Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: uki on May 27, 2022, 01:43:18 pm

Title: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: uki on May 27, 2022, 01:43:18 pm
Hey guys!

How many of you have tossed burned pilot lamps, like the GE47 ?

Here my idea to reuse the base of it and make something durable.
All you need is a resistor and a LED !

I used 220r and blue LED.

Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: sluckey on May 27, 2022, 01:54:20 pm
That's a great DIY idea. Or you could just buy a 20 pack of ready-made for $11...

     https://www.amazon.com/755-Bulb-Pinball-Machine-Lamp-1893-Bulbs-Warm/dp/B09LC968GK/
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: uki on May 27, 2022, 04:54:14 pm
Quote
Or you could just buy a 20 pack of ready-made
Well that is beyond the cheap part. 47,50$  total, times 5 = R$237,50, just shipping is 36,51$ ouch.
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: Latole on May 28, 2022, 10:13:08 am
I like to keep the look vintage with original #47 bulb wich cost $0.75 at my electronic store and last for the rest of the amp life
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: uki on May 28, 2022, 02:50:29 pm
I like to keep the look vintage with original #47 bulb wich cost $0.75 at my electronic store and last for the rest of the amp life
I have replaced the incandescent ones about 4 times in 5-6 years.

It doesn't show once inside the holder and behind the jewel !
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: Latole on May 28, 2022, 02:56:06 pm
I like to keep the look vintage with original #47 bulb wich cost $0.75 at my electronic store and last for the rest of the amp life
I have replaced the incandescent ones about 4 times in 5-6 years.

 


Wow !
These new made bulbs are very low quality
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: uki on May 28, 2022, 03:12:18 pm
I got that picture just as example from Reverb, but here this picture is the one I made for my amp!

Left to right, amp off, amp on(with camera flash), amp on(no flash).

Looks really good !
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: tubeswell on May 28, 2022, 10:23:43 pm
15-Pack US$18.36 + shipping


https://www.ebay.com/itm/265709680884?hash=item3ddd87f8f4:g:WeAAAOSw3bpij8Tb


Probably even cheaper deals out there
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: owen on June 01, 2022, 12:44:42 am
15-Pack US$18.36 + shipping


https://www.ebay.com/itm/265709680884?hash=item3ddd87f8f4:g:WeAAAOSw3bpij8Tb


Probably even cheaper deals out there

i’ve been using those forever. much prefer the color temp over the incandescent too. they really increase my amp jewel intensity. I keep several colors around.
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: HotBluePlates on June 01, 2022, 03:26:53 pm
I have replaced the incandescent ones about 4 times in 5-6 years.

That's unfortunate!!

I wonder if you have line voltage issues causing it.  I have only had to replace a #47 bulb maybe once in 15-20 years.  I have 13 amps at last count (though a few use neon pilot lights).

Regardless, that's a slick way to repurpose the base!
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: uki on June 01, 2022, 11:14:00 pm
I wonder if you have line voltage issues causing it.
It could be, there is an intermittent hum with the amp, by just touching a bit the power tubes it stop, I did check the filament wires and solder points, there was one bad solder. I did check it again cos the hum did happen again at least once afterwards. I got the amp on bench and I'm going through all of it again, also trying to figure out the vibrato, yeah after 7 years...  :laugh:

Quote from: HotBluePlates
Regardless, that's a slick way to repurpose the base!
It is a nice right !!?
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: chaswahl on June 06, 2022, 07:00:06 pm
I'm in favor of DIY, but why not simply buy an LED #47 lamp replacement from TubesAndMore (Amplified Parts) for $1.35?
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/dial-lamp-led-version-47-or-44-t-3-63v-bayonet-base

Lotsa colors.
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: sluckey on June 06, 2022, 08:07:55 pm
Why is everyone ignoring this Amazon price for the same thing?

That's a great DIY idea. Or you could just buy a 20 pack of ready-made for $11...

     https://www.amazon.com/755-Bulb-Pinball-Machine-Lamp-1893-Bulbs-Warm/dp/B09LC968GK/
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: PRR on June 07, 2022, 12:37:16 am
> Why is everyone ignoring this Amazon price for the same thing?

Who needs twenty of the dang things??

{Asks the guy who just bought four bulbs for his oven...)
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: sluckey on June 07, 2022, 04:22:32 am
Who needs twenty of the dang things??
Maybe an amp builder could use them.  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: dude on June 07, 2022, 10:53:14 am
This is even better:


https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/dial-lamp-47-t-3-14-63v-015a-bayonet-base



Title: Re: Really cheap pilot lamp !
Post by: owen on June 13, 2022, 05:13:03 am
Who needs twenty of the dang things??
Maybe an amp builder could use them.  :icon_biggrin:

right? I've made 8 tube 'devices' with these things, AND I've been using them like crazy building racks and controllers for my day job (audio and video production). well worth the cost for the colors available.

they do NOT fit inside the cheap kit amp pilot assemblies, however, without sanding down that middle band quite a bit.