The AM Forum

Well . . . they finally fweeped. I think these were OEM lamps (incandescent filament type). I'm wondering if anyone has a good replacement strategy, as in LED types, along with any additional circuitry/component recommendations?
The AL-82 is my AM amp --  excellent for that level of service. I appreciate any any feedback on lamp replacement.
73, K1REX

On a few boatanchors, just to see how they looked, I used plain vanilla LEDs with a resistor. The original bulbs were 6 volt incandescent. I tried different colors and R values until I got the color and brightness I wanted. Ended up using yellow. Cannot remember the exact R values though. The LEDs came in a variety pack from Radio Shack years ago and unfortunately the current draw is not listed for them. Probably in the tens of milliamps.

Here is a link to a R calculator for using LEDs.

http://scriptasylum.com/rc_speed/led.html

My Kenwood TS930S needs bulbs in the meter and the smaller size LEDs look like they will fit in there nicely. Next time I need to open it up I'll add them.

Rich

Thanks, Rich. Your info is very helpful, and gives ma a path to follow.
73,
Stephen (K1REX)

The CB radio and auto customizers have driven an led industry.

Head to eBay and you can find led with dropping resistors in any color you want, just about.

I buy them by the hundred, coats pennies each that way.

They simply take the place of the 'grain of wheat' lamps.

Also, in ebay, their is / was a guy selling retrofit kits for most ham items.  Might take a peak for him.

--Shane
KD6VXI

I have just fired up my AL-82 and those meter lights look two bluish to be incandescent.  Have you contacted Ameritron to see if the new lights are LEDS?

Thanks Shane and Al. All info gratefully received. Shane, I'm following your lead and have just made a eBay buy of some yellow LEDs (with resistor already built in). Now, if I can wait out healing from a hip replacement so I can lift the damn thing, I'll be in business! :-)
73,
--Stephen, K1REX

I used some leftover led light strips that I bought for another project. The strips slide into the clips that hold the factory lights and I used a dab of hot glue to make sure they didn't fall out. A few hundred ohms to dim them and a piece of scotch tape to diffuse the lights a little.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HSF65MC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522616613&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=led+strip+lights&dpPl=1&dpID=51WPp6leVvL&ref=plSrch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HSF65MC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522616613&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=led+strip+lights&dpPl=1&dpID=51WPp6leVvL&ref=plSrch)

If slightly less illumination is not an annoyance, reducing the voltage to the lamps by 5-10% will make them last forever.