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Apple II power light won't come on; computer works fine otherwise

Submitted by arukum17 on July 15, 2008 - 12:00pm. Hardware Repair Help

The power bulb under the power key on my Apple II (original 1978 with raised power key) will not glow on. The computer powers on and operates fine otherwise, loads a game from Disk ][ etc. Light bulbs on a language card glow fine. Beeps from speaker fine.

I removed the bulb, but as it is very small cannot tell for sure if it is fused. I have a replacement bulb (slightly larger size but I am told a genuine Apple II replacement part) which when I mechanically connected it to the power key copper output contacts (no soldering) also would not glow.

Before I bring out the multimeter, what output voltage should I expect from the power key terminals? Assuming its OK to test the "original" bulb using a household battery, what voltage should I work with?

Anything else that could be causing this besides a faulty bulb?

Thanks for the suggestions.

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Test the bulb using a 1.5 vol

Submitted by charlieman on July 15, 2008 - 6:57pm.

Test the bulb using a 1.5 volt battery. If it lights up, however dimly, it works.

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Replacement bulb lights fine

Submitted by arukum17 on July 20, 2008 - 12:40am.

Replacement bulb lights fine when test fitted to the power key.
Power key is delivering a healthy 5V measured on multimeter.

My issue is now a mechanical one. The replacement bulb is double the size of the original and the power key will not fit over it.

Could anyone here point me to the specs I need in a replacement bulb (non-LED)?

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A 5v grain of wheat wire ende

Submitted by arukum17 on August 15, 2008 - 11:39am.

A 5v grain of wheat wire ended sub-miniature bulb did the trick.
Perfect glow, easy to install and no heat issues.

Rapid Online (www.rapidonline.com) in the UK were very helpful and shipped me one free of charge.

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