Roberts R760 - dial illumination? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

SteveP1 · 4th Feb 2021, 4:00 pm

Hi can anyone tell me whether these 1980s radios had illumination? I've dusted down my old set which works very well but I was surprised that there doesn't appear to be any dial illumination? If not, is it something that's simple to add?
thanks
Steve

Paul_RK · 4th Feb 2021, 4:17 pm

No dial illumination on these - of all Roberts' transistor portables, leaving aside imported models that were badge-engineered sets by Samsung etc., the only model I can think of with an illuminated dial was a late version of the analogue Revival. Must be pretty straightforward to add using an LED or two, it's not something I've thought of doing but someone who has will likely be along soon.

Paul

Cobaltblue · 4th Feb 2021, 4:22 pm

Battery sets didn't tend to have scale illumination since the bulb would take far more current than the radio, shortening Battery life.

Some upmarket sets (Grundig springs to mind) had a dial light that came on by push button so only during tuning or to check the scale position or when connected to an external supply
Modern LED's provide far more efficient lighting but how well it will work on a scale not designed for it is anyone's guess.

The optimum colour may not be white but one that best illuminates your scale markings in your case yellow.

Cheers

Mike T

SteveP1 · 4th Feb 2021, 4:52 pm

Thank you both for useful info
Cheers
Steve

4th Feb 2021, 4:00 pm	#1
SteveP1 Diode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, UK. Posts: 2	Roberts R760 - dial illumination? Hi can anyone tell me whether these 1980s radios had illumination? I've dusted down my old set which works very well but I was surprised that there doesn't appear to be any dial illumination? If not, is it something that's simple to add? thanks Steve

4th Feb 2021, 4:17 pm	#2
Paul_RK Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fakenham, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 4,259	Re: Roberts R760 - dial illumination? No dial illumination on these - of all Roberts' transistor portables, leaving aside imported models that were badge-engineered sets by Samsung etc., the only model I can think of with an illuminated dial was a late version of the analogue Revival. Must be pretty straightforward to add using an LED or two, it's not something I've thought of doing but someone who has will likely be along soon. Paul

4th Feb 2021, 4:22 pm	#3
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,878	Re: Roberts R760 - dial illumination? Battery sets didn't tend to have scale illumination since the bulb would take far more current than the radio, shortening Battery life. Some upmarket sets (Grundig springs to mind) had a dial light that came on by push button so only during tuning or to check the scale position or when connected to an external supply Modern LED's provide far more efficient lighting but how well it will work on a scale not designed for it is anyone's guess. The optimum colour may not be white but one that best illuminates your scale markings in your case yellow. Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk Last edited by Cobaltblue; 4th Feb 2021 at 4:23 pm. Reason: crossed with Paul

4th Feb 2021, 4:52 pm	#4
SteveP1 Diode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, UK. Posts: 2	Re: Roberts R760 - dial illumination? Thank you both for useful info Cheers Steve