Back when I was building my -8, Creativair had just come out with their wing-tip mounted 2" halogen landing light kit, and I really liked the idea of keep all the lighting in the tips, as well as not having to cut into my beautiful QB leading edge! (I have since learned that the leading edge lights are pretty easy to install, and quite robust and effective - I would not be averse to using then in the future.) The installation worked fine, and the lights function OK, but when people ask how well they work as landing lights, I really have to admit - not very well. There just isn't that much light to be had from those 2" halogens! While they are OK for landing on a well-light airport, I was very uncomfortable at the idea of coming home to our dark-hole of an airpark well after sunset.
I started with Creativair, as I had heard that Bill Vondane had developed an HID replacement kit, but alas, he is having supplier problems, and rather than promising what he can't deliver, he has taken the high road and suspended those kits until he can sort it out. When I saw that Van's was having a clearing house sale on the Duckworks HID kits, I went and looked at their site, and lo and behold, they had a drop-in replacement for the 2" "MR-16" halogen in an HID form. Yes, you have to install the ballast and wiring, but the basic mount for the lamp is exactly the same.
I ordered the unit Monday night on line, and got an email immediately saying that th kit would ship on Thursday. $250 included two lights, ballasts, and shipping - and it arrive yesterday via USPS - it's a plus that the postal service still delivers on Saturday!
The kits are very simple, and didn't require instructions - the only thing I had to do to prep for installation was to cut off the power input plug (looked like an automotive plug for which I didn't have a "mate" and install a nylon connector from my shop supply. Then it was on to removing the wingtips. To make a long story short, there were no surprises - I started removing the tip at about 2030 last night, had the first one installed and re-assembled in an hour, and took half that time on the second one. I opened up the hangar doors, connected some ground power to the airplane so I could do some aiming without worrying about running down the battery, and voil?' !! Instant sun!
Light measurements are very tricky, so I'll give an unscientific estimate that these things have GOBS more light than the halogens. I was able to light up my ramp, the runway, and the backyard of the neighbor across the runway from me. Aiming was a matter of trying not to blind myself with reflected light while trying to make adjustments. I aim one for tail-high (Landing), and one for tail-low (taxi).
I have heard and read concern over the effects of RFI on wing tip antennas, so on today's breakfast run, I played with the lights and both the Nav (in my right wing tip) and the #2 Comm (in my left. Yes, you can hear the lights on the Comm. But that antenna is marginal anyway (only good for about 30 miles), and I have been thinking about putting a second belly antenna on - I paid enough for th radio, it's silly not to have a good antenna! the Nav locked up on stations at normal ranges, regardless of the light being on or off.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with the lights, the kit, and the choice - If you really need light, HID seems to be the way to go! (More light, less power - better than a beer commercial)
Comparison of the Halogen (left) and HID (right) lamps:
Duckworks HID Ballast:
Ballast installed on the outboard rib with three screws - took minutes!
The HID Lamp fits right into the Creativeair holder (this is the Halogen bulb):
Paul
Let There Be Light! (Duckworks HID Conversion kit)
The specs say it will handle up to 200 watts per side and I'll only be at 100 per side. (200 watts of HID between both sides should be enough I think)
He truly is "DA MAN!" 
Linear Mode
