Chuck Harris wrote:
Bryan wrote:


Hobby shops are good places to shop for grain of wheat lamps (typically
available in 6V and 12V types). Two issues with using 12V lamps:
a) your AC power supply or automotive charging system supplies 13.8V but
the
lamp is rated for only 12V... running current will be high (lifetime
will be

Mouser has a pretty good assortment, and unlike the hobby shop, you can
find
the actual specs for voltage, CP, and hours life.

-Chuck

Gee... the last batch of 10 ($10 US/pkg) I bought from the local hobby
emporium were marked:

Mfr: Miniatronics Corp
PN: 18-028-10
Voltage: 14V
Current: 80mA
Dia: 5.5mm
Average Life: 10,000 hours
Website: http://www.miniatronics.com/

The light output wasn't listed but for the price/availability vs the
non-critical application, it's not much of a gamble. They have lotsa other
stuff as well, and have a dealer locator on their website. Again, if using
incandescent lamps, limiting the inrush current will maximize the life of
the lamp. I used an LM317L + one resistor to do that.

Bryan