[Test-Equipment] Looking for A1H neon lamp for HP-410C On/Off switch - Resolved

[Barry]

> Anyone have a source of A1H neon lamps?  I can find them but paying $6.40
> for a lamp is something I can't seem to make myself do and I don't really
> need anything else from that vendor so the shipping cost goes directly on
> the lamp.
> Thanks!
> Barry - N4BUQ

Someone on this list suggested I repair the lamp with an NE-1.  I didn't realize the old lamp could be unsoldered and replaced like that (figured they were crimped, epoxied, etc.).  After pulling the old bulb out and straightening the leads, I tested it with a dropping resistor and the bulb was good so I soldered it back in the base and it works just fine.

I noticed the lamp was a lot shorter than a comparable lamp.  I think what had happened is someone/something had pushed the bulb down into the base hard enough to short the wires (or the center wire to the shell).  It looks right now and it should be good for a long time.

Thanks for all the replies,
Barry - N4BUQ