[G6ONEDave]

The chips should all still be available from the usual suppliers, most controllers used standard 74 series TTL or 4000 series CMOS logic. There were the odd ones with custom chips, probably pre-programmed early eeprom or eprom. Triacs are better choice for the mains switching as they are often designed to switch at near to the zero point of the mains sine wave thus cutting down on mains interference. Also using tab isolated triacs make for easier heatsinking, as no thermal insulators are needed.

The lighting displays could be any spot light in a suitable mounting, either in tall boxes or on horizontal 25mm dia round tube, sometimes sqare tube would be used. Then there were the light boxes which could contain spot/flood lights, as well as coloured gls light bulbs, even coloured pygmy types. It all depended on cabinet size and the effect required. Cabinets would often be sub divided internally with each area being a different colour, then an opaque plastic cover was fitted, so that when it lit up, it showed coloured patterns on the plastic cover. There were a lot of these built by the disc jocky's who wanted something different.

Both E27 and B22D types were used, although a lot of commercial gear was E27. Most personal builds used the B22D as they were easier to get hold off. Both cord grip and batten lampholders were used and cabinets were usually matt black exterior painted plywood. The original designs probably would not comply with todays electrical safety regulations on fire risk etc.

Something else to watch for when using original kit; there is more than one way to wire up the 8 pin Bulgin connectors and if the earth was wired correctly/incorrectly for the controller. Like wise not all controllers were properly isolated on the sound inputs, which could cause trouble for the amplifier output stage driving it.

You just had to check all the connections carefully and if not you often got fuses blowing.

Dave