From: Andrew_Cowton@nag.national.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 10:19 AM
To: 928
Subject: [928] Re: Interior Bulbs etc



Johnny,
     While the blower fan knob it not illuminated, that does not mean it can't
be, I illuminated mine and also the two slider knobs as the existing fibre Optic
cable had broken over time.  Those who have pulled the climate control apart
will be aware that there is a group of fibre optic cables that take light from
the main light globe behind the display to each of the slider knobs, over years
the fibres break.  The fibres enter each knob from behind through a small hole
which is supposed to illuminate the clear indicator on each knob.
     What I replaced the fibre optic cable with was three small 'mini pilot'
globes. They are 3mm in diameter, rated at 50ma / 12 VDC with 15cm flying leads
that can be routed along the levels in a similar manner to the fibre optic cable
and cost ~$0.75c each.  All that you have to do is remove the climate control
unit and open it up and you will see what I mean, once the unit is open you can
solder the connections for the mini globes to the points for the main light
globe and then just route them to the levers.  The small holes in the back of
the knobs have to be enlarged to about 3mm for the globe, there is plenty of
plastic to do this, but ensure a snug fit.
     The blower / fan can have exactly the same treatment, although it will
require a small resister in line as otherwise the globe is too bright.  I merely
drilled a small <1mm hole out the back of the knob near the shaft joint through
which you run the flying lead back to the connection point.  This might seem
extreme but at night it is much easier to see and adjust !
     As the mini light globes are attached to the main globe the instrument
dimmer works in exactly the same manner, dimming the knobs as well, and the
lighting is much more effective than the fire optic ever was.
     The globes came from an electrical hobby store (Radio Shack equivalent) in
Australia called Dick Smith Electronics,
          http://www.dse.com.au
and is their part no #P8130 if you want to have a look to see what I mean as I'm
sure some store near you will have them, or something similar.
     And welcome to the world of the 928 !
Regards,
Andrew Cowton
'84 928S2 Auto
Melbouren Australia