As the title states, I'd like to wire in a pilot light but I'm not sure where it fits into the circuit. Would it be wired in directly before the power switch, directly after?
Also, would the bulb inadvertantly become like a fuse?
I assume the mains bulb is actually a neon, in which case you will need to calculate a dropper resistor to limit the current. It would be wired directly across the mains live and neutral in parallel to the main transformer.
A better option is to fit a pilot light from a Guitar amp as they are ~6v and will work wired into the heater circuit. For example here is one i installed into my S.E.X. amp..
They are just weird, from what i can make out the box section is a step down transformer and the bulb is a regular 6v. I guess thats the kind of thing you use in industrial cabinets but since we have a 6v source a guitar pilot lamp would make more sense. Do double check the physical size to ensure you have the room, i made a mistake with the location of mine i almost didnt get away with
Basically both tubes are fed 6.3v from a dedicated winding on the transformer to power the heater elements, all you need to do is connect the bulb to those two wires.
I had a search for the holder i used and cant find it, but there are plenty on eBay to choose from. I did find a 240v neon on eBay that i want for no reason other than its cool looking. Cant decide if it looks more like an army helmet or a magic mushroom!
Well, I suppose I'm going to pick up a pack of these supposedly vintage russian pilot lights made of bakelite. The black bakelite housing will match my amp better than a chrome housing.