PA30 Beacon Replacement

[fdorrin]

I have a 1967 PA30 Twin Comanche with a broken beacon lens up on the tail. This is a Hoskins Strobe (14v dc / 18 amp) with two wires and a built in power supply. See http://www.airdorrin.com/?p=634 for pictures.

I am trying to find a lens, but failing that, asking if anyone knows of a whelen or other direct replacement that will fit in the same fairing. Dimensions are on the website url above.

[N3322G]

Frank,

If you put Whelen in the search box in the upper right of this page, you'll get a few hits that may be able to help you.

[fdorrin]

Wrapping this one up. It took awhile, but I found what I needed by talking directly with Whelen, and then calling about 6 different places to find one.

Whelen model 7108055.
Part Number 01-0771080-55
Red 14vdc LED Flashing Assembly (Strobe replacement)

Replacing a broken Hoskins Model 701620-1 Red Tail Strobe. Only the lens is broken, so I'll save the power supply for the belly strobe.

Most likely by early next week I'll have my LED light re-installed and be flying again.

Thanks to those with the hints and ideas.

[N3322G]

Frank,

Did the LED replace a couple of years ago and Whelen directed me to a unit that fit screw hole wise int he housing -which looks a lot like yours - but it sat so low, it created a moat. Heads up on that - don't know if they still make the one with a longer 'skirt' to sit higher in the housing.

[N8632Y]

Frank,
I have the whelen LED strobe on top of my tail, love it,,,,installation wasn't so bd, my IA does it.
Great mod, big difference.....u'll love it.
I have a video below, you can see it on the left nacelle throughout the video, or go to the very end of flight, i shut all lights but the tail strobe, and you can see it plainly in front of the plane!!!!!!
Also, have LED landing lights, and LED nosewheel taxi light, which i love, highly recommend, makes a huge difference to us older guys night flying, once i land, i'm lost!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsWOnjfBcO0
Hope all is well,,,
steve

[N3322G]

Another LED testimony.

This morning it was hazy at 7. I took a bio break as Ken did another take-off and landing. 3/4 mile away while he was still on the ground, the plane was 'invisible' but that tail beacon was very visible.

[George Kretschmann]

[fdorrin]

Hey George -

I ordered part number 01-0771080-55 Whelen Red LED light from Keith Null at Skytech, Inc. DMW (410-876-0353). Feel free to contact me at fdorrin@gmail.com if you need specifics. I will post pictures on www.airdorrin.com when I get time later this week.

I put the new strobe in last night. Pat was right - there is a moat created when you do that. I'll include pictures of what that looks like. I put in a bead of silicone where the moat would be, and it will not be an issue. Screw pattern lined up perfectly - the three screws are not symetrical.

The light is intense!! All this because of a broken plastic piece.

Frank

[George Kretschmann]

[fdorrin]

Update: I was able to install the replacement on my own and get the airplane moved for its annual. Vacation is a couple weeks away, so the pressure was on.

This picture shows the moat effect of the direct replacement. I chose to accept this, and put a bead of silicone around the light/fairing at this location. It will be easy to remove should the need occur, and will actually keep all the water out. If I have water sitting in whatever depression remains - it won't be much.

picture of the moat effect for PA-30 direct replacement

shows a top down view of the unit. See for more information and additional views.

Thanks to all who contributed.

Frank