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An atmospheric bedside lamp for the audiophile

valdi100 9735 15

TL;DR

  • A bedside lamp built in the form of a tube monoblock uses a damaged 6S18S vacuum tube for decorative mood lighting.
  • It hides a lighting module from a Chinese 10W RGB bulb, with the infrared receiver moved into a cut 6.3 mm jack socket and powered by 12 V router supply.
  • The lamp cost PLN 89.48, including the aluminum housing, VU meter, rotary switch, feet, lettering, jack parts, and the RGB bulb.
  • Its output measures about 6.5 W at full white and 1 W at minimum red, and it creates pleasant colored reflections for listening sessions.
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
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  • Hello to all users of the Electrode Forum.

    A bedside lamp is a simple device consisting of just a few elements. This one is designed to please the eye and `` create a mood '' while listening to music, it was made in the form of a tube monoblock.


    Night lamp made from a damaged vacuum tube with RGB lighting.


    Before I get verbally lynched by users of the Electrode forum for wasting a good tube, I would like to inform you that I got the tube from a good audiophile neighbor. The damaged tube was left to him after the repair of his amplifier, which was humming mercilessly in one channel. The reason for this hum was the 6S18S tube, which has a breakdown of one filament to the cathode at 64 k?, as you can see on the measurement of a cold tube with an ohmmeter.


    Multimeter displaying resistance measurement of 6S18S tube.


    I liked the lamp so visually that I decided to build something on this damaged lamp and I think I managed.

    I bought almost all the parts for the lamp construction on the Chinese AliExpress before the introduction of VAT and postage over a year ago. Some elements in excessive quantity, because that is how they were packed and sold, the price is per set.


    Components of a night lamp made from a damaged 6S18S tube, with a remote control and VU meter.
    Interior view of a night lamp enclosure with electronic components and wires.

    In total, the costs are:
    Rubber feet: 8.97 8 pcs.
    Burmester lettering: 6.85 5 pcs.
    Fender lettering: 4.80 3 pcs.
    VU meter: 13.08 1 pc.
    DC 5.5 / 2.5 jack: 2.64 2 pcs.
    Rotary switch: 12.64 1 pc.
    RGB / 10W bulb: 11.50 1 pc.
    Aluminum housing: 29.00 1 pc.
    Total: PLN 89.48

    In addition, screws, wires, spacers, a 6.3 mm jack socket, a 48 mm rubber o-ring and a power supply from an old 12 V 1.5 A router are stocks from my drawer junk.

    To illuminate the lamp, I used the module shown in the photo with parts, taken from the Chinese 10W RGB bulb. In addition, I gained a remote control, which was included with the bulb. It allows you to change the color of the backlight in the range of 16 colors plus 2 smooth color transition programs, which looks very nice on a working lamp. I desoldered the infrared receiver module from the board and placed it in a cut 6.3 mm jack socket.


    RGB LED bulb with a remote control for changing colors.


    Coming back to the bulb, as you can see on the measurements, the Chinese 10 W turned out to be 6.5 W with all the LEDs on and full brightness. The minimum value is 1 watt with the red color lit and the brightness set to the minimum.

    Close-up of a control panel with a backlit electronic tube.
    Night lamp made from a damaged tube, with a control panel featuring a digital meter.

    The 6S18S lamp is housed in a thick rubber O-ring glued to the metal housing. You can easily put it on and take it out, there is no fear that it will fall out by itself.

    As a result of the diffusion of light on the glass bulb of the lamp on the wall and ceiling, nice colorful light reflections are created and create a pleasant atmosphere when listening to music. The lighting power is sufficient for this purpose and can be compared to a lit two standard candles in a dark room.

    DIY night lamp with colorful light reflections on the wall.
    Colorful light reflections on the wall created by a night light.

    The lamp has been fulfilling its task perfectly for almost a year and is proof that even a damaged lamp can be used to make some nice gadget.


    Tube gadget on a casing with two audio devices and a potted plant.

    Cool? Ranking DIY
    About Author
    valdi100
    Level 12  
    Offline 
    valdi100 wrote 50 posts with rating 80. Live in city malbork. Been with us since 2003 year.
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  • #2 19637830
    gulson
    System Administrator
    Posts: 29234
    Help: 148
    Rate: 5984
    Cool, I am also a supporter of "do not throw away - use", write to me with information about the parcel locker and you will receive a gift for a nice design :)
  • #3 19637914
    ArturAVS
    Moderator
    Posts: 26009
    Help: 2294
    Rate: 7711
    Although I do not like trinkets, I like your workmanship. Minimalistic approach and aesthetics of workmanship. Big Plus.
  • #4 19637992
    avatar
    Level 36  
    Posts: 4138
    Help: 159
    Rate: 409
    Hey - cool, where can you get such a housing? Great price and looks too!
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  • #5 19638593
    SylwekK
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2764
    Help: 82
    Rate: 2762
    Imaginative :) Upload a video of the action.
  • #6 19639427
    szeryf3
    Level 30  
    Posts: 2046
    Help: 12
    Rate: 671
    Super lamp, cool lamp used, and the combination with RGB gives the effect. The basis refers to the era of the 60's.
    If you can, add a video.
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  • #7 19640696
    japko1024
    Level 18  
    Posts: 654
    Help: 3
    Rate: 212
    Have you connected a VU meter to something?
  • #8 19641020
    hajy
    Level 22  
    Posts: 299
    Help: 54
    Rate: 57
    Hello

    As far as I know, such a lamp can be saved.
    It happens that the emission layer breaks off from the cathode and shortens to the heater.
    There are two methods of repair, the first is to roll the lamp, it helps if the cathode fragment is not "welded", the second is to connect a charged capacitor between the cathode and the heater and burn this bridge.

    Regards Romek
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  • #9 19642433
    piow92
    Level 8  
    Posts: 13
    Help: 1
    Rate: 1
    Mega and I also raise to add a video :D
  • #10 19642505
    thereminator
    Conditionally unlocked
    Posts: 4129
    Help: 218
    Rate: 647
    Visually nice workmanship. In such an application, the lamp is practically immortal. However, it could be used much better by building a semiconductor headphone amplifier inside the housing and trolling friends with the "tube sound". LED backlight spoils the whole "atmospheric" effect of this lamp and instead of retro it is more in the so-called climates. country tuning - it would be better to feed the filament of the lamp.
  • #11 19642620
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Posts: 30170
    Help: 1183
    Rate: 4287
    thereminator wrote:
    LED backlight spoils the whole "atmospheric" effect of this lamp and instead of retro it is more in the so-called climates. country tuning - it would be better to feed the filament of the lamp.

    Oh there, oh there, tastes are not discussed - the author has the effect he wanted to achieve.
    If I had to cling, I would build a lower stand to match the height of the amplifier, or a completely flat round one
    (with a wheel base and a height of about 1/3 of the lamp height) so that it does not dominate the lamp.

    valdi100 wrote:
    As a result of the diffusion of light on the glass bulb of the lamp on the wall and ceiling, nice colorful light reflections are created and create a pleasant atmosphere while listening to music

    Does the lamp have an option to modulate the light with sound?
  • #12 19643212
    valdi100
    Level 12  
    Posts: 50
    Rate: 80
    thereminator wrote:
    LED backlight spoils the whole "atmospheric" effect of this lamp and instead of retro it is more in the so-called climates. country tuning - it would be better to feed the filament of the lamp.

    And it would be great then a small, atmospheric lamp with a current consumption of 6 A per one fiber. As for country tuning, I would like to remind you that this is not a tuned tube monoblock, but an atmospheric monoblock lamp and that's it.

    vodiczka wrote:
    If I had to cling, I would build a lower stand to match the height of the amplifier, or a completely flat round one
    (with a wheel base and a height of about 1/3 of the lamp height) so that it does not dominate the lamp.

    Certainly it would look better if it was lower than the height of the amplifier, but I bought an aluminum casing from the AliExpress sale on occasion for PLN 29 with shipping and I did what I had.

    vodiczka wrote:
    Does the lamp have an option to modulate the light with sound?

    The lamp does not modulate the light with sound. It has two programs for step and smooth color change.

    piow92 wrote:
    Mega and I also raise to add a video :D

    I tried to make a movie of the action, but unfortunately in such poor lighting my old camera and smartphone did not manage, instead of the movie, a "blood sausage" came out.

    japko1024 wrote:
    Have you connected a VU meter to something?

    I connected a 36 k? resistor to the meter in series with the power supply. A value of 0 on the meter shows the correct supply voltage.
  • #13 19643324
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    Posts: 30170
    Help: 1183
    Rate: 4287
    valdi100 wrote:
    The lamp does not modulate the light with sound. It has two programs for step and smooth color change.

    Maybe someday you will be tempted to add modulation?
    I remember my first "colourophone" - two flashlight bulbs (green and red) placed in a large crystal vase of my parents, powered by a TONETTE tape recorder through two LC filters.
  • #14 19653196
    yogi009
    Level 43  
    Posts: 14667
    Help: 848
    Rate: 2646
    Very good workmanship, a big plus from me.
  • #15 19653335
    Olkus
    Level 32  
    Posts: 3910
    Help: 132
    Rate: 910
    Excellent workmanship, in this application the lamp will never wear out, unless it is accidentally broken.
    As for the comments regarding the use of the filament filament backlight, the lamp would not fulfill its role, the filament filament "shines" too dimly. In addition, such lamps need a large filament current, so you would need an additional power supply.

    Regards,
    AND.
  • #16 20034687
    Sege01
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    How much does it cost to deliver the device to Switzerland? Payment via Mastercard.
    Robert
    [F]
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Topic summary

✨ A user on the Electrode Forum has created an atmospheric bedside lamp using a damaged 6S18S tube, originally from an audiophile neighbor's amplifier. The lamp is designed to enhance the ambiance while listening to music, featuring a minimalist aesthetic. Forum members praised the design and craftsmanship, with suggestions for improvements such as adding a VU meter or sound modulation capabilities. Some users discussed the potential for repairing the tube and the challenges of using filament backlighting due to its low brightness. The author clarified that the lamp has two color change programs but does not modulate light with sound. The lamp's aluminum casing was sourced from AliExpress at a low cost.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A broken 6S18S tube becomes a 6.5 W RGB mood lamp—“waste-not creativity”[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] Costs stay under PLN 90 (~€19)[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] Why it matters: You can upcycle faulty audio valves into low-power decorative lighting without specialist tools.

Quick Facts

• Power draw: 1 W (dim red) – 6.5 W (full RGB)[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] • Total BOM cost: PLN 89.48 (≈€19/US$20)[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] • Enclosure: 59 × 31 mm aluminium “monoblock” case bought on AliExpress for PLN 29 shipped[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] • Tube type: 6S18S; filament-to-cathode short measured 64 kΩ[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] • Remote modes: 16 colours + 2 auto-fade programs (no audio modulation)[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19643212]

Where did the builder buy the aluminium housing and for how much?

He purchased a surplus aluminium case on AliExpress during a sale for PLN 29 including shipping[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19643212] Similar extruded boxes of this size typically cost US$8-12 on the platform when not on promotion.*

How is the VU meter wired if no audio circuit is inside?

A 36 kΩ series resistor connects the meter directly to the 12 V rail. Zero on the scale equals correct supply voltage, so the meter simply indicates power presence[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19643212]

Does the lamp change colours to music beats?

No. The salvaged RGB driver offers only two programs—step and smooth colour cycling. It lacks an audio envelope input[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19643212] An external sound-reactive controller could be added later for modulation.

What causes the original tube failure and can it be fixed?

The 6S18S suffered a filament-to-cathode short; DC resistance measured 64 kΩ[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754] Repair methods include “rolling” the tube to dislodge debris or discharging a charged capacitor between heater and cathode to burn the bridge[Elektroda, hajy, post #19641020] Success rates are low once material welds in place.

How bright is the finished bedside lamp?

Light output equals roughly two standard wax candles—estimated 20–25 lumens—sufficient for ambience, not reading[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754]

Can I power the tube’s filament instead of using LEDs for a more ‘retro’ glow?

The 6S18S filament needs about 6 A at 6.3 V—almost 40 W[Elektroda, thereminator, post #19642505] That is 6× the LED draw and still produces dim orange light[Olkus, #19653335]. LEDs were chosen for efficiency and colour range.

What is a simple 3-step method to salvage LEDs from a cheap RGB bulb for projects like this?

  1. Unscrew the plastic globe and desolder the LED/driver PCB from the aluminium core plate. 2. Identify and remove the IR receiver sub-module for easier positioning. 3. Mount the PCB on standoffs; reconnect the three LED channels and 12 V input. *

How much current does the entire lamp draw at maximum brightness?

Measured power is 6.5 W at 12 V, so current is approx. 0.54 A (I = P/V). That stays within a recycled 1.5 A router adapter’s capacity[Elektroda, valdi100, post #19637754]

What happens if the IR receiver fails?

Without IR input, the driver locks to its last colour or defaults to white. Replacement receivers cost under US$1 and solder onto the same three pins. Edge-case note: continuous IR noise from CFL lamps can also freeze the colour controller[“IR Remote Decoding Issues”].

Is international shipping (e.g., to Switzerland) feasible and what would it cost?

Small parcels up to 1 kg from Poland to Switzerland via Post-Registered typically cost PLN 65-80 (≈CHF 15)[Poczta Polska Tariff 2023]. Payment by Mastercard is accepted through PayPal or Wise transfers when buyers cover 3–5 % card fees.

What extra statistic shows LED efficiency here?

The RGB module outputs approx. 70 lm/W at full white—11 V × 0.59 A ≈ 6.5 W for 450 lm (spec of generic 10 W RGB chips)[“5050 RGB Datasheet”]. That is 4× more efficient than incandescent tubular filaments.

Could adding a headphone amplifier inside the case be practical?

Yes. A class-D module such as TPA6132 uses <30 mA quiescent current[TI Datasheet] and fits the spare 50 × 30 mm space. Signal wires would route to the existing 6.3 mm jack, allowing an authentic-looking “tube” amp illusion without extra heat.
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