While not directly germane to vintage computers, I can see that this might
have some real interest for those restoring old displays.
I've got an old (1990) 120w-per-channel receiver in which I've just
replaced the hybrid power amp module--I think I can expect another 15 years
or so of life out of it. What bothers me is that some of the incandescent
12vdc back-of-panel lamps are starting to go.
They're soldered onto small PCBs and are the small 25 ma variety. They
illuminate the back of small LCD displays that have an orange filter on
them, so the color is basically that of an NE2 neon.
I was thinking of replacing the lamps with high brightness LEDs and current
limiting resistors--since the bulbs are paired up, I'd put the 2 LEDs in
series with a single resistor.
Now for the questions:
1. Has anyone tried to do this?
2. Will LED's have sufficient brightness and dispersion to substitute for
incandescents in this application?
3. What would the best LED to use?
Cheers,
Chuck