HMV 491 dial lamps - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

15th Nov 2004, 6:12 pm

Does anyone know what rating these bulbs should be? My left hand one has gone but I intend replacing both as access to them is not madly easy if I remember correctly from the last time I had the back off.

mickjjo · 15th Nov 2004, 6:42 pm

According to the Trader sheet the original rating for the dial lamps was 4 volts @ 0.3 amps, but for operating on AC it is normal practice to use 5 or 6 volt lamps, underunning them in the interest of longer life.

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Regards, Mick.

15th Nov 2004, 8:48 pm

If I under-run them will they not be rather dim? As the backing with the stations on has yellowed with age it's difficult to read already! If they won't be any dimmer I will fit them anyway. Thanks Mick for the prompt post!

paulsherwin · 15th Nov 2004, 8:57 pm

You could try 4.5V MES torch bulbs (used in 6V torches).

HTH, Paul

15th Nov 2004, 6:12 pm	#1
Rob_Lewis Guest Posts: n/a	HMV 491 dial lamps Does anyone know what rating these bulbs should be? My left hand one has gone but I intend replacing both as access to them is not madly easy if I remember correctly from the last time I had the back off.

15th Nov 2004, 6:42 pm	#2
mickjjo Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dartford, Kent, UK. Posts: 1,661	Re: HMV 491 dial lamps According to the Trader sheet the original rating for the dial lamps was 4 volts @ 0.3 amps, but for operating on AC it is normal practice to use 5 or 6 volt lamps, underunning them in the interest of longer life. . Regards, Mick. Last edited by Paul Stenning; 26th Dec 2004 at 3:50 pm.

15th Nov 2004, 8:48 pm	#3
Rob_Lewis Guest Posts: n/a	Re: HMV 491 dial lamps If I under-run them will they not be rather dim? As the backing with the stations on has yellowed with age it's difficult to read already! If they won't be any dimmer I will fit them anyway. Thanks Mick for the prompt post!

15th Nov 2004, 8:57 pm	#4
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,932	Re: HMV 491 dial lamps You could try 4.5V MES torch bulbs (used in 6V torches). HTH, Paul