"Andy in NJ" SHORECOGS at COMCAST DOT NET wrote in message
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73! de Andy KC2SSB
http://shorecogs.tripod.com
AIM: shorecogs
"L." wrote in message
erio.net...
There are Smeters to be had - new - out there, but you have to make sure
they'll fit physically and so on. Not all are created equal. You may or
may not be

Actually, I need the light bulb for the meter, not the actual meter
itself. I am sure there are non-CB stores that have this part, as it is
probably a common part used in many radios. I just don't know where to
look.

I can't recall at the moment what type of "Channel" display they used,
I'm thinking a small PC board with a dual display - perhaps a couple
other components and a flex circuit strip coming from it. IF it is "just"
the dual display, you should be able to get that. I don't know how you're
fixed for local sources. Some on here may have them. As for me, I'd have
to check the stock to see if I have any to fit the need (of those in
stock) - once I confirmed what was actually used. .

I found a place on the net that sells the display. With shipping it comes
to less than $10, no biggie. The display flickers in and out. Might even
be a solder joint - never took the time to check, which I probably should
have.

The other parts like the pilot lights and such shouldn't be too hard for
you to acquire. Even Rad Shack may have them in their bins in a store -
or something useable. They may have said those "part numbers" are no
longer in stock - but that isn't to say they may not be able to be
substituted. Many "sales" people that handle this sort of stuff don't
know a diode from a transistor either especially for subbing, so don't
press your luck trying to get help there.

Basically, the Drone at Rat Shack told me that if it's not in the
computer, there's no way to tell what other parts may be compatable. He
did ask if I needed a cell phone, though (nah, just kidding, he didn't
ask that, but I thought I'd throw it in ).


That last part kills me... Of course the computer couldn't tell them what is
compatible or not, it isn't taught electronics knowledge - nor programmed
with subs in "MOST" cases. They "may" have subs for some things, but not for
components like that. What an assinine answer. Basically, all it says is
stock number such and such, price, in stock or out. They CAN pull up some
manuals to show parts used, but they do NOT list subs. That system can't
tell you jack **** when it comes to subbing parts.

As to your display, may be a bad solder joint - as you suspect. Check it
before spending cash for the display - unless of course you just want to go
ahead and buy one as a spare. As to the Smeter, is the bulb on the order of
a wheat lamp or does it look like a fuse? I haven't looked the radio up to
know, but I'm betting its a wheat style lamp with leads. Those are available
at the shack in their parts bins. About 99 cents for a pack of 2 if I
recall.

As I said, don't count on them to help. Most don't know their ass from a
hole in the ground. They wouldn't know a resistor from a Diode to start
with, so they sure in hell couldn't help with a Sub. There are some stores
which have some who know - but not many. Of the 5 stores I've been to and
all their workers, I've only found 3 people who knew anything about
electronics. Sure makes ya wonder why the Board of Directors allowed them to
take on the slogan "You've got questions, we've got answers". You can't
possibly have answers when the majority of your employees aren't
electronically inclined. What is funny, is I'll make up a list with stock
numbers to give to my g/f to take to the shack and they'll question her as
to whether she's buying the right parts! How the hell would they know - they
have no clue what I'm using them for. IF they were electronically inclined,
they probably wouldn't be working there - anyway! The store couldn't afford
to keep them.

I don't think it matters much anymore anyway, I've seen where their
components are selling for 50% off. Must be trying to rid the stores of them
once and for all.

I don't get asked too often about the cell phone. Of course, I usually have
mine on my belt in open view. I do it on purpose - just so I WON'T hear it.

Good luck in acquiring your parts!

L.