Hi all. I am trying to figure out how to add a few amber color LEDs to a 1953 Zenith K622 radio. One to light the tuner, one for the clock and one behind the center grill. I've gone down some rabbit holes. At this point, I would tap the original 110vpower and connect an 110v AC to 9v DC step down power converter then, from that, parallel wire three LEDs after three resistors. Does this sound right???
 
If all of the leds are the same you may as well connect them in series then you only need one resistor.
This is the most simple method IF you have a 9VDC supply.
Do you have data on the forward current and voltage across the leds?
So for example lets say the voltage drop is 2V per led, so the voltage across all 3 will be 6V in series
You have a 9V supply, typical current for the leds is say for example 20mA
So 6V across leds with 9V (is it regulated? to be sure measure the volts with no load) leaves 3V across the series resistor at 20mA typical (specified current depends on the LED)
Ohms law R=V/I = 3/20x 10⁻3
3000/20 or 150 ohms
To be on the safe side start with a higher value R say 300Ω and measure the series current, (multimeter required on suitable range) adjust value of resistor for the correct current (or tweak until leds reach max brightness and are about to blow up then back off a bit - that part was a joke- don't do that)
Resistor wattage should be OK with a 1/4 watt resistor or even less, (you might get away with a 1/8 watt depends on LEDs but check if it gets warm - (resistor wattage can be calculated by current through resistor x volts across it or V across resistor squared /R )
some info here
1746483841818.png
 
You're welcome
Given that it's a vintage radio I'd try and keep it as original as possible (that's just me), did it have any original filament lighting?
 
You can drive the LED directly from the AC just need a resistor or capacitor.
 
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Here is the radio and also the parts I bought. I am going to tap into the 110v power cable then run it to the power converter then to the LEDs. They have resistors on them. I think this will work. 20250509_195336.jpg
20250509_215032.jpg
 
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Your supply is 5v, the leds are configured for 12v.
They maybe fine, albeit not as bright.
Yeah, I was looking at the customer pictures on Amazon and there was one where the guy was holding them lit with a 5v power supply and it was crazy bright. Too bright for a "vintage" radio. So I figured I'd give it a try but also put a potentiometer in line in case it is too bright. I'm looking for that orange tube glow, not searing brightness, ya know?
 
Yeah, I was looking at the customer pictures on Amazon and there was one where the guy was holding them lit with a 5v power supply and it was crazy bright. Too bright for a "vintage" radio. So I figured I'd give it a try but also put a potentiometer in line in case it is too bright. I'm looking for that orange tube glow, not searing brightness, ya know?
Wire it on a bench and see what their like.
 

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Add LEDs to Vintage Radio?
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