[TenTec] Argonaut II Backlight Replacement

[Steve Berg]

A while back I bought two of the All Electronics surplus 
electroluminescent display backlights.  I replace the dead one in the 
radio by cutting the new one to size.  It lasted about a year and quit 
working this week.  I have not had the chance to check the voltage to it 
yet, but suspect that the backlight went out again.  Since I am down to 
my last replacement, are there any other sources of these strips?  And, 
is there a problem with just cutting the strip to size with a sharp pair 
of scissors?  Should I spray the edges with something like clear Krylon 
to seal them?  I thought these things were supposed to last for many 
years, and that does not seem to be the case.  The OEM light lasted for 
quite a few years of heavy operation.  Help?

Steve WA9JML