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Nikko Alpha 230s - burnt out 8V Panel Illumination Bulb and ...

Old post but I just found it and was very helpful. Thanks for all that detail on the lamp replacement Fred. I also now have 2 Alpha 230s. One I bought new somewhere around 1984 and just picked up another this week. I had recapped mine, replaced the relay, adjusted idle current, and re-soldered much of the PC boards a few weeks ago and just did the same to the other. They are both lookin and sounding great although my original looks better. The one I just bought has an LED bulb like the one you put in yours but the other is the original. The person I bought the latest one from included an extra LED bulb so I'll change out my original so they match. I did measure the voltage to the lamp and it's 8VAC not DC. The one I just bought has faint round marks on the top cover, one on each side in the front which indicates a piece sitting on top of the amp. For these (or any amp) that is a big no no. The Alphas get very hot! Leave plenty of breathing room and never stack other pieces on top of an amp. I have a small fan on top of each of mine which keeps them nice and cool. I love these amps and if taken good care of will last a very long time.
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Wow that was an old project... I am glad someone found the information useful. I still have all my Nikko stuff and trying to decide to keep or sell. If I keep it... I will have to recap it. That is a big project and now that I'm in my 70s... I seem to have more projects than time on my hands. I'm currently running some Onkyo (TX-NR) receivers and Denon AVR receivers that can handle Internet Radio streaming and SACD/Audio DVD material. Is just me... or do Denon Amps seem to have better sound stage?? Do miss the Nikko stuff on LPs though
 
Nice to see you're still hangin around AK Fred. I too have things around that I should sell but haven't so far. I suspect my 3 sons inlaws will get some or all of it someday. Which is ok, they appreciate the old stuff and I have given them all some pieces here and there. My projects this winter were all those pieces. I did alot of recapping and tuning up of amps and receivers that I've been planning to do for years. Retirement is a great thing :) The Alpha 230 is actually very easy to do and takes very little time. Not that many caps in the thing and easy to get at. I didn't change the large main reservoir caps since they tested good. I'll probably do that soon too though. Most caps I replaced did test good but many were out of tolerance, of questionable quality, and of course 40 years old. I did change the relay in one of the 230s which is kind of a PITA since the original relay is not available. I did it "dead bug" style because the pin arrangement is way different than any relay I found to be suitable. I kind of miss that loud click at turn on, the new relay is almost silent. I also changed the trim pots to make the idle current adjustment easier. If you decide to do yours I can send my list of parts if you need them. I got my parts through DigiKey and Mouser. I still like good ol analog systems. My main listening systems are used to play records, CDs, and cassettes and consist of decades old equipment. Even have my Pioneer SA-7500II as my computer sound amp, which doubles as a monitor stand. I do have some surround systems for TV and movies.

I now have both 230s lit with LED.

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Thought I would chime in. Loved reading your story on updating the meter lighting. I certainly favour the classic look but your update does look pretty awesome. It looks very clean and many would potentially prefer it. I recently picked up a previously loved white badge unit for CAD$100. Sounds solid so far. Enormous amounts of power. I haven't pushed it too hard yet. Not quite the bass control of my decades newer Rotel but not a complaint really. It had a small light bleed out the bottom of the case near the meter that was distracting so I covered it with electrical tape underneath. There is significant light bleed out the back of the meter as well and this lights up the internals of most of the right portion of the case. A nice effect. Really enjoying the unit so far.
 
Are you saying you have an Alpha 230? Not sure what white badge is. The 230 has a metal shield around the lamp and don't think much light leakage could happen with it in place so best check if it's there or has fallen off.
 
I recently picked up an Alpha 230 and I will open it up eventually to have a closer look at the light bleed, I really like the effect. It looks like a gaming PC with the insides lit up. Some Alpha 230 units where badged with white lettering and some in red lettering. I think one was released earlier than the other. If you look online you will see 3 or 4 different faceplates for this unit.
 
Oh yes, I get it now :thumbsup:
I've only seen white ones. Great price you got that for!
I took a look at mine and there is some light shining on the right inside. I never noticed that before.
 
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