Zenith TO H500 Dial illumination - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Nixie tube · 27th Jun 2021, 11:51 am

Hi everyone,
Has anyone out there ever added a dial lamp to a Zenith TO H500?
As much as I love this model I do miss that illuminated dial. I intend to use a warm white LED powered from a dedicated 9volt cell.
My dilemma is where can I actually place the LED. Will I have to go the route of the TO 600 series and drill a hole in the dial plate?
Or is there enough gap somewhere around the dial I could utilise.
Any thoughts and/or experience will be welcome.

Nick

newlite4 · 27th Jun 2021, 12:04 pm

In the past I have installed miniature neons where panel lamps were not originally fitted. These can come straight off the mains on/off switch through a suitable series resistor. I have done this to the Marconi T11DA midget radios and offers a soft warm glow.
Neil

Nixie tube · 27th Jun 2021, 12:14 pm

Thanks for reply, however I'm really wanting ideas on how/where to physically place any illunination on this specific (TO H500) model.

27th Jun 2021, 11:51 am	#1
Nixie tube Triode Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Fakenham, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 14	Zenith TO H500 Dial illumination Hi everyone, Has anyone out there ever added a dial lamp to a Zenith TO H500? As much as I love this model I do miss that illuminated dial. I intend to use a warm white LED powered from a dedicated 9volt cell. My dilemma is where can I actually place the LED. Will I have to go the route of the TO 600 series and drill a hole in the dial plate? Or is there enough gap somewhere around the dial I could utilise. Any thoughts and/or experience will be welcome. Nick

27th Jun 2021, 12:04 pm	#2
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: Zenith TO H500 Dial illumination In the past I have installed miniature neons where panel lamps were not originally fitted. These can come straight off the mains on/off switch through a suitable series resistor. I have done this to the Marconi T11DA midget radios and offers a soft warm glow. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

27th Jun 2021, 12:14 pm	#3
Nixie tube Triode Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Fakenham, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 14	Re: Zenith TO H500 Dial illumination Thanks for reply, however I'm really wanting ideas on how/where to physically place any illunination on this specific (TO H500) model.