Which indicator lamps for R2R? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Xyience · 30th Mar 2021, 10:30 am

I need some help identifying the correct 8-track and power indicator lamps in my Akai X-1800SD. (part numbers PLO-1 to 5)

The voltage across the lamps is 6.5V a.c., measured, but I have no idea about current or even how these operate (neon or incandescent). I have the user and service manuals, but no further information is given.

Picture attached
Any ideas?

Daniel.

Restoration73 · 30th Mar 2021, 10:45 am

https://cpc.farnell.com/cml-innovati...ed%20indicator

Xyience · 31st Mar 2021, 10:35 am

Thanks Restoration73
I don't think 8-track will ever be my favourite format, but at least I will have some nice lamps to look at.

Restoration73 · 31st Mar 2021, 10:58 am

I think you will find that having a decent AC motor and flywheel the Akai will provide
a better quality than many others. The lubricated tape greatly reduces head wear.
I had an Akai CR80D 8 track recorder that gave excellent results for many years.

McMurdo · 31st Mar 2021, 1:34 pm

good machine, that

Xyience · 6th Apr 2021, 11:26 am

I was a bit unfair on the 8-track.

Now I have changed the belt, which had adopted an egg shape over years of storage, the 8-track has improved.

The mechanics of the Akai are a pleasure to work on and the 4-track sounds very good.

30th Mar 2021, 10:30 am	#1
Xyience Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK Posts: 69	Which indicator lamps for R2R? I need some help identifying the correct 8-track and power indicator lamps in my Akai X-1800SD. (part numbers PLO-1 to 5) The voltage across the lamps is 6.5V a.c., measured, but I have no idea about current or even how these operate (neon or incandescent). I have the user and service manuals, but no further information is given. Picture attached Any ideas? Daniel. Attached Thumbnails

30th Mar 2021, 10:45 am	#2
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Which indicator lamps for R2R? https://cpc.farnell.com/cml-innovati...ed%20indicator

31st Mar 2021, 10:35 am	#3
Xyience Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK Posts: 69	Re: Which indicator lamps for R2R? Thanks Restoration73 I don't think 8-track will ever be my favourite format, but at least I will have some nice lamps to look at.

31st Mar 2021, 10:58 am	#4
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: Which indicator lamps for R2R? I think you will find that having a decent AC motor and flywheel the Akai will provide a better quality than many others. The lubricated tape greatly reduces head wear. I had an Akai CR80D 8 track recorder that gave excellent results for many years.

31st Mar 2021, 1:34 pm	#5
McMurdo Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 5,271	Re: Which indicator lamps for R2R? good machine, that __________________ Kevin

6th Apr 2021, 11:26 am	#6
Xyience Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK Posts: 69	Re: Which indicator lamps for R2R? I was a bit unfair on the 8-track. Now I have changed the belt, which had adopted an egg shape over years of storage, the 8-track has improved. The mechanics of the Akai are a pleasure to work on and the 4-track sounds very good.