Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Aircraft Beacon Alternatives?
I've been toying with the idea of adding a red beacon on the belly of my STOL 750. (I'll probably keep adding mods until the plane won't fly and then it'll be time to quit! LOL!) I was at Sun 'n Fun recently and learned that major vendors like AeroLED's do not make an experimental version, only a certified one for $695 !!!!
With our freedom to install non-certified equipment on our EAB's, I thought there surely must be a similar beacon out there in the non-aviation world that does not have the word "aviation" on the box and therefore be much more reasonably priced. A quick search seemed to indicate there are lots of beacons for the non-aviation world, but most are not as bright or are relatively huge compared to something like a AeroLED "Sunbeacon." Anyone found a reasonably-priced alternative that is bright enough to be worth installing?
John
N750A
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Austin on
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Update: I installed the Abrams "Blaster 360" the other day. As previously mentioned, it is a SAE Class 1 light and throws a 360 degree pattern parallel to the surface it is mounted on:
The lens is 1.2" in diameter and protrudes 1.2". You can recess-mount it with only the lens protruding above the surface or, as I elected to do, surface-mount it with the included fairing that covers the base. This requires only a 0.5" hole for a grommeted passage for the wiring. There is a couple of feet of cable with a quick-disconnect and then a longer cable with an in-line controller for the light patterns. It is so small and lightweight that I elected to install it with the 2 included sheet metal screws. I wired it to a circuit that is controlled by the master so that when I turn the master on, the beacon starts flashing. This is a great safety measure to warn others that you're about to start the engine and also an unmistakable reminder should you leave the master on after shut down!
A short video is here: https://youtube.com/shorts/u-EVLwvFhB0?feature=share
I'm quite pleased with the result and especially with the price!
John
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Permalink Reply by Matt Pope on
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Cool! Have you noticed any radio interference from the new beacon? I've heard that RF interference is the main problem with inexpensive LEDs, but maybe that's just marketing from the expensive brands...
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I saw where a dealer, not the manufacturer, claimed "these (Abrams) lights are built to avoid rf interference." Likely that's true as I have not noticed any interference but so far have limited experience, so time will tell. I'll certainly report back if I detect any problems.
John
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Matt - I've got a few hours with the beacon and I have not been able to detect any rf interference whatsoever!
John
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Permalink Reply by John Waldrip on
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John
I saw this post and I also installed the Blaster 360. Except I installed it on the top of the fuselage.
I just ordered another one that I'm going t install on the bottom where you have yours mounted. they can be synced together and run off the same wire. Now I'll be seen from above and below. (I hope).
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Permalink Reply by Douglas Binder on
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This is good news. I'll order one now.
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