03-23-2015, 04:24 PM
The part number of the dial lamp in the 38-9 is 34-2064.
Using the handy-dandy chart on Chuck's site:
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/lamps.htm
we find that the 34-2064 translates to a #44 lamp.
A #55 lamp is brighter but does draw somewhat more current. Someone probably installed a #55 so the dial would be brighter.
Today, there is a better solution. These LEDs from Pinball Life are even brighter than the #55 while drawing less current and offering longer life. I've used this particular LED in a few Philcos where the lamp is pointed directly towards the dial, and they work great. I had a 37-690, the dial of which was not illuminated well even with a #55. I installed one of these LED lamps...problem solved.
Some folks don't like LEDs because they are not original. And? Like those brand new capacitors inside that set are original? The LEDs, when chosen carefully, can provide superior illumination using less energy while offering longer life. That's enough for me.
Using the handy-dandy chart on Chuck's site:
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/lamps.htm
we find that the 34-2064 translates to a #44 lamp.
A #55 lamp is brighter but does draw somewhat more current. Someone probably installed a #55 so the dial would be brighter.
Today, there is a better solution. These LEDs from Pinball Life are even brighter than the #55 while drawing less current and offering longer life. I've used this particular LED in a few Philcos where the lamp is pointed directly towards the dial, and they work great. I had a 37-690, the dial of which was not illuminated well even with a #55. I installed one of these LED lamps...problem solved.
Some folks don't like LEDs because they are not original. And? Like those brand new capacitors inside that set are original? The LEDs, when chosen carefully, can provide superior illumination using less energy while offering longer life. That's enough for me.
--
Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
![[-]](https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/bootbb/collapse.png "[-]")
