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This FAQ will be added to from time to time as new questions arise.  Please keep checking back.


Q: One thing I like to do with my other testers is "rejuvenate" certain tubes by running their heaters in an over voltage condition for a while.  How can I do this with a Cardmatic?

A: You can do it!  On any test, you can press Control-T and enter a "Tweak" voltage.  This voltage will be added (or subtracted) to/from the normal voltage, allowing you to set the heater voltage to anything you desire.  If you have a particular method you like to follow for a number of tubes, you could also program a custom test that will accomplish this for you.

Q: I already have a Cardmatic tester.  Can I hook it up to my computer?

A: Yes.  Give us a call or email us and you will be provided with an authorization number and shipping instructions.  We will ship it back ready to use.

Q: Why must I send you my tester?  Can't I wire it in myself?

A: No.  Due to the large number of versions of this tester, it is not possible at this point to provide the proper information needed for wiring it yourself.

Q: My Cardmatic is a model 123A, can I use it?

A: The 123 series of testers may be supported at some future date.

Q: What about a model 121?

A: No, this tester is not compatible.  The cards, and subsequently the data set, are different for this tester.

Q: Can I still use cards with my Cardmatic?

A: Yes.  If the card reader worked before the computer interface was added, it still works.  But we're not sure why you would want to use it!

Q: Sometimes a curve trace test will read off scale high.  What should I do?

A: Even on the best setup curve tests, this will sometimes happen with unusually strong tubes.  The best solution is to use the edit command to temporarily double the meter scale.  Then take the reading, edit the meter scale back to normal, then enter double what the meter read.  Example: If the meter scale is 10 mA, use (E)dit to change it to 20 mA.  Take the reading, let's say it is 60.  Use (E)dit to change the meter scale back to 10 mA, then enter 120 for the reading.

Q: I think something might be wrong with my tester or the control box.  What should I do?

A: The first step is to run the tester through the calibration routines.  This can be done by selecting "Calibrate Tester" from the main menu and following the instructions.  If the tester passes all the tests, it is probably OK.  If it fails one or more tests or you still think there is a problem, send us some email describing the problem.  There are a number of diagnostic routines built into the software, and we can provide any information needed to use these routines to diagnose the problem.

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12-19-2004