Has anyone figured out a night watch solution on lighting?

[Dirty Duck]

My first radio that I’ve used heavily is a cobra 29 WX NW ST. The lights have never worked since I got it in 2015. Heck even the face plate is bubbling up.

I still use it quite a bit. It seems like a lot of folks have this issue. I’m sure someone is going to have a great product to get these lit up again someday.

 

[MKwrench]

380051 - Cobra ® Faceplate For C29NWLTD CB Radio

380051 - Cobra® Replacement Faceplate For C29NWLTD CB Radio. Check out our huge selection of other replacement radio parts too!

www.westcoastmall.net

I ordered new faceplate/bezels from here a few times, I believe they used to be under $20. Check if you have AC voltage supplied from the lighting module at the ribbon connector (it might read as high as 90v), if so a new face will fix it. Otherwise, I have no clue how to fix the module or where to get one. The plus side of the new face/bezel is that if you scrub your cases and knobs real good and use new shiny 3mm screws, Its like having a new radio.
Shop around, someone might have them cheaper.

 

[Dirty Duck]

380051 - Cobra ® Faceplate For C29NWLTD CB Radio

380051 - Cobra® Replacement Faceplate For C29NWLTD CB Radio. Check out our huge selection of other replacement radio parts too!

www.westcoastmall.net

I ordered new faceplate/bezels from here a few times, I believe they used to be under $20. Check if you have AC voltage supplied from the lighting module at the ribbon connector (it might read as high as 90v), if so a new face will fix it. Otherwise, I have no clue how to fix the module or where to get one. The plus side of the new face/bezel is that if you scrub your cases and knobs real good and use new shiny 3mm screws, Its like having a new radio.
Shop around, someone might have them cheaper.

Good to know about them and a good price as well. However mine is a slightly different design

 

[brandon7861]

Do you know if it is the electroluminescent backlight itself that failed or the HV driver? When electroluminescent phosphors degrade, it is usually gradual and uneven. If it was bright one day and dead the next, suspect the driver or connection issue.

CBTricks has the EL driver schematic and it does have a couple electrolytics that are worth checking.

 

[Dirty Duck]

Do you know if it is the electroluminescent backlight itself that failed or the HV driver? When electroluminescent phosphors degrade, it is usually gradual and uneven. If it was bright one day and dead the next, suspect the driver or connection issue.

CBTricks has the EL driver schematic and it does have a couple electrolytics that are worth checking.

I’ve never diagnosed that yet. Like I say it’s never lit up from my years of owning it