Bulbs Questions

[JimBob101]

Hi I've just recieved my first pinball machine and have a few questions regarding the LEDs (previous owner installed LEDs)

I have bought a Spiderman and was wondering do I need specific LEDs, all of them are fine apart from two that I can see but I was going to get a few as spares for when / if they eventually dim.

The picture attached has two bulbs / LEDs that are dimmed, what bulbs are they and where do you reccomend to buy them from?

Much Appreciated for your help.

 

[s000m]

LEDs will probably outlast your interest in the game before they die. They are not like incandescent bulbs they'll last for years.

The bulbs won't likely dim, they'll likely just stop working. Should you ever need replacements you can buy comets, they are the best.

Comet Pinball

The very best in Pinball lighting

retroarcadespecialists.co.uk

The only downside to using LEDs over incandescents is you'll loose the natural fade in and out that incandescents produce. You can resolve this by using LED OCD boards or afterglow boards.

An example of what I mean can be found here.

The benefits of LEDs however easily outweigh the negatives.

LEDs consume up to 90% less power, so less strain on the hardware.
Incandescents burn out and can cause blow outs.

Like this:



Incandescents also look rank but that's just my opinion.

 

[Spandangler]

Make sure you get the same ones you’re replacing otherwise they’ll look different and odd. Different shades of white.
It could just be the sockets. Try and swapping the bulbs round and see if the problem moves to the other socket to narrow It down.

If they’re Comet LEDS you can buy them from pinball heaven, retro arcade specialists or direct from Comet in the States.
Comet seem to be superior and the go to choice for most. I’ve tried many in the past but Comet are my favourite

 

[HHH]

I find that Comet 1SMD bulbs in Warm White work great in my early Solid State machines as they replicate the original look with just a tiny bit of added oomph.

If you like the look and want to brighten machines up a bit then Comet 2SMD bulbs in whatever flavour will do the job.

 

[pinballtoys]

you could swap a good bulb into a dim position to establish if it is the bulb itself or the socket

if you have Comet bulbs currently fitted they will have Comet printed on the bulb-body, no writing than unbranded cheaper Chinese bulbs

 

[JimBob101]

LEDs will probably outlast your interest in the game before they die. They are not like incandescent bulbs they'll last for years.

The bulbs won't likely dim, they'll likely just stop working. Should you ever need replacements you can buy comets, they are the best.

Comet Pinball

The very best in Pinball lighting

retroarcadespecialists.co.uk

The only downside to using LEDs over incandescents is you'll loose the natural fade in and out that incandescents produce. You can resolve this by using LED OCD boards or afterglow boards.

An example of what I mean can be found here.

The benefits of LEDs however easily outweigh the negatives.

LEDs consume up to 90% less power, so less strain on the hardware.
Incandescents burn out and can cause blow outs.

Like this:

View attachment 278809

Incandescents also look rank but that's just my opinion.

I will take a look thanks.

 

[JimBob101]

Make sure you get the same ones you’re replacing otherwise they’ll look different and odd. Different shades of white.
It could just be the sockets. Try and swapping the bulbs round and see if the problem moves to the other socket to narrow It down.

If they’re Comet LEDS you can buy them from pinball heaven, retro arcade specialists or direct from Comet in the States.
Comet seem to be superior and the go to choice for most. I’ve tried many in the past but Comet are my favourite

I'm going to tinker about with it today, thanks for the suggestion I will definately swap them around to see if the LED is definately the issue.

 

[JimBob101]

I find that Comet 1SMD bulbs in Warm White work great in my early Solid State machines as they replicate the original look with just a tiny bit of added oomph.

If you like the look and want to brighten machines up a bit then Comet 2SMD bulbs in whatever flavour will do the job.

I will take a look thanks

 

[JimBob101]

you could swap a good bulb into a dim position to establish if it is the bulb itself or the socket

if you have Comet bulbs currently fitted they will have Comet printed on the bulb-body, no writing than unbranded cheaper Chinese bulbs

Thanks for the reply I will take a thorough look today, first time lifting the playfield up so was a bit cautious but I'm sure I will be fine.