plastimo compass light bulb

[mikebutler]

The bulb in my plastimo compass is not working. When coming to take the old one out, Ouch! this isn't easy. What kind of bulb is this? How the heck do I replace it (just 2 little wires coming up though the housing with the bulb soldered on the end and no room to do much). Anyone know how to change it. And what is it ? thanks for looking

 

[Roberto]

They are usually sold as spare parts ready to be fitted, indeed with the bulb already soldered to the two wires, cost about £1-2

 

[charles_reed]

That is the bulb - I always carry spares now because they're so difficult to get.

Ordered mine direct from Plastimo - but they're getting increasingly portentous and keep on trying to get you to order through a distributor.

 

[srm]

I cut the old bulb off and soldered a red led + resistor in its place. Gives a narrower light beam and had to be positioned to shine on the card but works fine. Low power draw so does not matter if it is left on - just wired it into the light circuit without a switch as this is only on at night.

 

[savageseadog]

Similar to previous reply used to fit a conventional bulb recently fitted an ultra bright LED. Suggest you use white because the red doesn't quite illuminate well enough, the contrast is poor. You can buy LEDS ready to go with 12v rather than use a resistor.

 

[LadyInBed]

Yes, 12v LED is the way to go these days. My previous solution was to use a backlight bulb for a car radio - 12v and low wattage.

 

[mikebutler]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I'll go for the LED as suggested & hope I can fit it properly!

 

[alexsailor]

one question: I got a new light but I do not know where to connect it? It was three years since I removed it and I can not remember where to connect it. I have other instruments there (ploter, depth, etc.) so I guess ...

thanks

 

[Rigger Mortice]

I cut the old bulb off and soldered a red led + resistor in its place. Gives a narrower light beam and had to be positioned to shine on the card but works fine. Low power draw so does not matter if it is left on - just wired it into the light circuit without a switch as this is only on at night.

If you get a "top hat" led it has a wide angle beam of light.
You could even make one yourself by just filing and polishing the rounded end off an ordinary LED.

 

[nigelmercier]

Old thread alert

one question ...

I suggest you start a new thread. Hijacking a thread rarely produces a valid response, especially with an old one.

 

[alexsailor]

Thanks Nigel. I just want to keep the forum clean....

 

[alexsailor]

I found useful information (for the electric connection scroll down)
http://www.theyachtshop.co.uk/items/navigation~electronics/compasses/list.htm