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EM84 / 6FG6 NOS – tuning and level-indicator valve with green display

The EM84 is an indirectly heated indicator valve combining an amplifier system with a green fluorescent display. Typical historical applications include tuning, modulation and level indication in valve radios, tuners, tape recorders and vintage audio equipment.

BTB supplies historical NOS stock. The maker, production period, printing, envelope shape and visible display characteristics can therefore vary with availability. EM84 and 6FG6 are historically cross-referenced, but their manufacturer data sheets do not state identical heater-current figures.

Suitable applications

  • Restoration of compatible valve radios using an EM84 or 6FG6 socket
  • Tuning indication in vintage FM and AM tuners
  • Level indication in tape recorders and audio equipment
  • Modulation indication in correctly designed valve circuits
  • New builds using an isolated power supply and verified B9A wiring

Product configuration

Supply condition
NOS – unused historical stock
Manufacturer
Depends on available NOS stock; no particular manufacturer is guaranteed
Valve function
Electronic indicator valve with amplifier triode and fluorescent display band
Type designations
EM84 and 6FG6 as historically used cross-references
Base
Nine-pin B9A Noval
Display colour
Typically green; colour and brightness can vary between NOS versions

Technical reference data

Heater voltage
6.3 V AC or DC
Heater current in the Philips EM84 data sheet
210 mA
Heater current in a historical RCA 6FG6 data sheet
270 mA
Supply voltage in the classic application example
Approximately 250 V
Typical control range
Approximately 0 to -22 V grid voltage, depending on circuit and manufacturer
Typical plate or deflection resistor
Historical application circuits frequently use approximately 470 kΩ
Typical grid-leak resistance
Historical manufacturer examples state values up to approximately 3 MΩ
Dimensions
Depending on manufacturer, approximately 73 mm maximum overall height and 19 to 22 mm envelope diameter

Pinout

Pin 1
Control grid of the amplifier system
Pin 2
Internal connection; do not use as a general-purpose tie point
Pin 3
Cathode
Pins 4 and 5
Heater
Pin 6
Fluorescent target or display electrode
Pin 7
Ray-control or deflection electrode
Pin 8
Internal connection; do not use as a general-purpose tie point
Pin 9
Plate of the amplifier system

Selection and application notes

Compare the socket wiring, heater current, supply voltage and existing resistor values with the equipment schematic before replacement. The differing historical heater-current figures for EM84 and 6FG6 can be relevant where the heater winding has little reserve.

NOS means unused historical stock, but it does not guarantee identical display brightness between manufacturers or production lots. Display brightness also depends on operating hours, supply voltage and the particular circuit.

A modern project must not reproduce a transformerless live-chassis supply. DIY applications require galvanic mains isolation, touch-safe high-voltage wiring and adequate insulation clearances.

Hazardous voltages and stored charge may remain inside the equipment. Installation and testing require suitable technical expertise.

Questions about selection and use

Is the EM84 / 6FG6 NOS suitable for restoring a compatible tuning indicator?

Yes, the EM84 / 6FG6 NOS is suitable for restoring a compatible tuning or level indicator when the B9A base, pinout, 6.3 V heater and supply circuit match the existing equipment.

Can the EM84 / 6FG6 be used as a level indicator in valve audio equipment?

Yes, the EM84 / 6FG6 can be used as a level or modulation indicator in a correctly designed circuit. The control range, plate resistor, display supply and mains isolation must be properly engineered.

Is the EM84 NOS valve suitable for valve-radio, tuner and tape-recorder repairs?

Yes, the EM84 NOS valve is suitable for compatible valve-radio, tuner and tape-recorder repairs. The maker, printing and display brightness can vary with historical stock; the type marking and equipment schematic remain decisive.

Note: All brand names mentioned, such as Marshall, Fender, etc., are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive and compatibility purposes only.

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The EU Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (2011/65/EU = "RoHS 2") aims to exclude certain hazardous substances from electrical and electronic equipment or to restrict the use of certain substances in electrical and electronic equipment. These include substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, as well as certain brominated flame retardants and plasticizers. These substances may only be used in electrical and electronic equipment up to a maximum concentration limit, unless exemptions in the annexes to the directive permit their use under certain conditions. This can reduce and eliminate harmful substances and improve the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. To find out whether the component you purchased from us is permitted in your device, please refer to the current directive or the current law applicable to your country. If you are a manufacturer, please feel free to contact us to find out whether the component you require can be tested and approved according to the current directives. We would be happy to assist you.

Fact sheet on EU Directive 2011/65/EU
Restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (PDF, not accessible, 2 MB)

Implementation of the RoHS Directive:
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive/implementation-rohs-directive_en

Source: IHK Mittelfranken

This product is: Non-RoHS Compliant

Tariff Number: 85408100900

Country of Origin: DE