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  #1  
Old 08-12-2014, 05:29 PM
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N546RV N546RV is offline
 
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Location: Brookshire, TX
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Default Let's talk about landing lights (specifically wingtip vs. leading edge)

So as of this moment, I have both wing skeletons on the stands, left leading edge clecoed together, etc. More and more, my thoughts are turning to what I want to do for lights. Given a choice, I'd prefer to not cut the leading edge and instead run wingtip lights. However, it seems that many feel that wingtip landing lights have too much of a dark spot in front of a nose, due to the lights being masked by the inboard part of the cutout.

So I'd like to hear personal experiences with wingtip lights. It'd be even better if anyone has some good example photos of light patterns at night.

Of particular interest to me are the new AeroLED Vx lights, which look pretty slick, but would seem to suffer from the same blanking effect as the much-maligned Van's stock kit.

I've almost convinced myself to do the leading edge lights at this point, but I'd like to collect some opinions on both sides before I commit. I definitely want to go ahead and cut the leading edges before they're riveted if I do the leading edge lights. And if I do the leading edges, I expect I'll get the Duckworks mount kit and stick something like an Aerosun in there.

(Speaking of which...does a single Duckworks kit include stuff for both wings, or do I need to buy two kits?)

Let the fight begin!
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  #2  
Old 08-12-2014, 05:41 PM
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blueflyer blueflyer is offline
 
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I just cut both my wing light holes (after the skins were riveted on). I bought the duckworks kit. you have to buy 2 kits....one for each wing


Last edited by blueflyer : 08-12-2014 at 05:45 PM.
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  #3  
Old 08-12-2014, 05:59 PM
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Larco Larco is offline
 
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After installing some of each I decided that the leading edge would work better for me. The Duckworth round was my choice and do work just fine, but because of current draw I will change over to the Whelen LEDS very soon. They are a direct replacement so no mods are necessary as I understand it. Larry
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Old 08-12-2014, 05:59 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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I've got the wingtip landing lights in the RV-8, Duckworks in both other airplanes. I have always said that the tip lights in the -8 were "adequate" - but truthfully, the other two are so much better, and the work to install is so simple (even cutting the holes is a no-brainer) that when I have the chance, I'll convert the RV-8 as well.

The tip lights work as recognition lights - don't add much for landing/taxiing at night.
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  #5  
Old 08-12-2014, 06:14 PM
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N546RV N546RV is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight View Post
I've got the wingtip landing lights in the RV-8, Duckworks in both other airplanes. I have always said that the tip lights in the -8 were "adequate" - but truthfully, the other two are so much better, and the work to install is so simple (even cutting the holes is a no-brainer) that when I have the chance, I'll convert the RV-8 as well.

The tip lights work as recognition lights - don't add much for landing/taxiing at night.
Thanks, very good info.

Another related question for you (and other taildragger builders): What are your thoughts on landing vs. taxi lights? I suppose the simplest solution is to have one wing be a landing light and the other a taxi light, but the part of my reptilian brain that's obsessed with symmetry twitches at that idea. I can probably make it shut up though.
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  #6  
Old 08-12-2014, 06:23 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N546RV View Post

Another related question for you (and other taildragger builders): What are your thoughts on landing vs. taxi lights? I suppose the simplest solution is to have one wing be a landing light and the other a taxi light, but the part of my reptilian brain that's obsessed with symmetry twitches at that idea. I can probably make it shut up though.
Keep the reptile quiet - aim one side for landing, the other for taxi, and label them "Right" and "Left" if you must....
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RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
RV-6 (By Marriage) - N164MS - "Mikey"
RV-3B - N13PL - "Tsamsiyu"
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  #7  
Old 08-12-2014, 06:48 PM
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Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
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I have trustfire LED flashlights in the tips of the Rocket, and the typical 100w H4 bulbs in the leading edge of the -8. The Rocket throws a lot more light at the runway in landing than the -8. The Rocket has both aimed high, as landing lights. I've found the spillover from the LED's plenty adequate for the taxi mission. I do have the Massey "hot tips" on the Rocket, if that makes a difference.

I'd say your satisfaction will depend a lot more on the light source, rather than location.
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Last edited by Toobuilder : 08-12-2014 at 06:52 PM.
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  #8  
Old 08-12-2014, 07:09 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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I believe in an ?apple to apple? comparison, the leading edge LL would perform better than the wing tip. But the LL are changing and improving very fast and I believe options for wing tip LL are more than leading edge.

I am on my third version/type of LL, started with the 50W halogen type, went to Bi-Xenon and now to LED. The LEDs are simply Trustfire flash lights that has been modified (simply removed the battery holder portion) and they out preform the Xenon and many of other LL including LED that can be as much as $800
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  #9  
Old 08-12-2014, 09:14 PM
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Here is a pic of the AeroLeds that were on display at OSH. That's a NAV light with stobe in front of tha landing lights. I really think this is going to replace all in wing landing lights one day. They are lighter and use less power.

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  #10  
Old 08-12-2014, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jetguy View Post
Here is a pic of the AeroLeds that were on display at OSH. That's a NAV light with stobe in front of tha landing lights. I really think this is going to replace all in wing landing lights one day. They are lighter and use less power.

The new AeroLEDs are probably my favorite of available options, but I'd really like to see someone demo what the light coverage in front of an actual aircraft is. On the one hand, they appear to sit further forward than the standard tip lights, but on the other hand, a lot more of the lighting comes from further into the lighting recess. Thus I figure they're probably a wash vs. the standard tip lights in terms of coverage, but I'd love to see a demo showing otherwise.

The Aveo ziptips really look like the coolest option, if they ever make it to production...but with the delays continuing without apparent end, I don't have a lot of hope that they'll have a real product out any time soon. Plus it sounds like they'll be expensive with a capital E.

So basically, my standpoint on current options goes kind of like this:
  • Leading edge lights I know will provide good lighting and good coverage, plus I can exercise lots of control over what lights I use.
  • Aveo tip lights look as if they solve the coverage problem by not even using the stock light coves, but who knows when they'll actually have a product.
  • AeroLEDs look cool, but I'm skeptical that they won't have the same old coverage issue as other tip lights.

So I end up basically sitting between going ahead and cutting the LE holes now, before everything goes together permanently, or skipping the LE holes for now and hoping for Aveo to get their act together. The downside of the second option is that if Aveo doesn't get their act together, I have to cut LE holes on an assembled wing. Not a huge inconvenience, but one I'd prefer to avoid.

Most likely I'll end up holding off on the cuts until I'm about ready to rivet the LE sections, and absent any sign from Aveo at that time, I'll be sending Duckworks my money.
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-8 fuselage in progress (remember when I thought the wing kit had a lot of parts? HAHAHAHAHA)
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