Strobe Question

A place to relax and discuss flying topics.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

Post Reply
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Strobe Question

Post by 170C »

A friend has a 172 with a strobe unit on the verticle stab. The bulb has burned out and it appears finding a new bulb is unlikely. The strobe unit appears to be no longer mfg'd. He has the option of spending two to two and a half times more $ for an approved replacement unit OR buying one that will work just as well, but isn't approved for a 172 (but is for C-180/185). The out of pocket cost is around $250 for the unapproved one. What advise would you folks give this individual? I think I know what advise you will give, but I still want your input.
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
User avatar
VernH
Posts: 84
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:49 pm

Re: Strobe Question

Post by VernH »

If it were mine I would bite the bullet and replace it with the same type or an approved replacement. I replaced an inop Whelen HRCFA with a 90520 LED. The light isn't a strobe, it flashes and it is absolutely the brightest anti-collision light I have ever seen. You can't look it when it flashes.
http://www.whelen.com/images/_avi/Self_ ... /90520.jpg
Attachments
90520.jpg
90520.jpg (66.63 KiB) Viewed 8485 times
Fly safe!

Vern
1950 C-170A N5453C sn 19487
Based in Pensacola, FL. 82J
bagarre
Posts: 2615
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:35 pm

Re: Strobe Question

Post by bagarre »

Read up on strobe bulbs and make your own from common parts available from quality electric stores.
It's jus a strobe bulb and can be had for $5. Then fit it to the base that the burnt out one uses.
User avatar
GAHorn
Posts: 20967
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: Strobe Question

Post by GAHorn »

170C wrote:A friend has a 172 with a strobe unit on the verticle stab. The bulb has burned out and it appears finding a new bulb is unlikely. The strobe unit appears to be no longer mfg'd. He has the option of spending two to two and a half times more $ for an approved replacement unit OR buying one that will work just as well, but isn't approved for a 172 (but is for C-180/185). The out of pocket cost is around $250 for the unapproved one. What advise would you folks give this individual? I think I know what advise you will give, but I still want your input.
Has this "friend" also installed a Bolen tailwheel conversion on his 172? :twisted:
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Strobe Question

Post by 170C »

No, fortunately I have Whalen units on mine. This friend went ahead and ordered a Whelen unit similar to the one on my planes belly. A self contained one to fit up on his verticle stab.
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Post Reply