Instrument Lighting

[Guest Mike261]

my turn coordinator has gone dark. How are they lit? some kind of ring right or are there lamps inside and how do you replace them?

mike

[StevenL757]

Mike, it depends on manufacturer and model.  Do you have these pieces of info handy?  Typically, an avionics shop can replace internal bulbs in some backlit analog instruments for about an hour plus parts...generally-speaking.

[flyboy0681]

This brings up an interesting question. My '83 J has post lighting but I know that some of the instruments, such as the King 525 HSI, are installed in other planes with internal lighting. When the factory installed these instruments did they simply not wire the internal lighting of the instruments in favor of the post lights?

[N201MKTurbo]

Internal lighting is usually an (expensive) option. Mooney probably found it cheaper to use a post light.

[mitch0537]

Internal lighting in the KI-256 is standard and not optional. Other instruments that are standard are ADF indicator, OBS indicator and engine instruments. Most everything else is lit by means of post lights. As far as Mike, There is a light tray on top of the turn coordinator. Comes off woth two screws and no disassembly of the turn coordinator. Available at Aircraft Spruce

[DaV8or]

All I know is I have have the UMA LED ring lights and love them. Originally when I redid my panel, I had the 6 pack instruments lit with them, but because the S-Tec 30 turn coordinator was already back lit with an internal bulb, the avionics shop didn't plug in the ring light for that position even though it was installed. About a year and half ago, that instrument went dark and replacing the bulb was going to cost $$$. I avoid night flight, so lighting is for the twilight hours only and pretty much just a nice to have.

When I had my panel apart to put in the new ignition switch this year, I was able to find the power for the sixth ring light and power it up. I could not be happier now!! All six of the six pack are illuminated the same color! I might someday consider putting the ring lights on both of my Garmin CDIs as well, but will wait until the bulbs go in those maybe? 

P.S.- I have a bunch of left over post lights if anybody needs them.