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Old 7th Nov 2016, 9:22 pm   #1
Radio_Doctor
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Default Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

I bought this set ages ago and Christmas is coming allegedly.

There are 8 of the mes bulb holders, 7 tubes and 7 base coloured globes. Out of the bulbs only one tests as functional. With my eyepiece I believe they are 30V, 4W.

Can I ask:
1) I can't find these bulbs anywhere. Any suggestions? They are larger than the standard radio mes, presumably with a function of heating the liquid in the tubes.
2) Assuming I can't buy spare bases and tubes, is there a safe work around for the missing bulb/base? Guess I could just buy the 8 bulbs if they are available anywhere and run one as freestanding.

This won't be left on unsupervised and please assume no toddlers able to poke. I have done a fair search for these bulbs and failed so far. Any advice appreciated.
Kneale
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Old 7th Nov 2016, 9:25 pm   #2
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

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Old 7th Nov 2016, 9:35 pm   #3
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

It is reasonably easy to find 34V 3W MES bulbs as these were used in those sets of 7 'candles' which used to be popular. I don't know if the bulb envelope would fit though.

The only alternative I can think of is to use 24V 2W or 5W automotive bulbs and fit a 1N4007 in the plug to reduce the power appropriately. You might have to experiment a bit. 7 lamps will probably work better than 8 with this setup.
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Old 7th Nov 2016, 9:40 pm   #4
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

It may need the full 4W from each bulb to heat each bubble tube to make it work.

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Old 12th Nov 2016, 5:55 pm   #5
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

4 watt E10 bulbs in any voltage are hard to find.

I have seen 5 watt E10 bulbs in both 12 volt and 24 volt on eBay and elsewhere.
I would be inclined to try the 24 volt ones, either 10 in series or 7/8 in series and a dropper resistance. I suspect that these are intended for vehicle use and therefore probably designed for an actual 28 volts.
If run at 23 or 24 volts they should have a long life and also not dissipate the full 5 watts.

In the past I have used 6 volt 3 watt cycle dynamo bulbs in bubble lights, 12 in series from a 70 volt transformer.
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Old 16th Nov 2016, 1:36 pm   #6
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

RS have these:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/filame...lamps/1717018/

They are rated at 3.6v 1A so close to the 4w rated output you need but coming up with a 28.8v PSU might be the tricky part.

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Old 16th Nov 2016, 2:16 pm   #7
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

28.8V sounds like charging voltage for a 24V lead acid battery.
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Old 16th Nov 2016, 3:21 pm   #8
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Default Re: Pifco Bubblelites bulb query

I have some MES 24 Volt bulbs, round and about 3 Watts. Would they be any use? They are underdriven at 24 so I don't think 30 would be a problem.
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