I got my dim bulb tester assembled last week and finally used it today while troubleshooting my DOA SX-780. It worked great! Now I've seen some really great ones built here with all the bells and whistles in the DIY forum but I wanted to keep mine simple, small, & sexy. I think it turned out pretty nice. :yes:

I picked up all the supplies at the local Home Depot & Lowes.

The housing has a metallic bronze finish.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5387/recentpictures223yu6.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1504/recentpictures224qb5.jpg

The caps are plastic, match the finish of the housing, and I drilled out an appropriate sized hole for the AC power cord on the cored end. Once I find an decent rubber grommet, I'll fit it accordingly.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9804/recentpictures221iq0.jpg

The light socket has the same bronze finish and has an adjustable elbow.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3341/recentpictures225hl3.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/813/recentpictures226mg2.jpg

Here's the light socket and the housing mated together.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7296/recentpictures227nf2.jpg

I chose a single ac outlet / switch combo in black to contrast the brushed metal outlet cover and compliment the housing finish.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1923/recentpictures228tj9.jpg

Here it is test-mounted in the housing prior to the wiring.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8748/recentpictures230ys0.jpg

I picked up an 8ft replacement AC power cord to pull the wiring duty. It's pretty hefty.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7020/recentpictures232hc0.jpg

I found this very nice brushed metal outlet cover that screams vintage 1970's audio.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8380/recentpictures231wn9.jpg

Here's the assembled and complete dim bulb tester. With all the parts, the total was less that $25. Sure I could've gone cheap and used a power strip & such, but I wanted it to have a professional look as well as maintain a minimum workspace footprint. It's very stable as it is relatively heavy and I just like how nice it turned out so I thought I would share. I thought about adding some walnut veneer to the housing to really give it a vintage audio appeal but decided to leave it as is. I really like the metallic bronze finish.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7342/recentpictures234oq7.jpg

Nice work, I like the small footprint. Can probably be mounted anywhere.

Nice work, I like the small footprint. Can probably be mounted anywhere.

Exactly! :yes: The bottom of the housing has a raised rib on each end that act as feet. I'm planning on adhering some rubber strips underneath for traction on smooth surfaces so I can have mobility & take it anywhere.

Very nice.

Go one step further and add a switch to select between the bulb and full voltage. See the link below, post "10. Switch is center off, SPDT.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=187673

That has such a nice vintage look about it - very nice !!!

John

There it is! Nice work. :yes: