As an electronics project, I would like to create a PCB that generates random blinking lights similar to the computer panel props featured in late 60s/70s era television series:
The scale is possibly deceptive from this screenshot, but the lights were probably about 10mm overall in diameter. I assume that these were miniature filament bulbs inside a colored plastic housing and I remember seeing them used in my friends' hobby projects well into the mid 1980s, but I have drawn a blank as to what they are called, whether they were manufactured as a sealed unit or the lights and housing could be purchased separately, and whether they are still available to buy. What I am trying to recreate is the look of the lights and to use components from the time if possible.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions or advice.
Best Answer
"panel lamps" or "panel mount indicator lamps" available from: industrial engineering supplies, electrician supplies, boat, rv or automotive supplies, generic online marketplace.
They usually had a lens that unscrews from the from the front giving access to an miniture edison screw, subminiature edison screw or miniature BC incandescent lamp.
Modern versions which are LED illuminated and do not have easily removable lenses, and also look slightly different
Apparenly you can buy a kitset to build the BIG RAT studio set shown. I have not looked into the details if the lamps work etc.
10mm LEDs are also a thing, and if you don't need too much period accuracy may be a relatively inexpensive option
The second picture seems to show bare round-end lamps that have been painted, possibly by being dipped in tinted lacquer.