[Eric Adams]

   
I just got another 49-909. This one has something plugged in under the 50L6. It is the correct tube and the radio works. There are no identifying marks on it.
http://www.nostalgiaair.org/Resources/676/M0013676.htm

[marty]

Hi All;
It could be a stand-off socket that allows You to take measurements of the pins of the Tubes, without turning the Chassis over.. I can't think of the correct name for one of these.. I have some of those.. Or it could be a converter from one type of tube to another type of tube.. But, most likely it is what I first suggested..
THANK YOU marty

[jerryhawthorne]

I can't tell from the picture but agree with Marty. If that intermediate socket has little tabs that come out from it where you can take measurements that is what it is. Very handy to have. I have a couple for different based tubes and it beats the heck out of measuring voltages from underneath the chassis.
Jerry

[marty]

Hi All;
I have the kind for 8 pin Octal, similiar to what it looks like you have in your picture.. I also have 7 and 9 pin minitures.. I wish I had a set for the older 4, 5 ,6 and 7 pin tubes.. I don't know If any were ever made for the older style of tube Socket..
THANK YOU Marty

[Eric Adams]

No, no tabs. There are holes(see photo) but they are way too small to fit any probe/test lead that I have. It does say RCA Radiotron on the side.
   

[jerryhawthorne]

Eric, if no attachments for leads, perhaps it a "socket saver" that was often used in tube testers to save their sockets from continued use and wear. What the hay do I know? I do know that the test sockets were at least made by Pomona Electronics and may still supply them and are in business.
Jerry

[Radioroslyn]

Socket savers are mostly used on tube testers to "save" the commonly used octal socket.
Have never seen them for the old style sockets.
Terry

[Eric Adams]

Well, the radio works fine without it. Go figure

[jerryhawthorne]

Glad to hear it works Eric. Too bad it wasn't one of those with the test points coming out. I have one for the 8 pin and 5 pin sockets and boy do they come in handy.
Dang, I just noticed I made the "Phorum Expert" level. All of you out there don't be fooled. It has nothing to do with what I know, must be based on posts? Thanks Ron, undeserved!

Jerry

[BrendaAnnD]

That's a home-made adapter of some sort. Perhaps it just has a dropping resistor in it to allow use of a 35L6 in that socket? Must have had some purpose particular to a former owner of the radio.

[codefox1]

Yupp Looks like someting I would build to make something I want to have work.