Retro doublewide mod. (lights in the meter)

[greenhorn]

Hi,

I am very inexperienced in modding stuff. I can solder and follow a pictorial fairly well, but that's how far my DIY skills go.
I have two Retro Doublewides that I'd like to install lights in (in the meters). Problem is, I have NO idea where to start, what to look for, and what to use.

I guess a good place to start is:
1: Will the inclusion of a lamp bulb create sonic intereference (considering the circuit is not supposed to have one in there)?
2: Will I have to worry about power consumption?

Go easy on me, please... 

Thanks!

 

[bruno2000]

A photo of the inside would help for those of us that are not familiar with that piece of gear.  You could probably use a couple of LEDs that would only draw 10mA or so, and since it's a "double-wide", power would probably not be a problem.
Best,
Bruno2000

 

[greenhorn]

Thanks! Yes, I will open it and take some pics.

 

[kato]

Looks like they included pads at the gold fingers, making it convenient to tap off the +16v and power common.  If you can figure out how to open the VU meter, it should be pretty easy.

Basically, here's are the steps:

1.) figure out how to mount the LEDs, and how many you want to use.
2.) neatly route wires from the PCB pads at the back slot.  Solder to the +16v and power common.
3.) put a current limiting resistor in line to drop the 16v down to the right voltage for the LEDs

You can use an LED resistor calculator to determine the resistor value.

You can post a link to the data sheet for the LEDs you're using if you want some help/advice on what resistor value to use.

 

[greenhorn]

Thanks! I didn't even think about those ones...

I finally found the time to open one of mine. I found that the on light has a separate connection, which might be ok to tap into?

 

[greenhorn]

I've tried searching the net for LED lights like the ones in the API 2500 and the SH Dual Vandergraph, but I obviously don't know the correct english term, as I just end up getting pages with large LED bulbs and the like. Would you know any sites who sell these?

Thanks.

 

[kato]

Thanks! I didn't even think about those ones...

I finally found the time to open one of mine. I found that the on light has a separate connection, which might be ok to tap into?

Probably.  But check the voltage with a DMM at that spot. If the lamp in there is a neon bulb, it's probably tapping off the higher voltages for the tubes.

Another possibility is to remove the lamp, leave the red lens intact, and use the lamp to light the VU.