akai: GX-747DBX; Stereo Tape Deck

My AKAI GX 747 dbx is working well. I have a question though about the VU meters, wether these should be illuminated or not. In my set, there's no illumination, but have seen identical sets with VU-meters illuminated. I can't see any bulbs or Leds installed.
Anyone with knowledge about this mystery?
kind regards

Lars-G.

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Lars,

I just looked at the service manual and it seem that it is built into the VU meter. (Pgs 44 and 77).

Cheers,

Rik

w2rik

 

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• akai GX-747DBX VU Meter (240 KB)

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Hi Rik!
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Looks not very good if I have to replace both VU meters just only for illumination purpose.
Each time the bulb blows up, you have to replace the whole meter unit.
Oh Good Grief!! .....That's not a good renommee for AKAI.

Kind Regards

Lars-G.

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Lars-G.,

according to the service manual, the bulbs of both meters arr connected in series.

As to be read in other forums, the bulbs are not running on nominal voltage, so "each time a bulb blows" happens probably not much often, and not for both at same time. If a bulb blows, the tape recorder was obviously long time in use.

One has offered LED replacements for model 747 VU meters, another one is selling bulbs (of higher voltage) for model 636 Vu meters. As VU meters are assembled, check whether it can be disassembled - before ranting against AKAI.

It is a service matter, not intended to be solved by end users.

Best Regards,

GR

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