[Amps] Conditioning Spare Tubes After Storage

[R.Measures]

>
>I have a pair of 4CX800A tubes that have been on
>the shelf here for a few years (and for an unknown
>period before I got them). I'm about to swap them
>into one of my Alpha 91b amps.
>
>Is there a recommendation to let these tubes run 
>without HV for a period before pressing them into
>full service? 
>
>I did a search of the archives, and it seems that 
>there is no consensus on the need for this procedure 
>for any but the largest "tubes with handles".
>
€   Even for a gassy tetrode with handles, I have never found one that 
would magikly get mo' betta by operating the filament.  The bottom-line 
seems to be:  if there's gas, you'd better pass.  However, if there's a 
leaky ceramic-metal seal, Econco can resolder it during the rebuilding 
process.  It is my opinion that Ham radio is not free from old wives' 
tales.

cheers,

>  Jeff Maass  K8ND

-  R.L. Measures/Rich..., AG6K, 805.386.3734, www.somis.org