Dual Neon Tubes

[NoTransistors]

Had a ton of them, all new and unused, that has just run out. These things don't simply burn out like a normal incandescent. Sometimes, they will give an obvious, constant flicker. Others might start to not follow the A.C. frequency. This makes you think that there is something going on with line frequency, or with the supporting circuit [2 resistors, a cap and a diode], which is rarely the case.
Anyway, I simply would like to know what your opinions are on the L.E.D. aftermarket replacements.
Thank You.

 

[danj]

Often they are okay but the ends are oxidized and just need a bit of burnishing with an ink eraser or a dry Magic Eraser to make them work (it wouldn't hurt to brush the ends with a bit of Deoxit. If the tube has a red mark on it MAKE SURE the red mark is placed in the holder with the dot closer to the diode. I'm operating for 10 years with the same tube in my 1249.

 

[NoTransistors]

Thank you. I have been cleaning them for years. Doesn't work in every instance, though.

 

[SFBayArch]

For replacement of the Dual strobe bulb, I've used an NE-2 bulb with a 47kOhm resistor in-line with good results.

 

[NoTransistors]

Do you mean those little neon bulbs with wire leads? Didn't know that such things are still being made. They are old as the hills.

 

[SFBayArch]

Yep...I can still pick them up at my local independent electronics store for about a buck.

Do you mean those little neon bulbs with wire leads? Didn't know that such things are still being made. They are old as the hills.

 

[Dneprrider]

I have also sometimes used a NE-2 bulb and resistor as a replacement strobe when I didn't have an original Dual strobe on hand.

On the other hand Dual Fred makes a nice LED replacement when you really need to have something close to an original.

http://www.dualfred.de/Drive/Electronic/LED-Strobe-225321or-en.html

 

[NoTransistors]

I wonder how it looks in the available green. Those little old neon bulbs were at one time available in green as well.