Replacing Mute Switch Bulbs In A Console With LEDs

[cgarges]

Has anyone had any luck replacing mute switch bulbs with LEDs in a console? I've seen a lot of people ask the question and a lot of speculation about whatever issues might apply to a given console, but I haven't actually heard of anyone doing it yet. I have a few issues with which I'm concerned.

One, I'm having difficulty finding a source for buying just a few t5.5 slide LEDs to test. It seems like through most of the companies that carry them, there's a two month wait on them and a 10-bulb minimum on each model. I'd like to order just a couple of bulbs in different colors A) just to test the concept in general and B) to see what colors might look best. Anyone have any leads?

Two, the console in which I'm hoping to install these (an Amek Angela) has a sort of pre-heat thing going on where the bulbs are always kind of halfway on and then full-on when the channel is muted. I'm not sure if this will cause any kind of issue when I swap out the stock bulbs. Any thoughts?

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[Geoff_T]

Hi

This is a tricky subject if all info isn't available.

LEDs generally run on around 2 volts dc but you can buy them with internal resistors to run on specific voltages... you don't mention which type you are investigating.

Generally, the low resistances used to decouple a bulb would vapourize the LED so a resistor change is probable... the internal resistor fitted in the LED possibly negating this.

So more info needed...

[paully]

Chris,

This place has a good selection of LEDs in a variety of bases/colors.

CML Innovative Technologies

Best, Paul

[cgarges]

Thanks, Paul. Farnell carries the CML bulbs and I believe Newark does as well, although Newark has the 10-bulb minimum which isn't really condusive to experimentation.

Geoff, the console is an Amek Angela. I believe it uses 12v bulbs with a resistor dropping the voltage to 10. As I said before, there is a preheat arrangement which keeps the bulbs barely lit, even when the mutes aren't activated. I've been told that the 12v t5.5 LEDs are the appropriate match, but I'm not sure how it's going to work with the preheat concept.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[Geoff_T]

Originally Posted by cgarges

Thanks, Paul. Farnell carries the CML bulbs and I believe Newark does as well, although Newark has the 10-bulb minimum which isn't really condusive to experimentation.

Geoff, the console is an Amek Angela. I believe it uses 12v bulbs with a resistor dropping the voltage to 10. As I said before, there is a preheat arrangement which keeps the bulbs barely lit, even when the mutes aren't activated. I've been told that the 12v t5.5 LEDs are the appropriate match, but I'm not sure how it's going to work with the preheat concept.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

Hi

That's because, at switch on, the impedance of the filament is very low until it heats up so, keeping it partially on, minimises the switch on surge.
The bleed resistor will be across the switch contact... you could snip it off.

If you used 12v LEDs you'd probably be able to leave everything asis. If a regular LED you'd need to change the series resistor.

[cgarges]

Anyone know of a place in the US where I can just order a few bulbs? I guess I'm looking for this kind of thing, right?
Farnell Export

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[slenderchap]

Here are the lamps you need for your Angela..... shipping is worldwide;

Audio Maintenance Limited Miniature Lamps

We also sock the pots, switches, faders etc etc for Angela.

Colin
Audio Maintenance Limited

[cgarges]

Hey Colin,

All of the bulbs in the console work fine. I'm just thinking of replacing them with LEDs for a number of reasons. I do need to eventually get it touch with you about buying an extender card set, though. Thanks!

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[slenderchap]

Don't wait too long to get the extender.... once the last of this batch is gone they won't be made anymore... too difficult to make... not economically realistic to produce.

Colin
Audio Maintenance Limited

[ajcamlet]

Hey Chris.

you got me back on the hunt for these. Wonder if the EAO ones would be a better fit?

also looking for LED's for behind the VU's and Phase meter...


http://www.eao.com/global/en/product...-EN.pdf#page=2