Magic eye tubes: what's the best approach to remove and install w/o breaking?

[monkboughtlunch]

For Fisher tube receivers that use the EM84 magic eye tube (and related variant tubes) what's the best approach step by step to remove an old dim tube from the steel clamp and pin socket and install a new one without breaking the tube?

 

[larryderouin]

Rock the socket back and forth while exerting a pulling force on the socket. Then remove the plate from the unit. Use both hands and 1.)snap it up and away from the clamp ends one at a time, or 2.) pushing the top of the tube along the tubes long axis, and slide it out of the clamps. Installation is reverse. The tube is very tough especially with regard to snapping IN TO THE CLAMP. That envelope is very very TOUGH.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

Then remove the plate from the unit. Use both hands and 1.)snap it up and away from the clamp ends one at a time, or 2.) pushing the top of the tube along the tubes long axis, and slide it out of the clamps.

Thanks Larry. What is the "plate?" And what is "it" that is being snapped up and away.

 

[larryderouin]

On the 400 the eye-tube is attached to a plate with a clip on the plate. The plate has two tabs on the bottom that slip into 2 slots in the chassis, then is held snug to the plastic bezel behind the front plate by a spring on top.
The tube is snapped up and away from the plate one side at a time(Use your FINGERS ONLY, NO TOOLS), or slide the tube out of the clamps by pushing on the top of the tube.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

On the 400 the eye-tube is attached to a plate with a clip on the plate. The plate has two tabs on the bottom that slip into 2 slots in the chassis, then is held snug to the plastic bezel behind the front plate by a spring on top.
The tube is snapped up and away from the plate one side at a time(Use your FINGERS ONLY, NO TOOLS), or slide the tube out of the clamps by pushing on the top of the tube.

Should the "top" tabs that clamp the tube be pushed up to help free the tube? Or should one just pull the tab towards the faceplate (away from the plate holding the tube) first and one clamp and then the other?

 

[larryderouin]

Take the plate off the chassis(Undo the spring, Undo the socket from the tube)! REMOVE IT from the chassis! Now set the plate with the tube, on the table with the tube facing up toward you. At the top of the plate you will see a hole in the middle with the spring or for the spring if you're down on the floor hunting for it. At the bottom of the plate are TWO (2) TABS that engage in the rectangular holes in the chassis. There is a spring clip for and that holds the tube horizontal when attached to the 400. The tube should be oriented with the TOP OF THE TUBE to the RIGHT, and the pins to the LEFT. Stick your right index finger under the top of the tube and lift up, while holding the plate down. There will be considerable resistance but the top of the tube will pop up past the crimp point. Because the tube is now angled in the clamp it will be easier to remove the pin end from the clamp. Do the same as you did on the top side, except the bottom is easier (does this tube make my butt look FAT??????) to move up now.

Installation is reverse, Or you can slide the tube into the clamp easily. ALWAYS Replace the tube with the plate away from the CHASSIS@