Astro City Bulb Starter Issues

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poodude
Posts: 97
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:00 pm
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Astro City Bulb Starter Issues

Post by poodude »

I've had my Astro City for a year or two now, and the little bulb starter doesn't seem to want to flicker on to turn the main tube on anymore. I have to keep taking the cover off and tap it with my finger to get it to go.

Would replacing this bulb solve the problem or is it linked to another issue with the main bulb? It doesn't look very common, so I am not sure where to get a new one if at all possible.

Anyone have any ideas? :?
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brokenhalo
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Location: philly suburbs

Post by brokenhalo »

it's just a basic fluorescent light fixture that takes an F15T8 bulb. you can get a new fixture at your local hardware store for about $12 or so.

if the bulb turns on when you just barely touch it, it's probably a grounding issue (in this case the tube actually uses your body as a ground to fire up). if you have to touch it a little harder (actually wiggle it a litle) then it is probably just a little corrosion in the sockets. either way the ballast in the fixture is 10+ years old so i'd just replace the whole thing.
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TigerCraneFist
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Post by TigerCraneFist »

that starter that is inside the cabinet (FG-1E) is not really all that hard to get , I think I may even have one kicking around my house I can sell to you. Thing is... some cabinets can experience monitor interference and distortion when the starter goes out in the ballast. So if it either one of them goes, you would be best off unscrewing the starter and taking the bulb out until you can get it replaced.

Of course, as stated above putting a completely new set up in there is an option, I like to keep my things as original as possible though.
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poodude
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Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:00 pm
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Post by poodude »

Thanks for the info guys! I'll have to go to the hardware store and see what i can find.
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