Supreme Instruments Radio Diagnometers
You can read a Supreme paper on the development of the Supreme Diagnometer here. Below are Supreme Radio Diagnometer models I currently have in my collection. |
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Supreme 400B Diagnometer (1929) The Supreme model 400-B Radio Diagnometer has the capability to test radio tubes in and out of the circuit. It is one of the first mutual conductance tube testers and also contains a built in RF oscillator (note the unique external transmitting coil top left) and measured AC volts, DC volts, and milliamps. It also measured condensers. A light bulb connected in series with the AC power cord was used to protect circuits by limiting current in case of any shorts or improper settings. It is very similar to "Dim Bulb Testers" used on many of today's antique radio workbenches to help protect a radio under test. The 400B was also capable of tube matching and tube "rejuvenating". It was originally offered with or without an optional service case. The case also contained compartments for parts and tools and held spare tubes. This is the earilist example of a "Tube Caddy" I have come across. A 400A was produced first with only three tube sockets. The 400B Diagnometer measures 17 ¼" x 5 ¼" x 4 ½" without the service case. |
400B Sales Flyer |
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 Supreme AAA-1 Diagnometer Pronounced "Triple A One" (1932-33) |
Supreme AAA-1 Diagnometer has a built in RF oscillator, tube tester, multi-range ohmmeter, and capacitor tester.
The factory oscillator calibration chart for this unit is dated 12/9/33. This Diagnometer is built into a large wooden case that measures 18½" x 11¼" x 7". Notice the storage compartment built into the top of the case for storing the power cord and test leads. |
 Supreme Standard Diagnometer (1934) |
The Supreme Standard Diagnometer has similar capability to test radio tubes in and out of the circuit as the earlier 400B model above. It has a built in RF oscillator and measures AC volts, DC volts, DC milliamps, resistance, and tests condensers.
The factory oscillator calibration chart for this unit is dated 11/16/34. Unlike the 400B above this model has a jack for using an external antenna lead for testing with the RF oscillator.
This Diagnometer is built into a large wooden case that measures 19" x 14" x 6". |
 Supreme Master Diagnometer (1934) |
The Supreme Master Diagnometer also has similar capability to test radio tubes in and out of the circuit. It has a built in RF oscillator and measures full ranges of AC volts, DC volts, DC milliamps, resistance, and tests condensers.
The shielded oscillator offers 11 frequency ranges. The Master Diagnometer also brings each tube pin out to a jack to enable Free Point Testing. This Diagnometer is built into a large wooden case with a storage compartment built into the top of the case for storing the power cord and test leads.
The oak case measures 20½" x 12½" x 8". |
 585 Diagnometer (1938) |
The Supreme 585 Diagnometer Deluxe Series The last model of the Diagnometers, the model 585 has similar capability to test radio tubes in and out of the circuit as the earlier models above. It measures AC volts, DC volts, milliamps, resistance, and tests condensers. This Diagnometer has an etched brass face with dual "Quadri-meters" and is built into a large wooden case that measures 21" x 16" x 8". This one has a different panel layout than the 1938 catalog photo. |
Supreme also manufactured two additional Diagnometers not shown above:
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