Sony TFM-C660W Repair

[mr2racer]

Hi everyone! I'm pretty new to flip clocks, just picked up my second today, a Sony TFM-C660W.

It was only $15 locally, so I bought it without hesitation as they said the motor worked well. Now that I have it home, I found that the volume scroll wheel pops loudly when turned (will try giving it a clean soon). My main concern is the blacklight system they used at the time. From what I can gather, there is no way to replace it? Has anyone wired up some other source of light? Led?

[MontyThe Great10]

If the blacklight is working, then there is no need to do anything, but if it isn't, and you want a replacement, then you can take out the blacklight circuit and replace it with any UV-A source. Commonly, LEDs are used, although I can't think why the circuitry from a handheld tube-based blacklight wouldn't work (although you won't be able to reuse the old mains circuitry). I have a Sony TFM-C650WL, and the power supply for that outputs 16V, and I'd assume it is the same for yours. Therefore another solution would probably need a resistor to reduce the voltage, but there are certainly options available.

[MontyThe Great10]

I meat the power supply for the radio circuit outputted 16vdc (which could then be used to power LEDs), sorry if I caused any confusion.