Ekco AC77

[Yorkie]

Thanks for reading Alan, and for your response.

Yes, I'm sure there are lots of options other than the original setup, given the plethora of modern LED lights from which to chose, which will give the right level of light without generating so much heat.

Though ordinarily, the older the set the more sympathetic I am to trying to preserve originality, my outlook has always been safety first, functionality second, and originality third, so without a doubt, the original arrangement can be improved upon.  Primarily I was responding to  'unrealdave's' query about the bulb arrangements, the upshot of which is that it was a poor design originally, and the bulbs have long ceased to exist.  However before I get to the stage or sorting out the dial light, the chassis needs to be rewired and paired with the power supply chassis,  so there's much work still to be done.

I've been side-tracked by a domestic project - the electric remote garage door operator has decided to give up the ghost. It's worked faultlessly since I installed it about ten years ago to replace one that had packed up. Yesterday the remotes wouldn't work, but it works when the  wall mounted directly wired push button switch is pressed. I've tried reprogramming the remotes to no avail, and basically, the upshot is that the 'logic board'  - quite a complex thing with SMDs and ICs on a double-sided PCB, has developed a fault. A new board is available at £100 or so, but a complete new garage door opener can be had for £200 or so. Hence, it's a high risk strategy to fit a new board if something like the motor packs in err too long.

There's just one electrolytic on the board, which I'll change, if only out of curiosity, but I think it unlikely that it will effect a cure.

I mention this not to take the thread off topic, but to indicate how we get thwarted from single-mindedly pressing on with our restoration projects!

But then radios are a hobby and hobbies are about the enjoyable use of scarce leisure time - not the be all an end all.

You'll know the feeling very well Al, given your own commitments.

Hopefully, as the winter advances, so will the AC77 project, even at this glacial rate of progress.

I'll update the thread if there's anything to report.