The Racal RA17L uses 23 or 24 valves of 8 or 9 different types. They use the B7G base, except where noted.
There are two distinct models of RA17L, the British Military
version, which uses CV numbered valves and the North American
model, which uses U.S. commercial valves. The valve sets for
these two models are different. Several valves, while similar
in function, have a different pin-out. Inserting the valve from
the other could result in destruction of the valve and might
cause damage to other components. In particular, many substitution
guides give 6AS6 or its variants as equivalents for the S6F33
(special 6F33 - V4). In fact the connections to G2 and G3 are
reversed and the connections to the base must be changed to do
this substitution.
Where U.S. numbered equivalents are shown for CV valves below,
they may be safely substituted in British versions.
Complement | Type | Racal Original Equipment | Racal Substitutes | Other CV equivalents |
Pro- Electron |
EIA | Industrial | Mullard | Other Manufs |
10 | High slope RF pentode | CV138 | CV4014* | - | EF91 | 6AM6 | - | M8083* | - |
2 | Dual diode | CV140 | CV4025* | - | EB91 | 6AL5 | 6058* | M8079* | - |
4 | Vari-mu RF pentode | CV454 | CV4009* | - | EF93 | 6BA6 | - | - | - |
1 | Wire ended Diode | CV469 | CV4504* | - | EA76 | - |
6489 7435* |
- | - |
1 | Full wave I.H. rectifier | CV1377 | - | CV378@ | GZ34 | 5AR4 | - | - | - |
1 | Dual control pentode | CV2209 | CV4064* | - | - | - | - | - | S6F33* |
2 | RF pentode | CV3998* | - | - | E180F* | - | 6688* | - |
5A/170K EF861 |
2 | Heptode frequency changer | CV4012* | - | CV453 | EK90 |
6BE6 6BE6W* |
5750 | - | - |
1 | Dual triode | CV5331* | CV2298 | - | ECC189 | 6ES6 | - | - | - |
* this is a special quality type
@ this is not a direct substitute, but will work in
an RA17L.
Andy Cowley 2002.