Strobes: What do I need to know?

[RScott]

Looking into strobes but I need a course in strobology. I know almost nothing about strobes, but have been learning in bits & pieces. I haven’t found a comprehensive description of what you really need to know to put a system together.

The price of strobes is crazy--$825 from Van’s, but as usual, they aren’t the most expensive source. I’ve been looking at options such as a kit from Strobes ‘N More, but I just generate questions when doing so:

1. How many joules energy output is really needed? The System 6 puts out 21 joules at each light if operated simultaneously or 42 if alternated according to Whelen info for the power supply. Van’s sells this power supply for $390 and the list from Whelen is $537. I figure a lot of this price is in certification. The Strobes ‘N More Nova power supply puts out 34 joules and sells for $90 and they have some Whelen units for $130-160, but don’t list the energy output. They do list the power output as 60-90 watts. What’s really needed?? Can we somehow convert power output to energy output?
2. Do the strobe heads have to be matched somehow with the power from the power supply or can I just use any strobes I come across?
3. Van’s says RV-7/7A, RV-8/8A, RV-9/9A and RV-10 builders must use system 6. Why? Is it that the shape of the wingtips makes coverage inadequate without a strobe in the tail?
4. Van’s sells position light kits without strobes. I thought anti-collision lights were required for night flight. Am I wrong about this?
5. What do I really need to know to put a system together?
6. Wingtips vs. fuselage? Pros & cons of each? Which is less likely to create radio interference?
7. I like the idea of LED's instead, but it looks like further development is needed. Would LED's need a power supply?

Thanks for your help.

[jthocker]

I have the strobes n more system that has recently been touted.
I was flying the other evening alongside a friend with the Whelen's and asked #3 guy to compare our 2 systems from a distance. He said my strobes were about 60% as bright as the Whelen's. I suspected as much, because I noticed my planes twin with the Strobes n More seemed dimmer when I was trying to acquire him in the haze.

Next time I'll use the Whelens again.

[frankh]

Personally...I don't think they work very well in terms of aiding recognition

I fitted them mainly cus everyone else does..But do they really do much?..I'm not so sure.

Frank

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by jthocker

I have the strobes n more system that has recently been touted.
I was flying the other evening alongside a friend with the Whelen's and asked #3 guy to compare our 2 systems from a distance. He said my strobes were about 60% as bright as the Whelen's. I suspected as much, because I noticed my planes twin with the Strobes n More seemed dimmer when I was trying to acquire him in the haze.

Next time I'll use the Whelens again.

Jon,
Do you have Whelen strobe heads? If not, do you have the Whelen strobe lens placed over your Strobes N' More strobe bulbs (aka heads)? The Strobes N' More units do not come with any lens. The Whelen lens diverts most of the light into the horizontal plane, as specified by the FARs. Without a lens, more light is lost to the vertical plane.
Which Nova power supply do you have? (model number) Their less expensive ones only put out half the power of the more expensive units (which equal the Whelens).

Charlie Kuss

[Reiff Preheat Systems]

RScott, see here http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=38364


Whelen makes strobe kits for emergency vehicles that are a lot cheaper than aircraft units, but similar output. You do have to use the magnifying strobe lens cover over the bulb or it won't look as bright.

LED bulbs are already available as automotive replacements. See my previous comments in the above thread, and here http://www.reiffpreheat.com/RV4.htm

Good luck.

[terrykohler]

We recently had a question posted on this subject re. use of marine position lights. FWIW, this is an area that you need to think very carefully about if you actually intend to use your aircraft at night. Your position lights and strobes are as much or more for everyone else's benefit as they are yours. If you are not absolutely certain that your light system meets required standards for intensity, visibility, and coverage, please don't fly at night. Would you drive a car at night with somethings other than SAE/DOT standard head and tail lights?
Terry, CFI
RV9A N323TP

[N941WR]

Try these Skybright storbes & lights, $329:


I cut the rear position light off and they fit in my wing tip just perfect. For the rudder bottom I used the light/strobe combo from Van's.

[jthocker]

I can't recall which power supply I have, but it's the one that was in a link I found on this sight over a year ago. No lens over the heads, so that explains alot right there. I had to buy a whelen tail strobe so alot of the savings was eaten up by having to spend over 150 bucks for that. Then the molex pins wee not compatible between the systems.
A scrounger could probably make an acceptable system from Strobes n More/Nova. Personally though, I will go Whelen if I ever build another plane.

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by jthocker

I can't recall which power supply I have, but it's the one that was in a link I found on this sight over a year ago. No lens over the heads, so that explains a lot right there. I had to buy a Whelen tail strobe so a lot of the savings was eaten up by having to spend over 150 bucks for that. Then the Molex pins wee not compatible between the systems.
A scrounger could probably make an acceptable system from Strobes n More/Nova. Personally though, I will go Whelen if I ever build another plane.

Jon,
You can improve what you have by installing the Whelen lens (available through Vans or ACS) Part # LN A612 at Vans. You will also need the lens retaining plates (available from ACS) Part # A628.
So that others will know, please read the specs very carefully on any power supply. Often the current available is cut in half. For example, many Nova power supplies say that they will run 4 strobe heads (bulbs). When running 4 heads, power to each head is half of maximum rating. If you need two strobes, look for a 60 watt, 4 head model (like the SuperPac 904). I needed 3 strobes so I chose their top of the line 6 head model, the Nova SuperPac 906. This unit actually only produces top power when running up to 3 strobe heads, even though it's claimed to be a 6 strobe head power supply. Running additional heads simply causes the power supply to "share" power between to strobe heads.
Another issue with the Nova (and automotive Whelen) power supplies is that they are not weather proof, as are the aviation Whelen units. They need to be placed in a dry location or the buyer needs to seal the power supply case. (I did both). I hope this helps someone make an informed decision.
I can't argue with Jon's decision to go with a certified Whelen aviation strobe system. It's just to rich for my blood. I'm just a poor boy.
Charlie Kuss

[jthocker]

I just checked, and I have the Pro series 606 Str. n Mr 60 watt pwr supply.
So maybe all I need is the Lens and retainer.
Looks like a comparable system might then be had for half the whelen price!


http://www.strobesnmore.com/strobes-...-system-4.html

http://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/...=a555/500light

http://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/...t=strobe_parts

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...robeparts1.php