[Yaesu] RE: FT-5100 lamp replacement

[Glenn Wiebe]

Further to my post:

> I am faced with unenviable task of replacing the dial lamps (and the
> battery while I'm in there). The service manual says they are T-3 10v
> 60ma. Are there LED substitutes (with built in dropping resistor) that
> can be used? Either way, getting the lamps in here in rural Manitoba may
> be a challenge.

I opened it up this morning wanting to have a look at the lamps and to
see if it was practical for ME to replacement them. I cut my teeth on
electronics as a hobby, ham radio and commercial two radio installation
and maintenance over forty years ago. Tubes, Heathkits, Motorola 80D,
43GGV, T-Power and so on. Working on modern day radios is a challenge.
After finding a step in the disassembly process not in the service
manual I pulled the front panel off and a handful of parts fell on the
bench (fortunately none rolled on the floor) Hi! After wiping the sweat
from my brow I inspected the lamps and the circuit board that the lamps
are soldered to and  I knew I would never ever replace them. The lamps
are tiny and the solder pads even more so. I reassembled the radio,
tested it and it still works (accept for the dial lamps). I am rather
proud of that! So the alternatives are:

1) Keep the flashlight at the ready.
2) Have someone else replace the lamps.
3) Replace the radio.

Being as what it resides in the shack and not in the car I'll probably
opt for #1.

So that was how my morning went.

Thank you to those who responded to my post.

73 de Glenn...VE4GN