Fred Mann wrote:
"Spehro Pefhany" wrote in message
...

On Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:34:59 -0400, the renowned "Fred Mann"
wrote:


"Chris Jones" wrote in message
...

Fred Mann wrote:


Hello,
I have a piece of audio gear which has an illuminated power switch.

The

LED inside flickers. Should I replace the LED, or is something else

at

play here? I was under the impression (for no good reason) that LEDs

are

like light bulbs - either they work or they don't -- no flickering.
Thanks!!
Fred

Are you sure it isn't a neon tube? They do sometimes flicker when they

are

old.

Chris

I took the switch apart, and the "light" may in fact be a neon tube. It
looks like a very small condom with a reservoir tip (sorry, but that's

just

what it looks like. I'm not sure if this is an LED, but the size is

similar.

Thanks again,
Fred

Yes, it's a neon. The tip is where they sealed off the glass tube in a
hot flame.

You can replace the neon bulb itself, but take note of the series
resistor and size of the envelope (for example):

http://www.chefung.com/neon/neon.html

If you mismatch the resistor and the neon you'll either get too little
light or shorten the lifetime.


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany



Thanks! Is my local electronics store likely to have a replacement? If so,
will the resistor be matched up with the bulb when I buy it, or do I have to
bring the original resistor in (I accidentally chopped it in half trying to
bypass it -- don't ask).
Thanks yet again!!!!!
Fred

Hi...

Someone up there likes you!

Be very very thankful that your attempt to bypass it failed

Take care.

Ken