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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Karl Brenneman on May 25, 2014, 12:25:03 pm

Title: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Karl Brenneman on May 25, 2014, 12:25:03 pm
I need to replace the neon lights in my (power line monitor)  Would any of you folks know a source for the NE-2g , NE 2-or, or  NE 2-H Bulbs and a 47k resistor? Thank You 

Maybe this should be directed to Dick Mason or Gary Kames  Thanks Guys for your input.    Cheers  Karl
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on May 25, 2014, 12:29:26 pm
Karl, Do a search on this forum, was someone who replaced those lights, may have been Steve.
Gary B
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Michelle on May 25, 2014, 01:04:25 pm
I need to replace the neon lights in my (power line monitor)  Would any of you folks know a source for the NE-2g , NE 2-or, or  NE 2-H Bulbs and a 47k resistor? Thank You 

http://www.allspectrum.com (http://www.allspectrum.com) for the bulbs.  6x12x30 are 45 cents apiece Search their site for ne-2g  Power Line Monitor Is On The Fritz (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9866.msg44714#msg44714)

I think Steve got the resistor at Radio Shack.

Quote
Maybe this should be directed to Dick Mason or Gary Kames 

Sadly, Gary Karnes is no longer with us.
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 25, 2014, 01:38:43 pm
Yes, a great upgrade to the monitor, did mine when the subject first came up.  The display is still looking good and was able to calibrate the display AC voltages to agree with the Fluke 87. All parts came from Allied Electronics, Tx.
Appreciate the write up.
Dave M
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: MAZ on May 25, 2014, 04:14:33 pm
I ordered some from spectrum last Dec and they were back ordered on the 30 length bulbs. But they had plenty of the 60's IIRC. You just clip off the excess after soldering. Worked great when I did Gary Omel's in January.

Mark
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Jim Frerichs on May 25, 2014, 05:33:19 pm
Michelle,

In my power line monitor, the resistors were the wrong value... too low in ohms  (maybe 22) and the bulbs were always burning out.  The resistors looked to be placed there originally.  I do not remember what I finally used (maybe 220), but there have been no bulb failures since and they are still quite bright.

Jim

2002 U320
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 25, 2014, 05:54:53 pm
Jim,
Sonewhere I came up with 470k .25 wa.  Was assumibg that value came from you or I am clueless or just forgot.
Either way, thanks for the info.  It works great.
Dave M
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: wa_desert_rat on May 25, 2014, 06:09:04 pm
The meter on my AC monitor has been broken since I bought the rig. Plus the lights are dim. So instead of trying to repair it (which I may still do) I bought this from Amazon:

Amazon.com: Prime Products 12-4058 AC Power Line Monitor: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRFTH6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Under $30, shows voltage in digital format, shows problems, and can be plugged into the galley outlet where I can see it from the doorway right after connecting shore power.

Craig
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Michelle on May 25, 2014, 06:27:41 pm
Jim,
Somewhere I came up with 470k .25 wa. 

According to Dick Mason, the original ones on the board were 47k-ohm .25w, low for the application.  He replaced his with 470k .25w.

The closest Steve found locally were at Radio Shack were 220k-ohm .5w so that's what we used (higher power rating not a problem).
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Jim Frerichs on May 25, 2014, 06:48:11 pm
Dave,

Well,  470 ohms certainly is the normal resistor value for LED's on a 12 volt system. However, these particular bulbs may not be the same.  Anyway  I'm convinced the manufacture made a multiplier mistake for mine.

Jim
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 25, 2014, 07:04:25 pm
Jim,
My mistake, it was from Dick's article on the bulbs & resisters.
The green bulbs are not real bright,  but maybe dim, they are plenty easy to see very easy. Am thinking that resister value was from Dick's posting, like mentioned, too many birthdays ago.
Thanks
Dave M
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 26, 2014, 04:16:33 pm
In addition to the update for the Power Line Monitor,  I also found the upgrade digital display for the 2500 W Xantrex Prosine inverter/charger, shows the amps &  voltage with the 7 segment display vs indicator lights, also can change the settings instead of going to the unit in the basement.  Makes for easier to understand for me.
Dave M
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: jtm2014 on April 23, 2015, 04:48:11 pm

  I am attempting to repair my Power Line Monitor that does not show the green lamps.
  The NE 2g bulbs are discontinued and I would like to use LED bulbs.
    Radio Shack has 5mm green bulbs 2.1 volt -30mA-630mcd.
    I know from reading the previous posts that I will need to change some resistors.
    Can anyone tell me what else would need to be changed in order for the LED bulbs to work?
          Thanks--Jim
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Jim Frerichs on April 23, 2015, 05:16:48 pm
Jim,

You should use a volt meter to see if the bulbs are powered by AC or DC. Considering the bulbs are called 'neon' I'd bet they are AC. Consequently, in order to use DC powered LED's you need to convert the socket locations to DC with a diode bridge and a capacitor. This is not big  monumental task if you electronically friendly. You might call if you have questions.

Jim

308-440-5154
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: jtm2014 on April 23, 2015, 05:37:16 pm

  Hi Jim,
    Thanks for the help, but I know only enough about circuits and electronics to get myself in trouble.
    I will order the clear neon bulbs and change the resistors to the 220 ohm .25 watt and take it from there.
                Thanks, Jim
Title: Re: Power Line Monitor Light Replacement
Post by: Jim Frerichs on April 23, 2015, 05:46:51 pm
Jim,

Yep, that is the way I resolved the early burn-out in my 2002 power monitor.

Jim