespan of the tube. Also, the type of amplifier of computer used will play a role in the overall lifespan of the vacuum tube.
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