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Post subject: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 5:43 pm
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On a NOS RCA 6V6GT with silver lettering, what would 62EX2 under where it says Made in U.S.A stand for?


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 7:18 pm
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RCA date codes are a hard one to decipher. They had several styles, depending on where the tube was destined. OEM, military, other manufacturers, consumer aftermarket, etc. From your description, my guess is Feb, 1962. EX being having an export designation.

Do you have any photos of the tube?

Here is Ludwell Sibley's PDF on some of RCA dating styles.

http://pax-comm.com/rcadates.pdf


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 7:51 pm
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Thanks, here is a pic, wasn't the silver lettering used in the 50's? Image


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:03 pm
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Export would make perfect sense as these are NOS blackplates in a bulk carton from Mexico, the 62' seems odd to me because of the silver lettering, thought that would be 50's, and red if 60's and up?


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:59 pm
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I have seen silver type on certain RCA made tubes to mid-1960's. Complete transition to orange-red lettering by late 1960's.

I have seen export RCA with that simple style fonts. Think that's what you have there. Good tubes!


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:17 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
RCA date codes are a hard one to decipher. They had several styles, depending on where the tube was destined. OEM, military, other manufacturers, consumer aftermarket, etc. From your description, my guess is Feb, 1962. EX being having an export designation.


+1000!

Often, one has better luck determining the pedigree and vintage based on the original box and packaging (if present).

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 5:11 am
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Thanks guys, good to know about the silver type.Not sure about packaging, I believe these came in bulk in one large carton holding 100 tubes(maybe this is how they shipped for export?)These came from a good source in tested matching pairs, will report back when they arrive.


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:28 am
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Bulk shipments of tubes lacking individual packaging were usually destined for commercial manufacturers of electronic equipment -- televisions, phonographs, radios (including car radios), etc. I remember back in the day many companies building TV's in Mexico......Curtis-Mathis, Zenith, Admiral, etc.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:21 am
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I think you nailed it, makes perfect sense, here is the bulk carton Image


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:36 am
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What a sight to behold!

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 12:54 pm
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Finally received two matched blackplate 6v6GT's put one next to a grey plate I had, very different construction and design, will get them in the Deluxe this weekend and give a report.Image


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 2:06 pm
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Be sure to check the idle bias after installation.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 2:13 pm
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Arjay, not sure how to go about that? the seller tested and matched these NOS tubes out of that carton before shipping, as long as they are matched it shouldn't be a problem right?


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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 2:18 pm
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It won't be a problem so long as you check ,and if necessary adjust, the idle-bias current. This procedure should be performed anytime the power tubes are replaced.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: RCA code question
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 2:23 pm
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I would have to have my amp tech. check it. When I bought the amp I tried different sets until it sounded good, guess I was lucky with the last set of RCA 6v6 GT's a friend gave me.


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