LED upgrades?

[pedo]

Pedo, I'll have to double check on the model number of the replacement bulb I used, but the PCm that I have uses a standard style bulb base. This type of bulb is used commonly in many standard flashlight styles, and was an easy conversion. I found the bulb with other replacement bulbs in the sporting goods section of Wal Mart, and decided to give it a try, figuring for under $10, if I didn't like how it worked, I could change the bulb back over easily enough.

I just can't find a bulb to fit! The bases all seem OK but the glass pieces are all too wide. Where can I get one to fit? I don't have a Wal Mart near by.

 

[Hoomi]

I just can't find a bulb to fit! The bases all seem OK but the glass pieces are all too wide. Where can I get one to fit? I don't have a Wal Mart near by.

While both the PCm and the PCa use a flange base bulb, such as this PCa replacement bulb, the PCm is a lower voltage light (nominally from 4.8 to 6 volts, depending on whether you're using rechargable batteries or alkaline), using 4 AA batteries, while the PCa is rated at 7.2 volts - 9.0 volts, with 6 AA batteries.

This bulb looks to be physically compatible with the size dimensions you need to deal with, and the W-002 part suffix is the correct voltage range. This one is a higher wattage bulb than what I bought, and is correspondingly more expensive. I'm also a bit surprised that they rate the life of the bulb at 92 hours. Properly configured, an LED bulb should last indefinitely.

Many hardware stores and electronics shops should carry LED replacement bulbs, and be able to point you to a suitable substitute for the halogen bulb.