Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - Printable Version
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+--- Thread: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 (/showthread.php?tid=26210)
Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - eJunky - 01-16-2026
Hello Experts,
I have been trying to restore a Tube Tester by Realistic Model 113; this is identical to Precise 111M but different from Precise 111 Model. I have issues with the Short Test Switch where even with no 'test' tube installed the neon short light comes "on" in position 1 through 4.
I wanted to see if anyone has access to schematics for either Precise 111M or Realistic 113 model Tube Tester. I have everything for Precise 111 but unfortunately the Short Switch is different in 111. Model 111 uses one less wafer layer than both Realistic 113 & Precise 111M models.
If anyone has model 111M or 113 can you please share images of the Short Test Switch (tall 6 layer SW); so I can compare with my 113. If you are willing to share images please take close up pictures from different sides so that all sections are visible. I know I am asking for too much but at this point I am desperate for any information.
In the mean time I will attempt to find what is causing this short even when no 'test' tube installed; I will try to follow the neon wires (not an easy thing without schematic or images, at least for me).
I sincerely hope one of you experts can help this lost sole
Regards,
eJunky
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - radiorich - 01-16-2026
hello Ejunky,
try Steve johnson here is his website https://stevenjohnson.com/ he restores a lot test equipment and has schematics .
Sincerely Richard
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - JMacX - 01-18-2026
Hey there EJunky,
Been battling a precise 111M myself. In my case the transformer leads do not match the earlier versions, or maybe they do and this thing is just wired way wrong, strange thing is that it almost works.. just can't get the meter to zero. You don't have a construction guide for the M or the realistic do you?
Anyway, be happy to take some pics. I'll post a few and you let me know if you need something in particular. Be happy help with this in any way I can!
Thanks
Jason
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RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - eJunky - 01-18-2026
@JMacX I appreciate your help & the amazing clear & focused images of the switch. I wish you al the best, take care.
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - eJunky - 01-18-2026
@radiorich I contacted Steven & unfortunately he does not have any thing for 111M or 113 - I appreciate your help.
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - eJunky - 01-18-2026
@JmacX I appreciate all your help (amazing clear & focused images). Wish you al the best & take care.
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - JMacX - 01-18-2026
If you need any more detail just let me know. And if you do get it figured out and go through the calibration, let me know how the meter zeroing goes. And if you get some time, maybe shoot me a pic of how your 5u4 is wired. I think I saw some pics of your unit on another forum and it looks like we have the same transformers. Good luck. And thank you sir.
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - Joe Rossi - 01-19-2026
I never knew that any company besides Hickok and Heath had ever made a gm tube tester. I skimmed the internet (and another post here on the Phorum https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=14670&highlight=111m) and it seems that Precise had quality issues with the construction portion of the build. I’ll have to keep a lookout for one.
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - JMacX - 01-23-2026
I located a build manual if your still in need. PM me your email and I'll send you a copy if you still need it. Too large to post here. So much more detailed than the precise early version docs.
Thanks
JM
RE: Realistic Tube Tester 113 Not the same as Precise 111 - TV MAN - 01-27-2026
I had a resto thread on one I redid. I have a couple and once I got the one running, it has been very dependable and accurate. I too have a build manual. Kinda hurt to buy it but was worth the money. I went through each step and checked. It wouldnt read one one setting on the Em side, found the phasing wrong on the transformer. To this day, I don't know if it was an error in the build sheet or an error in the transformer. The good is that this was a never used NOS unit. Anyhow, I'll see if I can find that manual and post some pics.