MR 71 question

[mash35231]

I recently purchased a MR 71and the dial is dim and the pointer isn't lit. The dimmer switch will make the dial dimmer and brighter but it seems too dim on the brighter setting anyway. I was reading a post in the Mcintosh hint and kinks section about the pointer on a MR 74 but I didn't find anything about the MR 71 pointer. Ok, is the pointer on the MR 71 supposed to be lit up red and what are festoon bulbs? I removed the dust cover and I don't see where a bulb would be to light up the pointer....Help

 

[skippy_ps]

The '71 pointer doesn't have an integrated lamp like the later ss Mc tuners have.

Old festoon lamps and burned black filters next to the lamps will cause the display to be dim.

Murray

 

[mash35231]

Ok, thanks for the info about the pointer ...what is a festoon lamp and how/where can I buy them?

 

[dewickt]

Festoon lamps are at each end of the dial glass, they look like a super long fuse lamp, available from McIntosh or Audio Classics only.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

Might also check with AK member 'dgwojo'. He often has lamps that are difficult to find.

 

[mash35231]

I found a fuse lamp at MCM today and with a little help from a soldering iron I replaced the old festoon lamps. The new bulbs are a little brighter but not that great of a difference. Has anyone found a led replacement? I can live with the improvement but I was hoping for a better result.

 

[dshoaf]

Part of the problem on the lighting, Mash, is that the lettering on the dial glass has also faded. When I was able to replace the dial glass (a repro from RadioDaze), there was a significant improvement in the contrast.

The challenge with using the LED arrangements is that festoon lamps radiate light along the side of the package where as most LED replacement devices radiate light off the end of the package. Given the placement of the lamps in the older Mac gear, this reduces their use. I suppose someone (not me!) could spend some time working out a diffuser system.......this would certainly help with heat generation behind the front panel.

Cheers,

David