NavList:

George is right:

The only form of self-luminous devices available now for instruments such as compasses are tritium capsules - glass tubes sealed with tritium gas and internally coated with photoluminescent phosphor (similar to flourescent lamps). They unfortunately dim as the years go by. About ten years is a useful timescale.

I have a Sestrel hand-bearing compass with one under the compass card and it became so dim it was useless. To replace it I had a lot of serious trouble obtaining the capsule. They are usually only made for the military and their instruments. Available in many different sizes and shapes - the real problem was shipping (postage) for the rules and regulations for 'elf and safety are extremely onerous. The capsule, measuring about 1" by 1/2" by 1/4" was shipped in bubble wrap in a large metal container 9" high and 10" diameter.

The only other modern low illuminescent instrument lighting system are photoluminescent panels, but require a low voltage power supply - (i.e. wiring) to them. Again made in a huge variety of shapes and sizes (I believe down to sub-mm width for indicating needles in dials)- for the military and are of course all ridiculously expensive being mil spec. Usually used in aerospace instruments - dials of all sorts, altimeters and suchlike etc.
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The ex-wartime radium paint is very dangerous indeed if inhaled or ingested.

I would suggest extreme caution removing it. - Gloves and mask mandatory; care in the area where you are doing it to make sure none is left behind anywhere etc - preferably a vacuum cleaner pipe nearby to such any particles into it and throw away the bag carefully etc.

The Russian secret service defector to London was killed (probably by the Russian FSB) by putting an alpha emitter into a drink. Not very nice !
The radium is still active but the phosphor in the paint degrades.

Douglas Denny.
Chichester. England.
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