The Mellotron Group

Good one, Jack!
 
 
In a message dated 5/15/2012 9:05:13 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
e4103s@yahoo.com writes:

 
 
[_Attachment(s)_ (mip://0a041c60/default.html#TopText)  from Jack Younger  
included below]  
 
Good day all!
    I've been sitting on this one for a while and decided it  should be 
shared, given the rarity of the red lamp cap and the number of folks  who are 
probably ripping up their fingers trying to power up.  It's a  little 
complex, but hell, most of you folks own Mellotrons so we'll  assume you have SOME 
mechanical skills.....


Attached are four pictures.  I'll break it down into four  steps:


1.) The first photo is of a lamp base package available at Radio Shack.  
Yes....the Shack.  I think it was $2.69.  It's a T-3 1/2  Miniature Lamp Base, 
Model # 272-325.  You should be able to walk in and  grab it from the 
drawer section, but it's a good idea to call and ask.  Here's a link to order 
online:


http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032294 



The part is available with both red and green caps, but it's nice to have  
a green backup or just to be able to switch colors with your mood.  It's  a 
pretty sweet two-for-one scenario, at any rate.  You will only need the  
caps.


2.) The second photo shows the caps.....the red one having been modified.  
Simply use a dremel or multi-tool and carefully remove the threads.  Make 
sure you de-burr the inside of your cut.  It's going to be a  tight squeeze.


3.) Sorry about photo three being a bit fuzzy, but it's all there.....Now  
here's the tricky part....wear a good pair of reading specs for this (I sure 
 did).  You'll notice the stock switch has a retaining ring around the  
upper portion.  There is also a groove in the sleeve.  You'll need a  very slim 
piece of a bendable sheet-metal....I used aluminum roof flashing.  


As you can see, I used scissors to cut a tab just wide enough to fit into  
the groove.  Make it long enough to fold over.  You'll need to first  turn 
the gap in the retaining ring around to the back of the sleeve so that  it's 
opposite the groove.  Then insert the tab behind the ring and into  the 
groove.  Then fold it over the ring.  This will give the cap  something to grip 
as it turns.  


Now you can push the cap on.  Be sure the fold of the tab is behind  the 
cap as it goes on, you may need to tip the cap and favor the tab side as  you 
put it on.  You will have to push pretty hard.  If the cap  doesn't grab, 
it's not on.


4.) And there it is!  Not a bad substitute for the troublesome cap  nobody 
makes anymore.  It may take a few tries to get it right and it may  loosen 
over time, though mine has been fine for years on two different  mellotrons.  
The way I figure, the part is cheap so you can always make  more.  
Certainly worth it as one of the cool things on the mellotron is  that neat switch.  


Enjoy, and let me know if any of you have success with it, or come up  with 
any improvements.
Cheers!
-Jack