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I just got a GE radio with a ballast tube. I've never seen one(or heard of one) and was wondering how to test it.
I did some reading about it but couldn't find a test procedure. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Eric
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What's the number of the ballast?
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It's a BL42B
Eric
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Eric
You simply measure resistance between the pins where the resistors inside the tube are connected to.
It is that simple.
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These ballasts are available from several sources for about $12. Looking at the schematic, I see that pin 3 to pin 7 should show continuity. Pin 7 to pin 8 is the dial lamp connection. To check both sections check from pin 3 to pin 8, then from pin 8 to pin 7
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Thanks, B A, I'll check it out.
Eric
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Well, you were right. No continuity at all. I opened it up just to see what it looked like and found broken wires inside. Has anyone put resistors inside the metal tube instead of replacing it?
Eric
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B A, where did you see them advertised?
Eric
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Thank you. It will be ordered tomorrow.
Eric
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Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org