[Boatanchors] WW II bulb question...

[Michael Hanz]

The number on the lamp is LM-32 in the WWII nomenclature system, but is 
also called a 323, or sometimes 323 mini.  The lowest cost I have found 
for single units is at Interlight, for $5.88 each 
(https://www.interlight.biz/light-bulb/323 - but I didn't check 
shipping).  Ebay has an offer of 9 of them for $32.97 - 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112912656803  with free shipping.  Both GE and 
Westinghouse made them.

There are actually a couple of variations, including a red one (323-SR, 
the SR standing for "Stained Red" of all things...)  The lifetime is 
usually quoted at only around 350 hours, so I use a series resistor on 
my instruments to drop the voltage to 2.5 volts to extend the life.  
They are used primarily on Bendix instruments 
(http://aafradio.org/flightdeck/I-71A.html ), but I have one in a tiny 
light to illuminate a receiver frequency tuner made by Aircraft Radio 
Corporation in 1936 for the SCR-AE-183 radio sets, shown below:


  - Mike KC4TOS

On 5/27/2018 7:12 PM, Gary Peterson wrote:
> If anyone remembers the TUNE FOR MAX meter on RDF control boxes and other gear of that era, I have a question about the meter lamps.
>
> These lamps were replaced by screwing them into one corner of the meter case, from the front.
>
> I have been unable to identify these lamps by part number or find any information about them, regarding voltage, current, etc.
>
> I have never seen any for sale, anywhere, so they must be quite rare.
>
> Thanks in advance for any information regarding these little, screw-in meter lamps.
>
> Gary, KØCX