My pro-2006 scanner has a bad backlight driver circuit. I
discovered that the el backlight element can run directly from 120v ac.
I know, I tried it. So why not simply tap 120v ac from the transformer
power cord, passed through the light/dimmer switch and eliminate the el
driver circuit entirely? Anyone tried this or see any reason not to do
this?

Steve B.

Other then the risk of electrocution, it ought to work.
One of the things Ilike about 12V radios is it hard to
get killed working on them. I operate all of my
radio gear from a +12V Lamda supply.

If you get across the EL driver in the 2004, it will bit
you, but won't kill you, or at least it didn't kill me.

I would be sure to put a label on the ouside and inside
warning of this mod.

I bet you driver trasnsitor died. In the '2004, it is Q701
and is a 2SC945QA, or the dimmer switch opened.

The '2004 and '2005 are very similar, I would guess the
'2006 is also.

Terry