Early Supreme Model 17 Tube Checker Made in the late 1920s, it tests early 4 and 5 pin tubes. This is one of the oldest and simplest Supreme tube testers. It was one of the first test instruments Supreme manufactured that only tested tubes. Other Supreme testers of the time performed several tests (see Radio Diagnometers). The model 17 has two test buttons, one for a 20 milliamps scale and one for grid bias. Settings for the early vacuum tubes are marked on the face. It is AC powered. The meter was manufactured by Weston. Case measures 7¼"x5½"x3¾". Larger Picture 1930 Catalog Listing

The Supreme Model 19 Tube Checker The Model 19 is larger than the model 17 and has three test buttons, one for #80 Tubes, grid bias, and an 8 Mil scale. Settings for the early vacuum tubes are marked on the face. It is AC powered. The meter was manufactured by General Electric. Larger Picture Inside 1931 ad in "Radio" Magazine. Schematic

Supreme Model 35 Tube Tester (Early) Early model 35 with round meter. AC powered. Dovetail wood case measures 9¾"x11"x5¼".         Larger Picture         Schematic and Tube Data Sheet

Supreme Model 35 Tube Tester This later model 35 Tube Tester sports the new "Fan" meter and is AC powered. Dovetail wood case measures 9¾"x11"x5¼".         Larger Picture         1935 Sales Flyer         1935 Catalog Description         Schematic and Tube Data Sheet

Supreme Model 45 Tube Checker The Supreme model 45 tube tester is a mutual conductance tester and reads tube output in milliamps. This one is probably and early production as this unit has four tube sockets and the 1934 flyer shows the addition of two additional sockets. The milliamp meter is original and was manufactured by Weston. The dovetail oak case measures 9½"x11"x5".         Larger Picture         1934 Sales Flyer         Operating Manual, Schematic, and Tube Data Sheet

Supreme Model 56 Radio Analyzer This model 56 Radio Analyzer performs several tests including voltage and resistance readings along with testing tubes. The model 56 uses 5 Supreme bakelite "Master Plungers" (similar to the plungers used on the 400 B Diagnometer) that the operator inserts into jacks to make function selections. This tester is not AC powered. The cord plugs into the socket of the tube under test and the tube plugs into the tester which is powered by the radio. It has batteries for resistance measurements. Dovetail wood case measures 9"x11"x4¾". Larger Picture         Catalog Ad         Schematic The 56 was also available as a Kit and saved you $6.96. The Model 56 was upgradeable to a "One Meter Diagnometer" Combination which added a wider case and combination of two other units.

Supreme Model 100A Radio Service Instrument - circa 1929 Portable radio service instrument for testing 4 pin tubes in the radio circuit. Also tests voltage, current and capacitors. Tester removes from case and case has compartments on both sides for cables, adapters, probes, and repair parts. Also has a padded section for storing up to eight 4 pin UV and UX globe tubes (see picture). Could this be the first "Tube Caddy"? Larger Picture Larger Picture w/case 100A Decal I'm pretty sure this model 100A was the precursor to Supreme's famous line of Radio Diagnometers.

Supreme Model 90 Set Analyzer (1930) This small portable Set Analyzer tested 4 and 5 pin tubes in the radio circuit and performed all tube measurements using a series of push buttons. It also measured voltage, resistance and current using external probes. There was also a later series 90 made in 1932 with a Weston meter. Larger Picture Face 1931 Magazine Ad 1931 Service Publication Ad Schematic and Tube Data

Supreme Model 91 Radio Analyzer (1933) Portable Radio Analyzer tests early vacuum tubes in the radio circuit. It also measured voltage, current and measured condensers. There was also a later series 91 made with a fan shaped meter. Larger Picture Schematic

Antique Supreme 85C Tube Tester - Counter Model (1933-35) Here is the Great Grandaddy of all corner drug store tube testers. This was made for radio shops front counters and is an early wood cabinet model Supreme 85C Tube Tester. It was designed to let the customer test vacuum tubes himself. It has brass push buttons and brass escutcheons behind the main selectors. The tube chart and operating instructions pull out on a wooden slide from the front bottom. The 1935 Supreme Sales Flyer calls the 85C "An unusual, daring design that upsets all traditions". 1933 Sales Flyer 1935 Sales Flyer 1935 Catalog Description Instructions & Tube Data Larger Picture

Supreme 89C Tube Tester - Counter Model (1935-36) This 89C is a later model of the Supreme 85C Tube Tester shown above. Like the 85C, these Counter Testers were designed to let the customer test vacuum tubes himself. The operating instructions pull out on a wooden slide from the bottom. Larger Picture 1936 Catalog Listing 1936 Line Catalog Photo Tube Data and Schematic

Supreme 85 Portable Tube Tester (1934) This is an early version of the Supreme model 85 portable tube tester below. This model 85 has a round meter (used before the newer "Fan" meters shown below). Note that some early model 85s also used meters from other manufacturers or had imprinted meter faces advertising tube manufacturers or distributors (see National Union Meter face photo below). Larger Picture National Union Meter Face 1935 Catalog Description Tube Data and Schematic

Antique Supreme 85PL Tube Tester - Portable (1935) This is the portable version of the bench model tube tester above. This is the 1935 Supreme 85PL. I also have an earlier Supreme 85 serviceman's portable tube tester that has a round meter (above). Larger Picture Model 85 Sales Flyer Tube Data and Schematic

Supreme 89 Deluxe 1936 Laboratory Model This is a Supreme radio shop workbench service instrument. The Supreme 89 Deluxe tube tester not only tests tubes but also has a voltmeter, ohmmeter, and performs leakage tests on electrolytic capacitors. Portable versions were produced in large quantity but this limited version was intended for use by radio engineers and in the shop on the workbench. Test leads and adapters are stored a compartment at the back of the top. Larger Picture Schematic and Tube Data Instruction Manual 89/89D Technical Analysis 1936 89-D Catalog Description 1936 89D Ad from Radio-Craft Magazine (March 1936)

Supreme 89 Deluxe (89-D) 1936 Portable Model This is the portable version of the 89 Deluxe Laboratory Model listed above. Larger Picture Photo of Face Schematic and Tube Data Instruction Manual 89/89D Technical Analysis 1936 89-D Catalog Description

Supreme 333 Radio Analyzer 1933-34 (Early) This Supreme model 333 Tube Tester/Analyzer also measures DC, ohms, milliamps, and performs capacitor leakage tests. This model 333 is the early version with a round meter. There are also two later model 333 testers with a fan shaped meters. Case measures 11"x9.5"x5" Larger Picture 1934 Sales Flyer This is a Free Point Tester

Supreme 333 Standard Analyzer 1934-36 This Supreme model 333 Tube Tester/Analyzer also measures DC, ohms, and milliamps. This model 333 is one of the two later versions with a fan shaped meter. Case measures 11"x9½"x5" Larger Picture Schematic This is a Free Point Tester

Supreme 333 Delux Analyzer 1935 This Supreme model 333 Delux Tube Tester/Analyzer measures DC volts, AC volts, ohms, and milliamps. It also measures condensers. This model 333 Delux is one of the two later versions with a fan shaped meter. Case measures 13frac14"x10½"x5" Larger Picture Schematic This is a Free Point Tester

Supreme 339 Standard Radio Analyzer (1935 - 1936) 339 Standard Radio Analyzer tests tubes, measures AC, DC, ohms, and milliamps. The 339 Standard makes readings in the radio circuit using the tube socket cable and tube adapters. Case measures 10"x 11"x4½" Larger Picture 1936 Catalog Description 1936 Catalog Photo Manual and Schematic

Supreme 339 Deluxe Radio Analyzer (1936) 339 Deluxe Radio Analyzer tests tubes, measures DC, ohms, condensers, and milliamps. It is AC powered and can also make readings in the radio circuit using the tube socket cable and tube adapters. Larger Picture 1936 Catalog Description 1936 Catalog Photo 339 DeLux Technical Manual Schematic

Supreme 385 Automatic (1936) Based on the successful 85 series testers, the Supreme model 385 Automatic Tube Tester/Analyzer has dual fan meters and measures AC/DC volts, resistance and capacitance. There are a total of 86 controls (jacks, buttons, and switches) on the 385's face panel not including the two meters, fuse, and neon shorts indicator bulb. The various pin jacks allow "Free Point Testing" of the tubes and circuits under test. The case measures 18"x13.25"x6.5" Larger Picture 1936 Catalog Listing Tube Data Sheet Cover Letter - 385 Technical Manual 385 Technical Manual (12 pages) - 2 MB pdf file This is a Free Point Tester

Supreme 400 Standard Tube Tester This 1937 Supreme model 400 Tube Tester also measures DC, ohms, and milliamps. It has a seprate selector for adjusting to various AC line voltages of the time. The indicator lamp is not a NE-34. It's much smaller and marked N-1. It has a smaller candelabra screw base. It's not listed in any of my lamp catalogs. Larger Picture 1938 Catalog Description Tube Data

Supreme 450 Standard Series Radio Tester This 1937 Supreme model 450 plugs directly into a tube socket on the radio chassis and the tube then plugs into a socket on the tester. The cord comes with 5 interchangeable tube socket adapters which correspond to the tube sockets on the tester. This tester also measures DC, AC, ohms, and milliamps. Larger Picture 450 Manual 450 Schematic 1938 Catalog Description This is a Free Point Tester

Supreme 500 Automatic Deluxe Series Tube Tester This 1938 tube tester is the first of Supreme's 500 model series that introduced the Supreme "Quadri-meter" with it's bi-indicating needles and "Dual-viewing" windows. This tester also measures DC, AC, ohms, and milliamps. Photo 1 Photo 2 Tube Data 1938 Catalog Description

Supreme 502 Set Tester This 1938 tube tester is one of Supreme's 500 model series tube testers. It also tests capicators and measures AC & DC volts, ohms, and milliamps. Case measures 14"x11½"x5½" Larger Photo Cover Tube Data Sheet Manual & Tube Data Catalog Description

Supreme 504-A Set Tester This push button set tester was produced in three model versions, the 504, 504-A, and 504-B. This series Supreme tube tester has a built in roll chart for tube data. The front panel has painted lines from the chart to the corresponding controls for easy tube set up. This tube tester also measures DC, ohms, milliamps, amps, and capacitors. Larger Photo 1940s (504) Catalog Description 1946 (504-B) Catalog Description May 1939 504 Service Ad

Supreme 504-B Set Tester The 504-B push button set tester was produced in three model versions, the 504, 504-A (above), and this 504-B. The front panel has painted lines from the chart to the corresponding controls for easy tube set up and a built in roll chart for tube data. Larger Photo 1947 Catalog Listing Manual, Schematic, and Tube Data Supplement charts

Supreme 540 Deluxe Series Radio Tester This Supreme model 540 plugs directly into a tube socket on the radio chassis and the tube then plugs into a socket on the tester. The cord comes with interchangeable tube socket adapters. This tester is one of Supreme's 500 model series that uses the "Quadri-meter" with it's bi-indicating needles and "Dual-viewing" windows. This tester also measures DC, AC, ohms, and milliamps. Photo 1938 Catalog Description

Supreme 550 Set Tester This 1938 tube and set tester is also one of Supreme's 500 model series tube testers incorporating the "Quadri-meter". It performs and has over 40 funcitions and ranges including AC, DC, ohms, milliamps, amps, and capacitor testing. Larger Photo Manual & Tube Data 1938 Catalog Description

Supreme 589 Tube Tester - 9" Counter Model 1941-1944 This Supreme model 589 tube tester was built for the service bench or the front counter of a radio shop. It has a large 9½" meter for easy reading. Larger Photo 1941 Catalog Description Schematic, Manual, Tube Data

Supreme 589-A Tube Tester (1944-1948) This Supreme model 589-A portable tube tester contains a built in roll chart of tube settings. Photo 1 Photo 2 1946 Catalog Description Schematic, Manual, Tube Data

Supreme 592/593 Analyzer This Supreme Multi-meter and Tube Analyzer is a combination of the Supreme 592 Multimeter and the Supreme 593 tube test panel offered together in a single wood case. Photo Photo Original 1939 Invoice Original Bill of Sale 593 Schematic and Manual

Larger Photo 593 Schematic and Manual

Supreme 593 Analyzer The Supreme 593 Analyzer was also offered in a separate wood case. A multi meter's leads were plugged into the pin jacks at the top of the analyzer. Tube was placed in a socket on the analyzer and the cable was plugged into the radio in the tube's place. This allowed for in circuit reading of the tubes voltage at every pin with the push of a button without moving the meter's test leads.

Supreme 599A Tube Tester (1947) The 599A is a small portable tube tester with a built-in roll chart. Similar to the 589A tube tester, the 599A also has a built in Volt/Ohm/Amp meter with a condenser checker and a battery tester. A 599A was also produced in 1946 with panel markings similar to the 589A. Larger Photo 599A Supplement and Obsolete Tube Chart 1946 Catalog Description

Supreme 616 Set Tester (1947) Portable tube/set tester with a built-in roll chart and metal case. Larger Photo Catalog Description

Supreme I-177 B Military Tube Tester (1950) This is one of the tube testers that I use on my workbench today. The I-177s were built for the military by several manufacturers. This is a "Mutual Conductance" tube tester capable of testing most of the tubes produced from early 4 pin UV/UX vacuum tubes through tubes manufactured up to the 1950s. This is an excellent tube tester for working on antique radios. I-177 B Manual and Tube Data Supreme Military testers

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Confidence, ADCO, and ABC Tube Testers When Supreme Instruments founder Jewell R. Williams left Supreme Instruments in the late 1920s, he started the Apparatus Design Company in Little Rock Arkansas and manufactured these "Confidence" and other model tube testers. Find more information on the Apparatus Design Company and Confidence Tube Testers here.