Panasonic RX-5500 LED MOD, did I go overboard?

[Maxx134]

Hey Guys I decided to Mod this mid-sized Panny and thought,
It won't be a big deal, just a lil simple mod, but as time wore on into the night, and too much caffeene in my system from racking my brains,
on figuring out the multiple double sided circuit boards for proper power tapping for the LEDs ...
I got dam carried away I think and here is the result this mourning so far:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jbqxAp5WY0&feature=plcp
EDIT: second video looks better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrJ3j9hTe40&feature=plcp
Pics to follow..
EDIT: OK here are the pics:
The blue LEDs inside the controls alternate
Dail and piano keys are frost white,
while center controls and tape counter shine into cassette area is blue..

 

[Reli]

Definitely overkill on the tuner dial, but I love the blinking ones under the switches

 

[JustCruisin]

I like it! I think it would be a greater visual impact if it was just the rocker switches that lit up, I like the alternating flashing sequence! Since it appears to be a stock Panasonic, I think just those blinking rocker switches would be the icing on the cake!

 

[Maxx134]

Definitely overkill on the tuner dial, but I love the blinking ones under the switches

lol yea my camera sucks it is the phone camera so it cant handle the light but in real life none of the boxes look that bright, just more sparkly

 

[Maxx134]

I like it! I think it would be a greater visual impact if it was just the rocker switches that lit up, I like the alternating flashing sequence! Since it appears to be a stock Panasonic, I think just those blinking rocker switches would be the icing on the cake!

Your right those rockers steal the show, But before I opened the unit I didnt think it could be done,
as they have a thick grey washer shaped felt material covering the holes,
that had to be replaced with clear plastic in order for lights to shine up thru.
It was an absolute pain in the ars but was worth it now that I look at it.

 

[Maxx134]

I will be opening it up one last time to reduce the Dial brightness, and to toggle the lights with the meter on/off toggle.
I already tested this control has no real access and its pins are all used or removed
no matter I am placing a second swith inside unit that gets activated by this toggle.
Also there is plenty space on side unit panel where jacks are I can drill and add a switch if I wanted, but going for a stealth and OEM feel..
Will be posting up pics and details on my photobucket album no real time now just enjoying a nice Saturday sun.

 

[im_alan_partridge]

Nice job Maxx, these sort of mods are all about personal taste, if you like it do it.

BTW, i like it

 

[Reli]

I would recommend just one LED for the tuner dial (pointing from right to left). And maybe affix it to the glass somehow so that it makes the entire glass glow along its edges.

 

[MONOLITHIC]

Yeah, the tuning dial is a bit too much but everything else is real cool to me - especially that tape deck section!

 

[Maxx134]

Point taken.
Will redoo the dial totally
This simpler radio is actually the most challenging due to space constraints and
Also the internal layout is totally different yet the quality is noticeably higher

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Yes, the dial lights are too bright but the flashing switches & deck lights look awesome!!

Great work,

Love it,

James....

 

[Scotty_M]

Panasonics were never meant to be pimped out like this. They already just have their own class and style.
Well done regardless

Scotty

 

[stereomann]

i think it looks Great
i like the sanyo too
do you have more pictures of that

 

[floyd]

I will be opening it up one last time to reduce the Dial brightness, and to toggle the lights with the meter on/off toggle.
I already tested this control has no real access and its pins are all used or removed
no matter I am placing a second swith inside unit that gets activated by this toggle.
Also there is plenty space on side unit panel where jacks are I can drill and add a switch if I wanted, but going for a stealth and OEM feel..
Will be posting up pics and details on my photobucket album no real time now just enjoying a nice Saturday sun.

too bad you cant put a manual dimmer switch on it .

 

[=ml=]

Panasonics were never meant to be pimped out like this. They already just have their own class and style.
Well done regardless

Scotty

EW&F approve of the tape mod:
[youtube]WQr9SjiJS94[/youtube]

Go!

=ml=

 

[monchito]

awesome bro

 

[bklyn sound]

awesome bro

LOOKS GREAT

 

[Northerner]

just beautiful!

 

[Maxx134]

Thanks for the approval guys .
The panny is back on the operation table for a slightly different look tonight & then next victim box will be on the chopping block tomorrow lol
While I was listening to some tapes I realize this unit pushes out some sweet details.
I never used the tape before because it needed a cleaning when I got it, but it plays sweet.
I have original box & instructs for this baby

CrO2, that's an amazing video!

 

[Cpl-Chronic]

hOLY FU3KIN& DISCO-LIGHTS BATMAN!!! That's a brilliant mod, including the lit tape transport. The tape controls being back-lit like that is so handy & looks Close-Encounters SWEEETT!!! Perfect for night-time operation. The dial is WAY too bright but that can be tweaked. Right? AWESOME MOD!!!!!