Author Topic: chrome globes  (Read 752 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline pinball god

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • ******
  • High Score Initials:
  • Forum Posts:
  • Melbourne
  • Metallica is here to stay
chrome globes
« on: December 27, 2008, 10:29:08 PM »
This is not so much a problem but interested in the answer. Pulled out a #555 today and noticed it had a nice chrome effect near the filament. Had these before. What causes this? Is there any need for concern? Is there something that can be done? Or is it just a dud globe?
Still loving my Metallica Premium

Offline Strangeways

  • Pinball Restoration is my passion
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • *****
  • High Score Initials:
  • Forum Posts:
  • Melbourne
  • ABN 68 283 634 461
    • Ride The Boney Beast
Re: chrome globes
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2008, 11:47:03 PM »

I've seen this type of globe a few times. Either black or a chrome silver. Not sure of the technical reason why it happens, but I consider them "dud globes" and discard them. If the problem persists on that one socket - then the issue would be the socket.
Aussie Pinball - Proud to be Australia's Premier Pinball Forum

http://www.australianpinballrestorations.com.au/

http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/

We carry the largest range of NEW Ramps in Australia

Offline Retropin

  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • ******
  • Forum Posts:
Re: chrome globes
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2008, 12:39:04 AM »
Its caused by the filament slowly breaking down - known as the Edison Effect.

Electrons leave the filament and end up coating the inside of the glass. Eventually, the filament gets too thin and breaks - majority of it is lining the glass.

Its mainly caused by poor processing at manufacture, impurities are left within the globe itself and cause this to happen. It also causes the vaccuum inside the globe itself to dissipate, leading to further resistance and heat, and therefore further break down of the filament. Its a cycle that eventually kills itself. These "chromed"globes will be running hotter than a new clean one

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • ****
  • Forum Posts:
  • Usa
    • Big Guys Pinball
Re: chrome globes
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2008, 12:47:40 PM »
You can also "chrome" a bulb by applying too much voltage.  I have experience with this during the early days of Nucore

Marty Machine

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: chrome globes
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2008, 06:38:50 PM »
I pulled a bunch of 'chromies' outta my Stellar Wars a few weeks ago.
Any globes that are dark/black/chrome are about to cause trouble.

Also note, globes that run dark or chrome run HOT, and will take your fingerprints off nicely.
Be careful !

MM.

Offline pinball god

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • ******
  • High Score Initials:
  • Forum Posts:
  • Melbourne
  • Metallica is here to stay
Re: chrome globes
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2008, 10:52:34 PM »
great advice guys.
Still loving my Metallica Premium