I have a Marx pedestal searchlight tower, and I would like to use it. The problem is, there is no terminals on the base, only a small lever. At first my question was how to hook it up, however researching the bigger towers has lead me to believe that it is battery powered. When I looked at mine though, I couldn’t figure how to put a battery in it. So now I guess my question is, how do I power it? If it is battery powered, how do put a battery in it? I would post pictures as well, but my computer is running too slow right now.
This is battery operated by a D cell. You must bend the tabs on the base so the base removes. Insert a D Cell. reinstall the base. I suggest you leave the tabs straight since repeated bending will break the tabs. For practicality. I would suggest you rewire for track power. Keeping the antique nature intact you can change bulbs to match your power supply or power with a 1.5 volt power supply. To avoid disassembly run one lead of your power to top of a round non conductive piece of wood the size of a D-CELL (square block that will fit in housing) and the other to the bottom. To enhance connectivity - best to solder the wires to small metal plates attached to each end. The spring inside should keep you in contact. If spring is damaged then add a spring contact on the bottom. Make sure the top contact is raised and no larger than the top (positive) nib of a D Cell.
I realize this is an old thread but hope that the info can be helpful to others. The same actions apply to the #308 Battery operated Station Lamp and the #316 Flood light tower. Probably many more but those are what I have. Ubfortunately I have the searchlight that does NOT have a switch so the battery must be inserted and removed to turn on/off.
