Remembrances of vacuum tube days
As a young teenager, I developed a love for electronics which became a lifelong love affair. In those days vacuum tubes were the norm and solid state devices such as transistors weren't in usage then....
Forum Discussion
BobsYourUncle wrote:
Since we are all reminiscing about our tube equipment days, I have a question to ask of a bunch of you who know way more than I do:
A few pages back I posted a picture of my 55 Wurlitzer jukebox. It has always been kept in a climate controlled storage location. I have only just recently, 2 weeks ago, brought it into the unheated garage at home for storage.
Alberta winters can be harsh and this jukebox will see minus 30 temperatures. I don't think it will hurt the tubes as long as I don't bump or jar them, but part of me wonders about it. There is nothing in them that will be harmed by freezing I don't think....
Tubes that aren't being used are impervious to extreme cold (or heat for that matter). I'm not sure about electrolytic capacitors, though. Perhaps the electrolyte substance inside could freeze at minus 30, but I can't say for sure. In time, through use, electrolytic capacitors can eventually dry out and need replacing. That jukebox sounds like it could be a valuable item. Too bad you can't store it in a warmer indoor location, but I don't think it really matters. Of course, there are mechanical devices inside (i.e., turntable motor, which shouldn't be affected, either). Any lubricating oil used on moving parts may thicken up somewhat, but return to normal when warmer temps arrive.
