Pilot light? (in RT-3)

[drg]

-Is this a pilot light?
-Is its purpose to create heat to drive off moisture/humidity? (I ask because the only relevant forum post in my search results has the original poster asking if he can substitute an LED...which would seem to be unproductive)

[skydawg]

I think the intent was to help remind the church (or home) organist to turn it off before you leave so it isn`t running all night,or until next Sunday,lol.

[drg]

OK, thanks, I'm just trying to triage(prioritize repairs in order of importance...sounds like a really low priority)

[enor]

What should be a HIGH priority though, is insulating the lamp holder wires. Many a Hammond has died due to that lamp shorting out.

[David Anderson]

Pilot lamps appeared on all the main Hammond console models in late 1960. Earlier versions do not have them. They were accompanied by a rearrangement of terminals on the preamp to provide access to the 6.3V transformer winding for the lamp. As enor says, when these holders get old, the contacts can get loose and short. Sometimes the whole fixture cracks.

[drg]

Thanks. Then...I could just remove it without any negative consequences (and be safer in addition)?

[enor]

Yes. Or just cover the bare bits of wire with hot glue.

[David Anderson]

I do think it's nice to have a pilot lamp, and you can get replacement bulbs if yours is burnt out. On one of mine, I replaced the damaged two-pin holder with a screw type fixture that uses a lamp with the same voltage/current ratings, just in a screw mount.