Hi Bernie

I changed the connectors on the 12 volt source heater bulbs to barrel 
connectors with the two screws that provide a positive connection. 
Barrel connectors were used on all VG ion sources and are still 
available. Ironically Thermo sent out a free upgrade kit last week 
consisting of new design connectors for Delta XP instruments. 
Evidently the old ones when hot caused out-gassing and caused ion 
source problems. The 12 volt bulbs are Halogen G4 base which can be 
obtained from most hardware stores.

Regards

John Hill


At 14:25 05/07/2007, you wrote:
>Hello,
>
>      Here's a problem we've been having with our Delta XL for years that I
>KNOW others have had as well.
>
>     Inside the source of the instrument there are two 'light bulb/heaters'
>that are used to drive off water in the source. The light bulbs are
>connected by tiny connectors that are very fragile and have a tendency
>to slip off or even break if the light bulbs are not connected exactly
>right. These connectors usually only last thru 2-3 light bulb changes
>before they become unusable. Of course, if the clips need to be
>replaced, we have to buy the entire heater assembly from Thermo, and
>replace the entire thing (not an easy task).
>     My question is this: How have other list members dealt with this
>problem? Is there an easier way to replace the heater bulbs without
>all the fuss and muss?
>
>Let me know.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bernie Genna
>NCSU

John Hill
Mass Spectrometry Facility
University College London
Chemistry Department
20 Gordon St.
London
WC1H 0AJ

Tel:  020 7679 4605
Fax: 020 7679 7451