The Yaesu G400 has given good service, I can't remember when it went blind. As well as making the dial visible in low light the scale lighting is a reminder that the thing is switched on.
Replacing the bulb was a job I have put off for ages. Finally I pulled the controller apart. It is not easy to get at the scale illumination, just one bulb taped with a silvered tape at the top left hand corner.
Once all the necessary screws were removed to get access to release the scale it was obvious that the bulb had actually melted the plastic. An ideal candidate for cool lighting. There are positions for lighting provided at the top left and top right of the dial. I arranged 2 bright blue LED's in series with a 1N4001 diode and a 1K Ohm resistor connected to the original bulb supply. I secured my LED's with gaffer tape at the corners and re assembled.
The result is a very modern look for the trusty G400, plus the dial will not be melted by the LED's.
Hi, Looks nice.
I to have the problem that you had. I have replaced the lamps one already, but these have blown again, so now the LEDs are looking good.
Can you tell me the specs of the 1N4001, 1Kohm and LEDs that you have used.
I will be paying Maplin's a visit this coming week, and hope to get my fingers cut getting to the existing lamps in the controller this weekend.
Many thank