What's the correct bulb to correctly display the projected number on the knob face. I once heard it needs magnified tip.I have a '64 Zenith 26mc20
Thank you,
Perry

what is the voltage?

6.3v

I think they are standard bulbs....There is a separate metal light directing metal shield that goes over them that you need to have...

You can use a #47 or #44, but the projected image will be smeared/blurry.
The required bulb has the filament configured to provide a point source of light.
It has a designation number consisting of four digits, something like 1829 (that's not the number, but something similar) and danged if I can remember it. Somebody on here surely remembers it.

The required bulb has the filament configured to provide a point source of light.


Yes- the correct miniature lamp you need is a #239. This is the right bulb for ALL Zenith channel window applications. Buying NOS from ebay is about your only source to find them now.

Yes- the correct miniature lamp you need is a #39. This is the right bulb for ALL Zenith channel window applications. Buying NOS from ebay is about your only source to find them now.

The numbers, I remember are #239 and #240.
The 1956 model B/W sets, used a PR12 flashlite bulb. :scratch2:

Dieseljeep is exactly right. I meant to say "239" instead of "39" and corrected it. Either 239 or 240 are the correct bulbs!

Dieseljeep is exactly right. I meant to say "239" instead of "39" and corrected it. Either 239 or 240 are the correct bulbs!

Replacing indicator lamps in all sets, was always a big PITA. Seems like every set used a different lamp, ever different years of the same make.
If you didn't have the proper lamp, many times, it meant a return call or a trip to the supply house. :sigh:

239. Ya that sounds right. So it was a 3-digit number, not 4 digits. Senior moment. :o

239. Ya that sounds right. So it was a 3-digit number, not 4 digits. Senior moment. :o

They were changing some of the numbers, such as 1847 vs 47. They claimed the 1847 was a longer life lamp. That's all I bought, towards the end.
How about, the real tiny, two pin lamps that RCA used in some of the XL100's.
It was nice when the customer would tell you up front, that the channel indicator was out, so you would come prepared. :thmbsp:

Yes- the correct miniature lamp you need is a #239. This is the right bulb for ALL Zenith channel window applications. Buying NOS from ebay is about your only source to find them now.

A google search shows several sources. Here's one: http://www.bulbtown.com/239_MINIATURE_BULB_BA9S_BASE_p/239.htm

-Steve D.

drh is right. Get NOS from ebay. Got a few #239's from bulbtown and although the filament is angled. It displays the channel number same as #47 bulb

I will check today and see if I have some left.

I do not have 239 lamps. I have 51,53, 130, 1847, 159,259,the Zenith neon with long black wire leads. I seem to remember Zenith used the 130 lamps on a lot of sets.

Got my NOS Sylvania #239 bulbs from ebay today and they light the channel number brighter and sharper in my Zenith then the China ones from Bulbtown,