Replacing an odd dial lamp

[YamahaFreak]

I have a Lafayette 99-5014 tube-based audio frequency generator that works well except for its burned out pilot light. I have had no luck finding a replacement. The bulb is a metal tube with a red lens at one end and two terminals at the other, and is permanently sealed. It mounts flush to the front panel and secures with a nut from behind. Supply voltage is 97.5 AC according to my meter. I'm assuming it's got to be a tiny filament bulb? The only markings on it anywhere are the words 'JOSIN' and 'JAPAN' on the bottom around the terminals. I have attached a photo of the lamp for reference.

[maxhifi]

I bet it's a neon, can't imagine why someone would permanently seal an incandescent.
Take a look on mouser or digikey I bet you will find something similar. Search for phrases like panel mount neon pilot lamp.

[Reece]

I'll bet it's neon also, with a resistor. If you can saw it open, you could probably replace it with a NE2. If it is neon, strange it would not work: usually last forever. One fast cheap source would be a cheap neon receptacle tester, the kind with two leads and pin plugs, available everywhere.

But I've seen that pilot assembly somewhere....

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by Reece

I'll bet it's neon also, with a resistor. If you can saw it open, you could probably replace it with a NE2. If it is neon, strange it would not work: usually last forever. One fast cheap source would be a cheap neon receptacle tester, the kind with two leads and pin plugs, available everywhere.

But I've seen that pilot assembly somewhere....

Instrument must be a high hour unit. I have a few of those outlet strips, where the neon indicators flicker. It indicates the end of it's life.
That pilot assembly was sold at almost every electronic supplier, that sold Japanese import parts. The low voltage ones were incandescent.

[YamahaFreak]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'll see if I can get it open, and report back with what I find inside.

[Electronic M]

I don't know the diameter you have, but Radio Shack carries (if you can find one) similar LED based panel lamps (maybe you could adapt them?), and possibly neon ones like that (been a year or two since I shopped dial lamps there).

[zeno]

NE2 is the lamp. They do come in different length so
gotta watch that. Its probably the long one. I would also
guess the series resistor is built in.

73 Zeno