TE-21 LAFAYETTE Tube Tester

Review LAFAYETTE Vintage Portable Tube Tester Rare

The Lafayette TE-21 Tube Tester is a versatile and reliable instrument designed for testing and diagnosing vacuum tubes in various electronic devices. This tube tester is engineered to provide accurate and easy-to-read test results, making it an essential tool for electronics technicians, hobbyists, and audio enthusiasts.

The TE-21 is capable of testing a wide range of vacuum tubes, including triodes, tetrodes, pentodes, and pentagrid types. It can test tubes in both grid-voltage and plate-voltage modes, providing comprehensive test coverage for various applications. The tester features a large, easy-to-read digital display that shows test results in real-time, including plate current, grid current, grid voltage, plate voltage, and heater voltage.

The TE-21 is designed with a user-friendly interface, featuring intuitive control buttons and a clear LCD display. It also comes with an extensive library of test recipes, allowing users to quickly and easily test various tube types and configurations. The tester also includes a built-in speaker that produces an audible tone when a tube is functioning properly, providing an additional confirmation of the test results.

The Lafayette TE-21 Tube Tester is constructed with high-quality components and is built to last. It is housed in a rugged, metal case that protects it from damage during transport and use. The tester also features a long power cord and a test lead set with gold-plated tips for reliable and accurate connections.

The TE-21 is an indispensable tool for anyone working with vacuum tubes, whether it be for repairing vintage audio equipment, maintaining high-power amplifiers, or troubleshooting electronic devices. Its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive test capabilities make it a must-have for any electronics workshop or lab.

The Lafayette TE-21 tube tester is a popular choice among electronics hobbyists and technicians for testing and measuring the performance of vacuum tubes. Here are some pros and cons of buying a Lafayette TE-21 tube tester:

1. Versatility: The Lafayette TE-21 can test a wide range of tubes, including triodes, tetrodes, pentodes, and beam power tubes. It can also test vacuum tubes used in various applications such as audio, television, and radio.

2. Easy to use: The TE-21 comes with clear and easy-to-read dials, making it simple to interpret test results. It also has an automatic test feature, which simplifies the testing process.

3. Durable: The TE-21 is built with a heavy-duty metal case, making it durable and able to withstand rough handling.

4. Affordable: The TE-21 is relatively affordable compared to other professional-grade tube testers, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists and small repair shops.

5. Accurate: The TE-21 provides accurate test results, ensuring that tubes are functioning correctly and efficiently.

1. Limited features: The TE-21 is a basic tube tester and lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive models. For example, it does not have a micro-ohm meter or a digital display.

2. Manual testing: While the automatic test feature simplifies the testing process, some users prefer manual testing for greater control and accuracy. The TE-21 requires manual testing for some parameters such as plate current and screen voltage.

3. Limited input power: The TE-21 has a limited input power, which may not be sufficient for testing high-power tubes.

The Lafayette TE-21 is a reliable and affordable tube tester that offers versatility and accuracy for hobbyists and small repair shops. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for those who need a rugged tester that can withstand rough handling. However, it lacks some advanced features, and users may need to perform some tests manually.

If you are a hobbyist or small repair shop looking for an affordable and versatile tube tester, the Lafayette TE-21 is an excellent choice. However, if you require more advanced features or need to test high-power tubes, you may want to consider a more expensive model.

Details:

Issues: a couple of very minor scuffs on the meter face see in pic. Note that the internal battery holder is not rusted or damaged i've never had batteries in there, they are only used for testing semiconductors. #ritc250219.01 Lafayette TE-21 tube tester. If I come across it, will send it along to you.

Appears to be working fine, as shown in the last pic, I used it test both sections of a 12au7. Front panel is very nice. Included is the original manual. Lafayette TE-21 tube tester excellent condition.

Easy find at home depot. The small cable with connector for tubes external plates is missing. Four rubber feet are missing. Small holes on the bottom of case are circled in red.

They were the type with a small nail sticking out and rubber got old dried. Case does not have any rips, tears, or stains. You can hardly seem them but there are two screws in the bottom which could scratch a desktop so I would def replace feet. All switches and controls seem to work OK.

specifications vactubetest:

• brand: Lafayette
• mpn: Te-21
• part type: Tester Tube

payments vactubetest:

• other
• credit card: discover
• wallet: google-pay

shipping vactubetest:

• carrier: usps
• service: usps ground advantage, usps priority mail
• type: calculated
• transit: 5-10 days
• class: standard, expedited

offer vactubetest:

• in stock #: 1
• availability: in stock
• price: $100.00
• item condition: For parts or not working
• started: march 19, 2025
• options: ship-to-home
• sold #: 18

returns vactubetest:

• policy: no returns

general vactubetest:

• category: Business & Industrial > Test, Measurement Inspection > Calibrators > Tube Testers

seller vactubetest:

• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 880
• city: west kingston, rhode island