monkboughtlunch
Super Member
For 1961-1966 Fisher standalone tube receivers, there are two known bulb sizes.
Below: Left: 500B/800B bulb. Right: 400/500c/800c bulb.
For posterity, I've carefully measured the dimensions of the original Fisher tungsten bulbs found in a 400 and 800B. The original bulbs are extremely hard to find (especially the earlier "B" bulbs) and expensive.
LED replacements will generate less heat (thereby extending the life of the silkscreening on the glass) and deliver a brighter lit dial (if desired). The original bulbs also give off an orange/yellow cast and distort the dial lettering colors. A white LED, in contrast, will make the green and yellow dial printing "pop" more visually.
In examining the metal tips of each OEM bulb sample, I noticed that the circa 1962 800B bulb was made in Germany. The circa 1966 400 bulb was made in Japan. Both have 6.3v 2w stamped on the metal tip.
I bet that Fisher made a purchasing decision circa 1962/1963 to change suppliers from a German bulb manufacturer to a Japanese one when they introduced the 400, 500C and 800C, hence the odd variation in bulb sizes in Fisher receivers pre and post 1962/1963.
Regardless of what 1961-1966 receiver you may have, I have found some LEDs that may work for you from eBay vendor QUA-CO AUDIO. A couple of years ago, I bought some white LEDs for my 400 from this vendor and can confirm they work great.
OEM bulb sizes and potential LED replacement options follow (remember to select 6.3VAC):
Below: Left: 500B/800B bulb. Right: 400/500c/800c bulb.
For posterity, I've carefully measured the dimensions of the original Fisher tungsten bulbs found in a 400 and 800B. The original bulbs are extremely hard to find (especially the earlier "B" bulbs) and expensive.
LED replacements will generate less heat (thereby extending the life of the silkscreening on the glass) and deliver a brighter lit dial (if desired). The original bulbs also give off an orange/yellow cast and distort the dial lettering colors. A white LED, in contrast, will make the green and yellow dial printing "pop" more visually.
In examining the metal tips of each OEM bulb sample, I noticed that the circa 1962 800B bulb was made in Germany. The circa 1966 400 bulb was made in Japan. Both have 6.3v 2w stamped on the metal tip.
I bet that Fisher made a purchasing decision circa 1962/1963 to change suppliers from a German bulb manufacturer to a Japanese one when they introduced the 400, 500C and 800C, hence the odd variation in bulb sizes in Fisher receivers pre and post 1962/1963.
Regardless of what 1961-1966 receiver you may have, I have found some LEDs that may work for you from eBay vendor QUA-CO AUDIO. A couple of years ago, I bought some white LEDs for my 400 from this vendor and can confirm they work great.
OEM bulb sizes and potential LED replacement options follow (remember to select 6.3VAC):
- 400 (late serial) Fisher OEM bulb made in Japan: 7.10 mm x 44.30 mm
- For the 400, 500C and 800C, these 6.3 mm x 42mm LEDs which are slightly smaller work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282443627032
- 800B (early serial) Fisher OEM bulb made in Germany: 5.75 mm x 43.80 mm
- For the 500B and 800B (early serial), these 5 mm x 42 mm LEDs work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/371927828869
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