Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join us as we explore the uTracerNXT and dive into the world of "electrical engineering" from an ordinary user. I show the complete assembly with focus on the "component installation" the testing of each phase of the build and finally I check the assembled uTracerNXT and calibration. I do show the one issue that I had in the build and how easy it was to solve the problem.
Contents:
00:00 start
00:21 Intro
00:38 First Problem
02:31 RS-232 Build & Test
04:09 Software Install
05:13 Micro controller
06:48 Heater Supply
10:59 Neg. PS Construct
13:01 Grid Bias Circuit
14:17 Boost Converter
20:59 Overview & Calibration
22:00 Overall Score
23:28 Warranty?
24:00 Where from here
Links Part1 uTracerNXT:
Web: tonymckenzie.com
DOS4EVER: dos4ever.com
This has been a very interesting project creating a uTracerNXT from dos4ever.com and a tube or valve tester that offers many benefits over the old testers available to buy. The uTracerNXT - like a lot of testers is used with software and because of this can test very many tubes if that's what you need.
For my purposes I need a tube tester for EL34, 6L6GC, EL84, 12AX7 and others of similar type particularly for a guitar tube amplifier.
The uTracerNXT is a complete kit of the main board and everything is supplied, but you also need other components to finish off the project - things like a case, switches, sockets (for the tubes) and that sort of thing.
The build is relaxed and pretty easy if you are careful and you don't have to be an electronics engineer to complete the project, but some experience of assembly of kits is really necessary as is basic soldering ability.
Follow the instructions and you'll be fine!
After completion of the main board I proceeded to calibrate the tube tester with the software and a simple volt meter and this board tested out perfectly.
Please do visit dos4ever.com where you can find out more about the uTracerNXT kit and buy one if you want!
The uTracerNXT and all other components etc. were purchased by me and this really is a genuine unbiased review so trust what you see as being as accurate and fair as I can be in the review.
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions about the uTracerNXT then speak to Ronald@dos4ever.com
(c) A B Mckenzie and tonymckenzie.com 2026
All Rights reserved
All Trade Marks Acknowledged.
#utracernxt #tubetester #valvetester #review #tonymckenzie #tonymckenziecom #tubeamp #tubeamplifier #valve #tube
Join us as we explore the uTracerNXT and dive into the world of "electrical engineering" from an ordinary user. I show the complete assembly with focus on the "component installation" the testing of each phase of the build and finally I check the assembled uTracerNXT and calibration. I do show the one issue that I had in the build and how easy it was to solve the problem.
Contents:
00:00 start
00:21 Intro
00:38 First Problem
02:31 RS-232 Build & Test
04:09 Software Install
05:13 Micro controller
06:48 Heater Supply
10:59 Neg. PS Construct
13:01 Grid Bias Circuit
14:17 Boost Converter
20:59 Overview & Calibration
22:00 Overall Score
23:28 Warranty?
24:00 Where from here
Links Part1 uTracerNXT:
Web: tonymckenzie.com
DOS4EVER: dos4ever.com
This has been a very interesting project creating a uTracerNXT from dos4ever.com and a tube or valve tester that offers many benefits over the old testers available to buy. The uTracerNXT - like a lot of testers is used with software and because of this can test very many tubes if that's what you need.
For my purposes I need a tube tester for EL34, 6L6GC, EL84, 12AX7 and others of similar type particularly for a guitar tube amplifier.
The uTracerNXT is a complete kit of the main board and everything is supplied, but you also need other components to finish off the project - things like a case, switches, sockets (for the tubes) and that sort of thing.
The build is relaxed and pretty easy if you are careful and you don't have to be an electronics engineer to complete the project, but some experience of assembly of kits is really necessary as is basic soldering ability.
Follow the instructions and you'll be fine!
After completion of the main board I proceeded to calibrate the tube tester with the software and a simple volt meter and this board tested out perfectly.
Please do visit dos4ever.com where you can find out more about the uTracerNXT kit and buy one if you want!
The uTracerNXT and all other components etc. were purchased by me and this really is a genuine unbiased review so trust what you see as being as accurate and fair as I can be in the review.
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions about the uTracerNXT then speak to Ronald@dos4ever.com
(c) A B Mckenzie and tonymckenzie.com 2026
All Rights reserved
All Trade Marks Acknowledged.
#utracernxt #tubetester #valvetester #review #tonymckenzie #tonymckenziecom #tubeamp #tubeamplifier #valve #tube
