We report a packaged DFB laser frequency-locked to the Kr 1s2-2p8 transition at 1.54782-mu-m using a novel miniature discharge lamp. This lamp generates more than an order of magnitude larger optogalvanic signal for the same input power than conventional indicator lamps of comparable size. The frequency stability of the laser package is better than 2 MHz, and the fiber-to-laser coupling loss (< 2 dB) is very stable against temperature fluctuations and mechanical vibrations.