How would I wire in a 110/120v 50/60Hz incandescent power light?

Joshewah · 1902

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Offline Joshewah

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on: May 28, 2014, 01:47:49 PM
As the title states, I'd like to wire in a pilot light but I'm not sure where it fits into the circuit. Would it be wired in directly before the power switch, directly after?

Also, would the bulb inadvertantly become like a fuse?


Offline mcandmar

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Reply #1 on: May 28, 2014, 01:59:06 PM
I assume the mains bulb is actually a neon, in which case you will need to calculate a dropper resistor to limit the current.  It would be wired directly across the mains live and neutral in parallel to the main transformer.

A better option is to fit a pilot light from a Guitar amp as they are ~6v and will work wired into the heater circuit. For example here is one i installed into my S.E.X. amp..

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbottlehead.com%2Fsmf%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D5252.0%3Battach%3D5135&hash=808dedd036a878200fe3c69892597c9487755696)

M.McCandless

Offline Joshewah

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Reply #2 on: May 28, 2014, 02:10:03 PM
This is what I picked up.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201082121626?txnId=1060948971010#

Hopefully it links.


Offline Joshewah

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Reply #3 on: May 28, 2014, 02:26:15 PM
Oh man, lol... I just realized how damn big the light I picked up was.  ;D

Okay, time for plan B; tell me more about your 6v light and how it would be wired to the heater's circuit.


Offline mcandmar

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Reply #4 on: May 28, 2014, 02:48:29 PM
They are just weird, from what i can make out the box section is a step down transformer and the bulb is a regular 6v.  I guess thats the kind of thing you use in industrial cabinets but since we have a 6v source a guitar pilot lamp would make more sense. Do double check the physical size to ensure you have the room, i made a mistake with the location of mine i almost didnt get away with :)

Basically both tubes are fed 6.3v from a dedicated winding on the transformer to power the heater elements, all you need to do is connect the bulb to those two wires.

I had a search for the holder i used and cant find it, but there are plenty on eBay to choose from.  I did find a 240v neon on eBay that i want for no reason other than its cool looking. Cant decide if it looks more like an army helmet or a magic mushroom!

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi18.ebayimg.com%2F01%2Fi%2F001%2F11%2F26%2F2245_12.JPG&hash=3909155bbd0886c68df690a69ede26572798dc2c)
« Last Edit: May 28, 2014, 02:53:40 PM by mcandmar »

M.McCandless

Offline Joshewah

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Reply #5 on: May 28, 2014, 03:06:10 PM
Damn that's a nice looking bulb right there.

Well, I suppose I'm going to pick up a pack of these supposedly vintage russian pilot lights made of bakelite. The black bakelite housing will match my amp better than a chrome housing.

Will this work? Just wire it up to pins 5 and 9?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6x-Vintage-Russian-Pilot-Indicator-Lights-RED-6-3V-/191138657131?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2c80c0736b

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2F17%2F%21CEYmuiwEGk%7E%24%28KGrHqZ%2C%21hYE0fhM%21K34BNRuOR4hSQ%7E%7E_12.JPG&hash=872b3676991322e6e3485727c9538f7e80737314)



Offline mcandmar

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Reply #6 on: May 28, 2014, 03:25:33 PM
Looks good to me, and much smaller then the unit i'm using.  Mine was more like 50-60mm deep.

Cant confirm the pins to wire to as i dont own a crack.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2014, 03:27:35 PM by mcandmar »

M.McCandless

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