Replace Tiny Bulb With LED - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2022, 03:58:22 pm
content: I'm uncertain if this is a repair question or should be in the technical topic section.I have a Extron System 7SC Video Switcher with push button (momentary) switches that light when enabled.One is burnt out, and, after removing the plastic labeled button, I found it has an incandescent bulb with a part number stamped on it: OL-381BPFrom research, they are 6.3V, 200mA, but most sites including eBay have them listed are outrageous prices. One site (Radwell) has a substitute for a good price that I may try.My question: does anyone know of an LED bulb that would be a good substitute? I'm not finding much with the same leads that would fit into the switch socket, but thought to ask.

author: TheMG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2022, 05:09:14 pm
content: Since the original lamp has pins, you should be able to find a regular LED with built-in resistor and just stick it in there. I would think a 5mm LED (without flange or grind off the flange) should fit just fine. Bend the leads if they are not correct spacing.

author: factory
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2022, 06:56:55 pm
content: Try searching for #7381 lamp instead, seem cheaper than those OL ones you found.David

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2022, 07:45:22 pm
content: #381 lamps people have taken apart and used 3mm white LED + resistor in the socket.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 01:42:42 am
content: QuoteThese come apart? I thought it was one whole piece.Looks like bulbtown.com has the 7381 for $0.45 each, so maybe that will be simpler, however, I'll take a look at disassembling the bulb and use an LED since it will probably be brighter, cooler, and last longer.

author: fzabkar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 02:59:20 am
content: I found these:http://www.starled.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=74_78https://candelacorp.com/products/?keywords=bp631https://candelacorp.com/product/BP631WC8NW-6V/10-I(6V 10MA T1-3/4 BP UL WHITE LED)They incorporate a resistor.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 03:58:30 am
content: I remember a post here replacing the same lamp in an illuminated pushbutton but 24V in a Fluke? voltage source or something, but I can't find it or the video.The technique was to desolder the light bulb (side wire and base pin) then yank out the lamp, which usually breaks. You just want to re-use the can and keep the base glass intact. It will burn your fingers lol.Then the guy soldered in a LED and the resistor he added to the main pcb. I would use a SMT LED and resistor and some glue after.JKL Lightingfor the old part numbers.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 04:15:47 am
content: These suggestions have helped.From what I can tell though, it almost seems cost efficient to buy the 7381 for $0.45 each.Tomorrow I'll look into removing the socket to see how easy it is, and maybe consider LEDs, but since I use this video convertor very little, maybe tossing in $0.45 bulbs is a quick and dirty solution.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2022, 12:41:51 am
content: Just to finalize this thread, the 7381 bulbs arrived today.They appeared to be the same physical size (I already know they are electrically the same), fit perfectly, and worked just fine.