NEW 12/26/06 - 400 Ideas for Design, Hayden Book Company, 1964, 243 pages - Courtesy of aProgrammer

"Selected from the pages of Electronic Design", this book has 400 clever ideas submitted to Electronic Design magazine in the early sixties.  Some neat ideas for circuit design of amplifiers, digital circuits, and other types of equipment.  Mostly tube circuits with some semiconductors.

Download full text, 20MB PDF file

Amplifier Builders Guide, Hugo Gernsback, 1964, 254 pages

From the editors of Radiocraft, this practical guide concentrates on the design and construction of audio amplifiers.  Two parts: the first on amplifier theory and design, the second giving six practical designs to build.  Talks about phase splitters, feedback, and tone controls, things not addressed in most textbooks.

Download full text with index,   32MB PDF file

Amplifiers, H. Lewis York, 1947, 64 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

This UK book is one of a series on "The Technique of Sound Reproduction".  It's a good practical guide to the design of amplifiers, with many example schematics using the GEC and Mullard valves of the time.  Great book for a reasonably short introduction to tube amp design for the non-engineer.

Download full text with index,  3.3MB PDF file

An Approach to Audio Frequency Amplifier Design, G. E. C. Valve and Electronics Department, 1957, 126 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

We've all seen the classic GEC amp schematics, but here's the whole book!  Seventeen amplifier designs ranging from 3 to 1,100 watts are presented, along with tube data and design considerations.

Download full text with index,  1.9MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Antennas, John D. Kraus, Ph.D.., 1950, 553 pages - Thanks to Ed Stewart, WA4MZS!

This book is a college text and engineering reference on antennas.  A pretty thorough theoretical treatment along with practical information on antenna design. 

Download full text,  7.9MB PDF file

Audels Radiomans Guide, Edwin P. Anderson, 1945, 880 pages

An odd book, about 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" and a whopping 880 pages, "covering theory, construction, and servicing including television electronics".  It covers everything from sounds waves through basic electronics, PA systems (including a little info on a WE theatre amp), transmitters, car and aircraft radio, troubleshooting - you name it, it's in here.  Not a college text, this looks like it could be a handbook for the radio technician or advanced hobbyist of the 1940's.  Lots of good vintage info!

Download full text with index,  CAUTION LARGE 41MB PDF file

Basic Audio, Norman Crowhurst, 1959 - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

This is a 3-volume set on, as the title implies, basic audio.  The best introduction to tube hi-fi I've seen, the first volume starts with the nature of sound, and covers the basics of speakers and microphones.  Volume 2 continues with amplification, covering the basics of amplifier design.  Volume 3 covers a little more advanced topics like feedback, power supplies, and recording.  If you're a beginner, READ THESE BOOKS!

Volume 1 (114 pages) Download full text with index, 4.2MB PDF file

Volume 2 (122 pages) Download full text with index, 4.1MB PDF file

Volume 3 (113 pages) Download full text with index, 3.2MB PDF file

Basic Radio - The Essentials of Electron tubes and their Circuits, J. Barton Hoag, 1942, 379 pages

Another college-level electronics text, this one is "designed for the student with only a limited background in physics and mathematics".  Covers the basics of AC and DC circuits and radio propagation, then vacuum tubes and circuits that use them.  Has some information not found on other texts, like high-frequency and microwave radio, transmission line theory, and DC amplifiers.  Another good text!

Download full text with index, 15MB PDF file

Basic Theory and Applications of Electron Tubes, Departments of the Army and Air Force, 1952, 215 pages

This is an excellent, relatively modern (1952) text on vacuum tubes.  Very practical, not too much math, and it has some very nice illustrations.  Very specific to tubes, discusses how they work, how they're built, and circuits.

Download full text with index, 17MB PDF file

The Cathode-ray tube at Work, John F. Rider, 1935, 336 pages

Not obvious until you realize this book pre-dates television, this is really a book about the oscilloscope (called an "oscillograph" back then).  Talks about how CRT's work, how an oscilloscope works, and how to use an oscilloscope to troubleshoot circuits like amplifiers, and to adjust radio transmitters and receivers.

Download full text with index, 17MB PDF file

Coyne Electrical and Radio Trouble Shooting Manual, Coyne Electrical School, 1946, 612 pages

This funky old book is far from an engineering text - rather, it's a bible for the Mr. Fixit of the 1940's.  Light on theory with lots of diagrams, covers electrical wiring, AC and DC motors and generators, refrigeration, automotive electricity, and radio troubleshooting and repair.  Not particularly well formatted or printed, it's a lot of thrown-together info.  This is not a great book for tube design, but could be useful for the old radio diagrams, or if you have a 1940's Ford V8 with ignition problems....  The best part to me is the electrical dictionary at the end (available to download by itself).

Download full text with index,  CAUTION LARGE 41MB PDF file

Download the electrical dictionary, 3.7MB PDF file

NEW 9/26/06 - Design Examples of Semiconductor Circuits, Siemens, 1966, 190 pages - Courtesy of aProgrammer

An early semiconductor applications books, with  some excellent practical example circuits, including audio amplifiers.

Download full text, 3.5MB PDF file

NEW 12/22/06 - Design Examples of Semiconductor Circuits,  Siemens, 1967, 190 pages - Courtesy of aProgrammer

Later edition of the above semiconductor book.

Download full text, 4.4MB PDF file

Dynamical Analogies, Harry F. Olson, 1943, 107 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

This interesting book draws technically accurate analogies between electrical, acoustical, and mechanical systems.

Download full text, 11MB PDF file

Electrical Engineering, E. E. Kimberly, 1951, 394 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

A different college EE text, this one is target at non-EE majors.  Less theory than most EE texts, and lots of information about motors.  I think this was targeted largely at Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical engineers.  Only one chapter on "electronic" devices (tubes and tube circuits).

Download full text with index, 5.8MB PDF file

Electron-Tube Circuits, Samuel Seely, 1950, 530 pages

Another college-level textbook on vacuum tubes.  Covers tube theory, tuned and un-tuned amplifiers, oscillators, and power supplies.  Some nice details about tube-based voltage regulator circuits, and sections on electronic computing circuits, relaxation oscillators and sweep circuits you won't find in the other texts.

Download full text with index, 22MB PDF file

Electron Tube Design, RCA, 1963, 943 (!!) pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

This is essentially an updated version of "Vacuum Tube Design" below.  Intended for internal use only, this book contains 53 "articles"  on different aspects of vacuum tube design and manufacture.  I think this book has nearly everything you need to know to design and build tubes.  Beware, the PDF file is over 150 megabytes!  Don't even try it on dialup...

Download full text, CAUTION ***HUGE*** 151MB PDF file

Electron Tubes in Industry, Keith Henney and James Fahnestock, 1952, 353 pages

A cool book that concentrates on industrial applications of vacuum tubes, as opposed to radio and audio use.  Lots of info on thyratron and phototube circuits, as well as process control applications.

Download full text,  3.7MB PDF file

Electronic Amplifier Circuits, Joseph Petit and Malcolm McWhorter, 1961, 325 pages

As you might guess from the title, this textbook is all about the theory and design of amplifiers.  While mostly containing tube circuits it does include some information on those new-fangled transistor things.  Plenty if math in this one, it concentrates on wide band (e.g., video) amplifiers.

Download full text with index, 13MB PDF file

Electronic Circuits and Tubes, Cruft Laboratory at Harvard University, 1947, 994 pages - Courtesy of Jim McConville

This is one of the most comprehensive texts in the collection.  According to the forward, the book was developed from the lecture notes of a special wartime electronics training course.  A reasonably mathematical treatment of basic circuit theory, vacuum tubes, and practical circuits.

Download full text with index, 12MB PDF file

Electronic Transformers and Circuits, Reuben Lee, 1955, 349 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

This book is a "reference on the design of transformers and electronic apparatus".  It covers the design of power transformers, chokes, and signal (audio) transformers.  It also talks a bit about circuitry, as it relates to transformers. Enough theory to understand what's going on, as well as practical info on how to construct transformers.

Download full text, 24MB PDF file-

Engineering Electronics, George Happell and Wilfred Hesselberth, 1953, 508 pages - Courtesy of Earles McCaul

This is a newer college text, covering vacuum tubes, circuit analysis, and some practical amplifier design considerations.  More practical than some texts, it even includes some tube curves for popular tubes of the day.

Download full text with index, 7MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Fundamentals of Transistors, Leonard Krugman, 1954, 140 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

Yet another introduction to transistors targeted at "the technician and amateur".  Shows basic transistor circuits. 

Download full text,  2.1MB PDF file

Getting the Most Out of Vacuum Tubes, Robert Tomer, 1960, 164 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

A Howard Sams Photofact publication, this book addresses the "Types and causes of failures, what to expect from tubes, testing methods, and all about tube maintenance programs".  Quite interesting, this book covers material I've not seen comprehensively discussed elsewhere, like failure mechanisms, what makes a "premium" tube special, etc.

Download full text, 13MB PDF file

Grondslagen van de Radiobuizentechniek, Philips'  Gloeilampenfabrieken te Einhioven, 1943, 505 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

Wow... I wish I could read Dutch.  This book by Philips appears to be a nice thorough treatment of how vacuum tubes work, how they are built, and how they are applied in radio circuits.  Some very nice photos of tubes in various states of disassembly.

Download full text,  CAUTION LARGE 46MB PDF file

High-Fidelity Circuit Design, Norman Crowhurst and George Cooper, 1957, 296 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

The title pretty much says it all here.. this is a practical guide to the design of audio circuits.

Download full text, 21MB PDF file\

NEW 11/17/06 - Hipersil? Core Design Engineer's Handbook, Westinghouse , 1965, 108 pages

This is a design guide and materials databook for Westinghouse Hipersil transformer cores.   A good design guide for transformers and cokes, and has detailed material data (curves and data tables) for Hipersil steel.

Download full text, 1.9MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - How To Service Tape Recorders, C. A. Tuthill, 1954, 154 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

This is a good book on how to work on late fifties-vintage tape recorders.  Includes schematics of several models as well as supporting theory.

Download full text, 3.1MB PDF file

Inside the Vacuum Tube, John F, Rider, 1945, 407 pages- Courtesy of Earles McCaul

One of my new favorites - this is a fabulous book on how tubes work and how to design tube circuits.  this is NOT a college text; rather this is written more at the level of an advanced technician, with not so much math and lots of diagrams that make visualizing what's going on easy.  It even has some 3-D drawings - you'll need anaglyph (red/blue) 3-D glasses to view them.

Download full text with index, 9MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Know Your Oscilloscope, Paul C. Smith, 1958, 151 pages - Thanks to Tom Bavis!

A good description of how a 'scope works and how to use it.  Includes some info on how to service and adjust the instrument.  Also covers how to make measurements, and use of the 'scope for amplifier testing and radio/TV alignment. 

Download full text,  2.9MB PDF file

Magnetic Amplifiers, Paul Mali, 1960, 101 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

Vacuum tubes aren't the only way to make an amplifier?  This book is about magnetic amplifiers, which use the nonlinear saturation characteristics of a core to create an amplifier.

Download full text with index, 1.4MB PDF file

Magnetic Recording - Wire and Tape, M. L. Quartermaine, 1952, 72 pages

An interesting book about the construction of tape and wire recorders.  Includes theory and construction details, schematics of record/playback electronics, even info on how to make your own tape heads!  Thanks to Paul Reid for the contributed scan!

Download full text with index, 11MB PDF file

Oscilloscope Techniques, Alfred Haas, 1958, 224 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

Talks a little bit about how oscilloscopes work, but this is mostly a guide on how to make measurements with a 'scope.  Practical examples of measurements made on audio, radio, and TV circuits.  Even includes info on how to use a 'scope as a curve tracer for vacuum tubes and semiconductors, and to make swept measurements.

Download full text with index, 3.2MB PDF file

Principles of Electricity Applied to Telephone and Telegraph Work, A T &T, 1953, 354 pages

This book is "A Training Course Text Prepared for Employees of the Long Lines Department American Telephone and Telegraph Company".  "Principles" is a bit of a misnomer - though this book does start out with fundamentals, it quickly dives off into AC circuits, vacuum tubes and amplifiers, and details of telephony.  It includes lots of details about telephone and carrier systems, the way they were in the 1950's.  Good details about things like how audio transformers work, and the correct way to string telephone wires on a pole!

Download full text with index, CAUTION LARGE 38MB PDF file

Principles of Electron Tubes, Herbert Reich, 1941, 398 pages

Essentially an abridged version of Reich's "Theory and Applications of Electron Tubes" (below), this is a college-level text on vacuum tubes.  It doesn't have so much math in it to be hard to understand; though it presents plenty of equations, it also shows graphical solutions that the DIY'er could use.  One of the best books I know of to learn enough about how tubes really work to be able to design with them.

Download full text with index, 18MB PDF file

Radio Amateur's Handbook, American Radio relay League, 1936, 536 pages

The venerable ARRL handbook, 1936 edition.  Many of us learned all about tubes from this book (OK, in my case, one about 30 years later than this one).  Practical information on electronic fundamentals and tube circuits, and lots of ham projects - transmitters, receivers, antennas.  Cool catalog section at the end.

Download full text with index, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 55MB PDF file

Radio Amateur's Handbook, American Radio relay League, 1941, 552 pages

Here's another edition a few years later, full-color catalog at the end.

Download full text with index, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 79MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Radio and TV Test Instruments, Hugo Gernsback, 1953, 128 pages - Thanks to Tom Bavis!

This cool little book describes how to build your own test equipment.  Apparently targeted towards the TV repairman on a budget, it includes everything from VOM and VTVM meters to a DIY Oscilloscope.  Fun! 

Download full text,  2.6MB PDF file

The Radio Handbook, William Orr (editor), 15th edition 1959, 810 (!) pages

This is sort of an ARRL handbook on steroids.  Very complete, covering basic theory though practical construction of mostly ham radio equipment, though much applies to any vintage electronic project.  Has some transistor and semiconductor info but 90% vacuum tube, even a circuit for a tube-based VHF walke-talkie!  There are even sections on "high-fidelity techniques" and "electronic computers"!  Even includes a math section and info on how to set up your workshop (I like the "workshop-in-a-closet"!)

Download full text with index, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 61MB PDF file

The Radio Handbook, Editors and Engineers, 7th edition 1940, 608 pages

An earlier edition of the above Radio Handbook, this has more of the feel of the ARRL handbook of 1940.  As you would expect the circuits in this older book use some older tubes, and no mention of semiconductors.  There is a section on "radio therapy", if you want to build your own diathermy machine!

Download full text with index,  18MB PDF file

Radio Engineering Principles, Henri Lauer and Harry Brown, 2nd edition 1928, 310 pages

Here's a book that pre-dates the invention of the pentode... talks about radio theory and propagation, antennas, and telegraphy, then has chapters on the use of the "three-electrode vacuum tube".  Talks about how a triode works, and how to use it in amplifier and oscillator circuits and in a radio receiver.

Download full text with index, 13MB PDF file

Radio Receivers (AF Manual 100-5), Department of the Air Force, 1958, 175 pages - Courtesy of Chuck McGregor, N7RHU

A "training text and guide for repairmen and technicians" by the US air force about radio receivers.  A good practical description of receiver design.

Download full text, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 95MB PDF file

Radio Receiver  Design (Part 1), K. R. Sturley, 1945, 435 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

This UK publication gives a thorough treatment of the design of valve-based radio receivers.  Part 1 covers valve basics, and the RF side of a receiver: from the antenna through the detector. 

Download full text, CAUTION LARGE 30MB PDF file

Radio Receiver  Design (Part 2), K. R. Sturley, 1945, 435 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

A continuation of the above, this volume covers audio-frequency amplifiers, frequency modulation, and television.

Download full text, CAUTION LARGE 38MB PDF file

Radiotron Designer's Handbook, Third Edition, P. Langford Smith, 1941, 352 pages

The quintessential vacuum tube design handbook,.  This is the older, and smaller, third edition... at least I didn't have to pay $150 for a book to cut up and scan!  Covers all the essential of tube electronics design, including the basics, tube theory, load lines, amplifier design, etc.

Download full text with index, 16MB PDF file

Radiotron Designer's Handbook, Fourth Edition, P. Langford Smith, 1953, 1,498 pages! - MANY thanks to Keith Carlsen!

The later and much more comprehensive version of the RDH3 above, this is probably the best book out there for the casual vacuum tube circuit designer.  Coveted by the audio guys, it also has plenty of info on the design of radio receivers.  This version is one I have scanned myself, in one file, with added nested PDF bookmarks so it's easy to find things. There are PDF versions already floating around the web... but I never figured out who scanned what, and there are a couple of versions that people are trying to sell, so I've not posted any of them here.  

Download full text with index,   CAUTION LARGE  25MB PDF file

The Recording and Reproduction of Sound, Oliver Read, 1952, 790 pages - Courtesy of David Stork

Unique in this collection (so far), this book concentrates on the recording process, and to some extent the reproduction process, as opposed to just amplifiers or radios.  A fantastic book if you are looking for info on how records were (are?) cut, and how magnetic tape machines work. A very practical book, it includes schematics of many pieces of professional audio of the 1950's.  Also contains info about acoustics, loudspeakers and cabinets, and PA system design.

Download full text with index, 16MB PDF file

Reference Data For Radio Engineers, Federal Telephone and Radio, 1946, 335 pages

This great book is, well, a reference book for engineers!  It contains tons of useful data on vacuum-tube circuits, components, power supplies, acoustics, waveforms, radio propagation, and lots of other things.  Also includes a lot of mathematical info and tables - even a graphical way to do an FFT!  The way we did it before the days of PSpice and silicon...

Download full text with index, 9.4MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Reference Data For Radio Engineers, International Telephone and Telegraph Corp., 1956, 1121 pages - Thanks to Ed Stewart, WA4MZS!

A later and greatly expanded version of the book above. A wonderful reference for anybody designing equipment with vacuum tubes.  Sections on digital computers, nuclear physics, wire transmission... all kinds of cool things.  Plus practical guides for things like power supply design, including how to design and wind the transformers and chokes,

Download full text,  13.5MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Servicing Hi-Fi series, Howard Sams, 1958-1959 - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

A set of several volumes about how to service hi-fi equipment.  Most of the volumes have a small theory and tips section, followed by service data including schematics and pictorial drawings.  Lots of classic hi-fi like Macintosh, HH Scott, etc.  Also included is an "Electronics Reference Data" book which talks about circuits and components (I'm not sure if this is really part of the same series, but it looks like it, so I included it here)

Volume 2 - Servicing hi-fi and Associated Audio Equipment (146 pages), Download full text with index (9.1MB PDF file)

Volume 3 - Servicing hi-fi AM-FM Tuners (160 pages), Download full text with index (9.0MB PDF file)

Volume 4 - Servicing hi-fi Preamps and Amplifiers (160 pages), Download full text with index  (9.3MB PDF file)

ERA-1 - Electronic Reference Data (121 pagess), Download full text with index (2.6MB PDF file)

Television and Radio Repairing, John Markus, 1953, 556 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

Everything you need to know to be a TV/radio repairman, circa 1953.  Good practical info for repairing or restoring vintage gear.  Light on theory, with plenty of advice on how to repair equipment and replace components using basic test equipment and tools.  Even talks about how to start a business doing TV/radio repair.

Download full text with index,  8.3MB PDF file

Theory and Applications of Electron tubes, Herbert Reich, 2nd edition 1941, 716 pages

If there's one book that will bust my website's bandwidth limits, this may be it.  716 pages of vacuum tube theory, this may be THE best book about vacuum tubes.  Detailed, complete with plenty of math and drawings.  Covers how tubes work and how to design circuits around them, with chapters on class A/AB1 and AB2/B amplifier design, power supplies, and more!

Download full text with index, CAUTION LARGE 37MB PDF file

Theory of Thermionic Vacuum Tubes, E. Leon Chaffee, Ph.D.,  1933, 652 pages - Courtesy of Joe Sousa (who acttually bought this book and had it delivered to me to scan!)

Another fantastic vacuum tube text, with lots of detail and math to go with it.  Mostly about triodes, pentodes were just starting to be used when this was written.  Covers how tubes work in considerable detail, and discusses low-power amplifiers and detector circuits.

Download full text with index,  7.6MB PDF file

NEW 12/22/06 - The Thermionic Vacuum Tube, H. J. van der Bijl, 1920, 407 pages - Courtesy of Walter Welch, AI4SP!

A quite early book on the theory behind vacuum tubes.  Discusses the theory behind how tubes work, and also shows common applications of the time (amplifiers, oscillators, modulators, and detectors).  

Download full text, CAUTION  LARGE 19MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Transistor Techniques, Gernsback Library (pub.), 1959, 96 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

An early introduction to transistors, basic theory and properties and some example circuits, including a DIY Geiger counter. 

Download full text,  1.7MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Transistors, Louis E. Garner, Jr., 1954, 105 pages - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!

Another early introduction to transistors, not theoretical, targeted towards the technician. A good introduction to silicon. 

Download full text,  1.8MB PDF file

NEW 9/2/06 - Troubleshooting with the Oscilloscope, Robert G. Middleton., 1962, 160 pages - Thanks to Tom Bavis!

This book teaches you how to use an oscilloscope.  It focuses on TV troubleshooting, but contains good basic info about how to use a 'scope, as well as some info on using it to work on audio and radio equipment. 

Download full text,  2.5MB PDF file

NEW 12/22/06 - Vacuum Tubes, Karl Spangenberg, 1948, 877(!) pages - Courtesy of Walter Welch, AI4SP!

An outstanding college textbook on the design of vacuum tubes.  Very comprehensive theoretical treatment.

Download full text, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 33MB PDF file

Vacuum Tube Design, RCA, 1940, 260 pages - Courtesy of John Atwood

Intended for internal use only, this book contains a series of 26 lectures in a course taught by RCA engineers in 1937 and 1938.  From the preface: "The lectures were intended to provide a review of the basic principles underlying the design and manufacture of vacuum tubes."  

Download full text, CAUTION *VERY* LARGE 51MB PDF file

Miscellaneous stuff:

NEW 11/17/06 - Excellent triode curves for the 813 from Frens Mazenier (3.9MB GIF file)

NEW 11/17/06 - Excellent triode curves for the 814 from Frens Mazenier (3.9MB GIF file)

Triode curves for the 814 (XLS file) (PDF file)

Triode curves for the PT15 (XLS file) (PDF file)

Triode curves for the 829B - Thanks to Paul LeClercq - Tube #1 (XLS) (PDF), tube #2 (XLS) (PDF)

Amperex:

NEW 9/24/06 - 1958 Amperex tubes catalog, with short data (743kB PDF file)

Brimar:

Brimar Valve and Teletube Manual No. 9 (12mB PDF file)

Chatham:

6AS7G data sheet (PDF, 126kB)

GE:

"GE Essential Characteristics", the whole 228 page book in an indexed PDF file (BIG, 11MB!)

6189 data sheet (PDF, 412kB)
7044 data sheet (PDF, 224kB)

8950 data sheet (PDF, 320kB)

Glow Lamp Manual (1965) (CAUTION LARGE 81MB PDF file) - Theory, circuits, and ratings of glow lamps (neon lamps) - great detail about circuits and theory - Courtesy of Chuck McGregor, N7RHU

Ken-Rad:

6L7 data sheet (PDF, 1.4MB)

Mullard:

"Valves and Electron Tubes", indexed 67-page tube manual (BIG, full-color, 9MB PDF file)

Raytheon:

1938 "Handbook of Amateur Tube Uses" (12MB PDF file) - Data on the Raytheon "RK-series" of transmitting tubes (as well as a few others), and some applications info.  Some of these datasheets are VERY hard to find...

Raytheon Special Purpose Tube Characteristics (8.5MB PDF file) - short data on special tubes including subminiature types, crystal diodes, etc. - Courtesy of Chuck McGregor, N7RHU

RCA:

NEW 12/2206 - 1960 RCA RC-20 Receiving Tube Manual (CAUTION LARGE 20MB PDF file) Courtesy of Walter Welch, AI4SP!

NEW 12/22/06 - 1968 RCA RC-26 Receiving Tube Manual (CAUTION LARGE 28MB PDF file) Courtesy of Walter Welch, AI4SP

NEW 6/25/06 - 1934 RCA RC-12 Receiving Tube Manual (3.6MB PDF file), with PDF index

NEW 6/25/06 - 1934 RCA "Amateur Transmitting types" (1.3MB PDF file)

1961 RCA RC-21 Receiving Tube Manual (12MB PDF file), with PDF index

1960 RCA RC-20 Valvulas de Recepcion (CAUTION LARGE 43MB PDF file) - The classic RCA RC-20 manual, en Espanol!

1938 RCA TT-3 Air-Cooled Transmitting Tube Manual (8.8MB PDF file) - Great transmitting tube data, has most of the 800- and 1600-series tubes and beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations, with PDF index

RCA HB-3 Tube Handbook page - the whole thing (eventually)!

"Beam Power Tubes" (2.3MB PDF file) by O. H. Schade, RCA publication ST-59, March, 1938 - A very nice technical paper about beam-power tubes, their operation, and application in audio power amplifiers

Sylvania:

Sylvania tube manual page

Tung-Sol:

5998 data sheet (PDF, 193kB)

7236 data sheet (PDF, 52kB)

Western Electric: (Thanks to Tony Daggs for the scans!)

300A/300B Data sheet (high-res, 4.6MB PDF file) - Nice 1939 full data sheet on the 300A and 300B

"Western Electric Vacuum Tubes" (high-res, 3.6MB PDF file) - Don't know the date of this, but this short-form catalog has summary data on the 100, 200, and 300 series of tubes