Timing light bulb?

[Glenn]

Does anyone know where I could order a strobe bulb?  It's for an old Sun timing light which I bought off eBay and found someone has removed the bulb.  Grrrr.

Cheers,
Glenn

[JohnD]

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/craftsman-parts/auto-timing-light-parts/model-161216840/0247/0417000/00033232/00001

Part No. 1?

Or, http://www.ebay.com/bhp/replacement-strobe-bulbs
John

[Glenn]

Thanks John.  Can't see anything likely on eBay but the craftsman bulb might do the job although looks quite long.  I have a Gunson with a dodgy bulb too as a fallback - the craftsman might fit it.

Do folks ever replace the bulbs or do they just buy a new strobe?

[Nick Jones]

I have tried replacing the tubes - bought a 3 pack from Maplins, RS  or Rapid a while back - takes a fairly long time to replace (dismantle solder re-assemble) and the bloody things only lasted about 3 minutes.

The Xenon flash tubes are always fairly short lived but that really was taking the piss.  Ought to be possible to get LED based timing lights these days - which should be much longer lived.

Nick

[Glenn]

Typical - planned obsolescence with the one bit that fails difficult to replace!  I'll hang on to the old Gunson (served me well for years) and try repairing with a Maplin tube some rainy day.  Tried another couple of searches on eBay and have ordered a likely bulb for the Sun from the USA, was fairly cheap but the postage bumped it up.  Should have just bought a nice new Gunson!!  You live and learn....

[JohnD]

I fear the cost of importing from the US will rise further when your bulb does arrive.
I had to visit the local PO sorting office and pay import duty the last time I ordered something from across t'Pond.   That added another 17% I think!

John

[Glenn]

I forgot about that joy!  Plus, what are the chances of a delicate wee bit of glass making it all that way in one peice??  Oh dear!!  :o

[Greeks]

I strongly recommend this:

http://www.equus.com/Product/5568/INNOVA%C2%AE-Pro-Digital-Timing-Light-(DIS)

I have a Drapers Tools version exactly the same but in blue - looks like they don't make it anymore and these guys do instead.

... somewhat more expensive than a new bulb, though  :P

[Glenn]

Ooh, that's very nice Greeks!  I'd better get saving for when my brand new bulb blows!  Yes, it made it through its incredible journey from the states ok and our nice postie forgot about the 17%.  :-)

So it's worked out ok in the end, although better luck than management, and a bit dear for an ancient strobe even if Sun stuff is nicely made.  I was a little popped when eBay removed the negative but accurate feedback I left the seller.  Didn't realise they could do that...  :-/