strobes

jc pacquin · Post by **jc pacquin** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 14:37

atten: Mike B, Joe, and other wizards! if i were to put strobes on the old tear drop nav lights, (which are there with wiring back to cockpit) What kind would I use and what for power, a motorcycle battery or WHAT? Someone mentioned Led lights, another said use only Whelan with power packs at wing tips. Suggestions? I have no electric.JC

Post by **joea** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 19:40

JC,

Nothing wrong with a sealed battery in the airplane. It would be a "total loss" system and you would have to charge it every few weeks but should work fine.

I have no idea what the current draw is but believe that it would last 20-30 hours on a descent battery.

I have them on the Sedan that are strobes, nav and clearance lights, all in one on each wing tip. Really like them.

Joe A

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 20:40

Never gave it much of a thought JC (a wizard I am not

) It would seem though that putting power packs in the wingtips would not be a small task, although not impossible. Getting approval for the battery installation might be a problem in this day and age although it shouldn't be as you're improving the safety aspect.

Mike

Post by **joea** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 01:49

Mike,

Mine on the Sedan has one powerpack in the fuselage baggage compartment, and wiring running out the wings.

Joe A

jkvincent · Post by **jkvincent** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:07

I also have the (one power pack) in the fuselage, with Wing and Tail strobes, I figure when you fly this slow,
it would be nice if people see you and not run up your butt.
The Wing power packs are nice, but unless your wing is un-covered, it would be a "good bit" of work also along with
running the wire out to the wing tips (in a covered wing).
If needed, you'd also have to run a ground out to the wing tip, (because of wood spars), or ground at the first (outboard) Drag wire.
Going with the (two) Wing power packs, seems a 16/18 ga wire would be fine.
If you do the (one) Fuselage power pack, order the installation kit which includes the (required) insulated wire.
Jim

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 01:01

Any particular strobe brands worth considering (for the tail)? I think it's a good idea! My aircraft has wiring already installed on the top of the vertical stabilizer.

Post by **joea** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 01:24

Whelen is the industry standard and whats in my Aeronca. There may be others.

jkvincent · Post by **jkvincent** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 08:17

I agree with Joe, and my tail also is a (Whelen) combination tail light/strobe.
The power pack weights about 2 1/2 lbs. and is a 3 light system.
Jim