The light blew on the switch for my PH 180; is there an easy fix?

I had one go too and found the exact switch on eBay. If you got the right shape LED, it's an easy fix though. I think I increased the size of the resistor so as to draw less current thru the LED in the hopes of not having it go like the first one did. Read thru this thread...

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...33#29868550234709933

If it were me, I would probably just leave it alone, as a light on a power switch, on a brick that is probably out of sight anyway isn't going to bother me.  

That said, it might be worth trying to give Lionel a call, they might just have the part, or could give you a part number for an exact replacement.  If that fails, I think you'll have to remove the switch and take some measurements, then locate a similar switch from one of the electronics suppliers.  I doubt Lionel used some odd-ball size, so it's probably not going to be too hard to find something that will work.  mostly just need to find one that fits in the same hole, and has equal, or better voltage/current ratings.  

JGL

Edit:  Looks Like CJack has the fix outlined pretty well in the other thread.  

"If it were me, I would probably just leave it alone, as a light on a power switch, on a brick that is probably out of sight anyway isn't going to bother me. "

I tried leaving it alone, but it bugged me...I think it's called OCD.

I'd probably "re-engineer" the light and run it off the 5V supply with a much smaller resistor, maybe a 470 ohm.

I just found my note on this...Looks like instead I increased the current but put in a diode to protect the LED from the reverse cycle.

I also found another spare switch, send me an email (in my profile) with your address and I will mail it to you.

cjack posted:

I tried leaving it alone, but it bugged me...I think it's called OCD.

I have OTD - Obsessive Train Disorder.

Thanks Chuck!

George

If you want a pilot light for your power brick it's easier to hook up a generic lamp to one of the outputs. I've done this with some train transformers and just have the light sticking up from the back on stiff wires. Some of those light-in-switch units are not serviceable if the lamp fails, except to replace the entire switch.