SMC Discussion Areas

The previous owner of my machine said that the sign light would burn out rather quickly.  So, I started looking into replacing the ballast, etc.  It looks as though the ballast has already been replaced, as they cut and taped the wires instead of cutting off the crimped things and re-crimping with new.  I noticed the ballast is a 14, 15 & 20W ballast.  The replacement bulb however is 8W.  Could this be the reason the bulb is blowing so quickly?  Is there any suggestions of local stores that may carry an 8W ballast?  I've looked at the major home improvement places & my Ace store and can only find what's currently installed.  Thanks.

       Why not install a 15 watt bulb?

I can't seem to find a bulb of a larger wattage that has the same physical size.  I did try to find one of those as well.  I've contacted a couple of electrical supply places locally and they are checking into it.  Thanks.

You could get a newer under-cabinet light, (of the same/8watts) & gut it for it's ballast..just a thought & maybe worth a trip to the big-box hardware stored to check it out. PaPixley & I have done this on many occasions to re-lamp a lightup sign...

I can drop a photo tonight to show you  if you would like  :smile:.
plus it is alot easier , and no worry's

 Pat  8)

Good idea guys.  Not sure why I didn't think of it... that wasn't meant to be an opening... I've found a ballast source, but might be easier and cheaper in the future as you can probably get the whole unit including the bulb cheaper than buying them seperate.

Photo of the lighting John had told you about

That's pretty cool and innovative!
Jim - this should go in the tips and turorials.

I just did the same thing this week on a V77 I was haveing trouble with the lighting... My local menards was having a sale on them... $12.00 and done... snip a the plug end off, hook up and hang!..INSTANT LITE! and cheaper...

It the best and like John said for $12.00 you really can't go wrong.

Pat

Well, got my ballast in.  Everything looks like it's working as it should.  I also picked up a 4W bulb for the door.  It's not working.  I thought the original bulb was blown, but I guess it's possible the socket has gone bad.  I verified it is plugged into the power block correctly using the wiring diagram on the inside of the door.  I guess I'll get my volt-meter out tomorrow and verify everything is hot.  Thanks again everybody for the help.

HMMM   ....    You might want to check to see if there is a small silver little aluminum ( or possibly plastic) can near the ballast called the "starter" this is what starts the lamp, if you dont see one, or your see an empty round socket, it may be missing, or if you still dont see anything that looks like it, then your machine may ave a push-&-hold-to-start electrical switch ( you must manually push & hold the switch to light the bulb) just a thought...

if it needs a stater, these machines usually take an "F2" size or on smaller lamps even an "F25" , I'd go with the F2-starter if you're not sure which it should have.

Sorry for the confusion.  The sign light is working great.  The vend door light is a 4W incandescent bulb.  It's the vend door light that's not working.  Is it possible that the socket has corroded to a point to where it won't work?

Okay, I feel kinda stupid.  I metered everything out and it all should have been working.  I guess the bulb was so hard to get to, I didn't have it screwed all the way in.  :blush:  All lighting is working now.

Hmm looks like you picked the wrong day to give up drinking!  :happydrinkers:  (airplane)


well done ( or at least medium-rare)  :Oo:

Yup.  Just a couple of more things to do and I'll be finished.  Still have to fix the dime microswitch in the coin mech as it sticks sometimes & clean/polish up the outside.  Thanks for all the help.

just a note. as an electrician doing odd jobs for people. i have found tha those odd ball type fixtures are found at aquarium supply stores.

Hmmm...
Wonder if the elusive 7W C55 bulb is there?