nordmende: Shortwave Dial Drum Light for Globetraveler Pro
? nordmende: Shortwave Dial Drum Light for Globetraveler Pro
Hello:
My Nordmende Globetraveler Pro service manual indicates that the shortwave dial drum bulb is rated at 7 volts and 0.35 amperes. It is a subminature wedge base European style bulb.
From my research, it appears that this bulb is no longer available.
However, 6 and 12 volt subminature wedge base bulbs (in varying different amperages) are still available online from various sources. Can anyone suggest a suitable alternative (bulb make and model number) given that the original bulb is no longer available?
It would be accpetable to me if the bulb is a little too dim or bright. However, I do not want the bulb to burn-out frequently or to have the bulb draw too much current and possibly damage other electrical components of the radio.
The radio operates on 7.5 volts (5 D Cell batteries) and the dial light automatically turns-on if the radio is plugged-in to AC power or if an external AC-DC adapter is used.
I now have two Globetraveler Pro radios plus a Globetraveler III that all use the same bulb for the shortwave drum. They are late TN6000 series radios built during 1969-1970.
Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Mike Witas
Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
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A couple of ideas
...My Globetraveler IV has that same type of bulb for the shortwave dial. Fortunately, I haven't had to try to find a replacement for it yet...the type 74 bulbs that are fairly common in car instrument clusters are that same size and base type, but they're 12 volt and probably would be too dim at 7.5...
...One of the 6 volt bulbs you've found will probably work OK, especially if it has the same 0.35A (350mA) rating; if you're concerned about prolonging its life, you could add a dropping resistor in series with it to compensate for the 1.5 volt difference. Another idea, if you're feeling adventurous, might be to use an LED and appropriate dropping resistor...
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