[Elecraft] OT: How to install LED bulb in Yaesu G-800DXA

[Tom Hammond]

Joe:

>How to I replace the 12 volt incandescent bulb in my Yaesu G-800DXA 
>rotor control unit with an LED bulb? The incandescent bulb is a fuse 
>looking bulb with wires out each end. I tried putting an LED in, it 
>worked for a while then went out. Do I need a resistor in the circuit?

I replaced the single incandescents in my G-1000DSX with (2) blue 
LEDs... one on
each side of the top corners.

I used a bit of silicone glue to hold them in place.

I really need to replace them with something BRIGHTER though... the 
blue is neat
looking, but it's a bit too dim sometimes... maybe some high-output blues might
work better.

Were I to do it again, I'd probably put LEDs in all three corners, OR 
work to find
some LEDs which have a VERY WIDE viewing angle (unlike those I'm 
currently using).
I've tried filing flat the front lens in order to 'spread' out the light and to
help keep it from being quite so much of a 'spot'... this has helped, but I'm
sure there are better lenses available (probably higher cost, but 
better nonethe-
less.

The OEM incandescent in my rotor box had become hot enough that it slightly
melted and deformed the (originally clear) plastic faceplate... I had 
to do some
'cosmetic' work with a DremelTool before I got it back in good 
working shape. In
fact, I had to 'smooth' out the damaged (and later ground-flat) edge where the
bulb was by literally applying a flame from a small butane torch, to melt the
plastic on the edge and then allow it to cool, leaving a nice smooth edge to
act as a light pipe for the rest of the dial.

73,

Tom Hammond  N0SS