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Author Topic: replacing blown meter lamps in AL-82  (Read 4377 times)
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K1REX
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« on: March 31, 2018, 06:13:28 PM »

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
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WD4DMZ
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« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2018, 10:10:57 AM »

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
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K1REX
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« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2018, 10:36:28 AM »

Thanks, Rich. Your info is very helpful, and gives ma a path to follow.
73,
Stephen (K1REX)
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KD6VXI
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« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2018, 10:53:56 AM »

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
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w1vtp
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« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2018, 11:43:16 AM »

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?


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K1REX
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« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2018, 12:41:51 PM »

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
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AG5CK
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« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2018, 05:04:46 PM »

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



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Patrick J. / KD5OEI
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« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2018, 07:47:49 PM »

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