3-500z GE and Eimac the same?

[WB2BM]

Wondering if Ge and Eimac 3-500z tubes are similar or exactly the same.
They look identical. Thanks for your replies in advance.
wb2bm

[WB4IUY]

Wondering if Ge and Eimac 3-500z tubes are similar or exactly the same.
They look identical. Thanks for your replies in advance.
wb2bm

I doubt if they're exactly the same. However, I've used 3-500's in grounded grid service for many years that were of mis-matched brands/ages and had no trouble. I might have gotten a few more watts out of a pair if they were "matched", but I seriously doubt if folks on the other end of the QSO would have known the difference.

Dave WB4IUY
www.WB4IUY.net

[WB2BM]

I too have run the 3500's in unmatched pairs with fine results. Just not different manufacturers. I didn't think it would make a major difference. Thanks for the help!
Brian

[W3LK]

Exactly the same? Probably not.

Interchangable? Sure.

[WB2WIK]

I didn't even know GE made a 3-500Z.

Anything's possible but another possibility is the "GE" tube is just a private labeled one made by Eimac under an OEM contract.

Lots of that stuff goes on.

Of course, Eimac hasn't made a 3-500Z in a very long time...

[WB2BM]

They look exactly the same in close-up pictures. I'll bet Eimac made them for GE!

[WB2WIK]

They look exactly the same in close-up pictures. I'll bet Eimac made them for GE!

Wouldn't surprise me a bit.