Bardic lamp bulb change

[Ralph Ayres]

I've just had to replace the push-fit bulb in a Chloride-branded BR Bardic lamp. After pulling off the front lens it took a while (and some broken bulb glass) to work out that it wasn't just held by the fitting itself being sprung as on many torches, but by the separate centre of the reflector being held in a sprung bracket. Presumably this is to make sure it won't work loose from vibrations, which is also why a screw-in bulb isn't used, though I've never had any problems with either sort in bike lamps which suffer constant vibration. I ended up opening the base and working the reflector centre out side to side from the back with a screwdriver as it was too firmly in place to pull out from the front by hand. It seems to have been expected that users would replace them while out and about (there's a bracket inside for a spare bulb) but it struck me as rather fiddly and I'd have been stuck without something suitable to use as a lever.

Am I missing something obvious or is it really that awkward?

 

[Ashley Hill]

I can’t say I’ve ever found changing a bulb fiddly.

 

[Harpers Tate]

On mine, I'd first remove the rubber ring and "lens" and then main part of the reflector. That just "drops" out (unless it's stuck and needs some easing). I can then get my fingers around the middle bit easily to pull it out and release the bulb. New bulb in, middle retainer back in, main reflector and rubber ring + "lens" back on, good to go.

 

[Trainlog]

Out of curiosity has anyone used the Bardic Lamp conversion kit that is being sold on Ebay atm to restore one of the lamps? Currently got one of the lamps that i am considering restoring soon but just wondering if anyone would recommend the kit to do so?

 

[Ashley Hill]

Yes I’ve used one on one of mine. I cut a square out of a piece of polystyrene to stop it rattling about. I do know of others who have glued the battery housing to the removable base of the lamp.
I now also use LED bulbs to extend battery life.
If your a bit of an electronic whizz then you can use rechargeable batteries and by drilling a hole in the lamp add a usb charging socket.

 

[jupiter]

I've done (all three of) mine with an upgrade kit for the batteries plus an LED bulb. The only warning I'd give you is that the colours will significantly wash out if you try and use too high a power bulb.

 

[htafc]

I am intrigued to know why this topic is in the Memorabilia, Media & Publications section of the forum...

 

[Ralph Ayres]

My fault. Nowhere seemed particularly obvious so I followed the precedent of a previous similar post. Mine is very much an artefact rather than being used in any official capacity so I would describe it as Memorabilia. Polite suggestions of a better place to put it are welcome!

 

[htafc]

My fault. Nowhere seemed particularly obvious so I followed the precedent of a previous similar post. Mine is very much an artefact rather than being used in any official capacity so I would describe it as Memorabilia. Polite suggestions of a better place to put it are welcome!

I see!

Just realised it's a BR lamp, which makes a bit more sense... Sorry!