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VU lamp replacement TEAC / TASCAM

1koolcat

1koolcat

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Does anyone know for sure what voltage axial bulb (lamps) is used in my TEAC spec VU meters from a TASCAM 42B reel to reel?

The VU meter part number is 5296006000 if that helps.

I have an email in to TEAC parts in California, too.

Thanks.
 
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Yes, Jan. My VU's use axial lamps similar to the ones in your link.

I just got off the phone with TEAC Parts in California. They have a clear replacement lamp available for a higher cost than the PARTS EXPRESS option. It's too bad it isn't frosted like the originals.

(Note: My original frosted lamps are shown in the first photo - the clear replacements can be seen in the second photo.)

It would be nice is I knew for sure which voltage lamp to use. A local AK friend has offered to look at the schematic drawings with me to see if we can figure out what voltage is used in that circuit. I will follow up with him to see what I can find out.

Thanks all.
 

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1koolcat said:
Yes, Jan. My VU's use axial lamps similar to the ones in your link.

I just got off the phone with TEAC Parts in California. They have a clear replacement lamp available for a higher cost than the PARTS EXPRESS option. It's too bad it isn't frosted like the originals.

(Note: My original frosted lamps are shown in the first photo - the clear replacements can be seen in the second photo.)

It would be nice is I knew for sure which voltage lamp to use. A local AK friend has offered to look at the schematic drawings with me to see if we can figure out what voltage is used in that circuit. I will follow up with him to see what I can find out.

Thanks all.
Click to expand...

I havent a schematic for TASCAM 42, only for the model 38, that has a 6volt powersupply to the meter lamps - so it is somewhat unclear if the 42 is identical .. can you meassure the voltage across a working lamp ?

( I still think 8volt 100mA is the type to go for)
 
Local AK member westend and I looked at the schematics and the deck earlier today. We measured a little over 9 volts between the leads leading to the VU lamp circuit.

With that information, dgwojo was able to recommend 12 volt / 100mw lamps. I have ordered a set and can't wait to replace them.

Cheers.
 
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steerpike2 said:
You can buy etch paste at art shops to mark glass - it may work to frost a clear lamp envelope.
Click to expand...

Thanks, steerpike2. That's just interesting enough that I might check it out and test it out on a burned out lamp first. (The original TEAC lamps are truly a thing of beauty.)
 
The meter lamps on my A-3440 take 7V. With my fairly limited electronics experience, I'd guess that a lower voltage lamp would blow while a higher voltage lamp would be safe but operate dimmer that it should.
 
fortycoats said:
The meter lamps on my A-3440 take 7V. With my fairly limited electronics experience, I'd guess that a lower voltage lamp would blow while a higher voltage lamp would be safe but operate dimmer that it should.
Click to expand...

a lower voltage lamp would have extra bright light - a too low voltage lamp would blow out in very short time.

and as you correctly say - a higher voltage lamp would have a dimmer light - and possibly last much longer.
 
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