Poll - Opinion wanted - Landing, Taxi, Recognition Lights - Poll

[gmcjetpilot]

I am designing a controller to do some fancy light switching.
Which one do you like best of the five options. Option (1) is
less capable. Option 5 is deluxe and a Christmas tree (I can
program anything I want). 6th option is no lights at all or no
flashing "recognition lights", just ON and OFF. The problem
with rotary selectors, when they go over 2 poles and 4 throw,
either more poles or throws they get bigger and expensive.
The switching is all solid state so the mechanical switches
can be light duty.

Note one option I did not include is a PUSH BUTTON to cycle
through the different "patterns", Left/Right/Both or Flash fast/slow.
It could be like option 5 (bottom one), but instead of a rotary
switch just a momentary push button, call it option 7.

[roee]

My plan is basically option (1), but with one slight difference: the middle position is FLASH, and the top position is BOTH. My reasoning for that positioning is that if for whatever reason I need to turn the lights on or off in a hurry, I can just flick the switch all the way up or down, respectively, which is natural and quick. Finding the middle position in a 3 position switch takes a little more care, and I can think of no scenario where I'd need to switch to "flash" in a hurry, so flash in the middle position it is.

I don't see much usefulness in the additional modes offered by by options (2) and up, and so my inclination would be to keep it simple from a user perspective and stick with option 1.

My $0.02.

[DCat22]

#1 seems effective and simple. ie. A good choice. Roee has a good point.

I've penciled in a lot of plans for interesting complex things, and then forced myself to look at again weeks later, and simplify...and usually I can keep the same utility or better. Granted my idea of simple when it comes to electronics may include custom programmed microcontrollers -- but the point is applicable even then. (ie. I think the Vertical Power gear adds simplicity...)

[Ron Lee]

#1 seems the best. Whether off should be in the middle I do not know. It may also lend itself to a rocker switch option instead of a toggle switch.

[David Paule]

It would be good to have separate landing and taxi lights, assuming that they are aimed in different directions.

Dave

[Mike S]

I voted option 1, but I would look for center off, up for flying condition, which is flash, and down for landing conditions, landing lights.

George, glad to see you getting active here again.

[jjconstant]

I've done option 2. The vast majority of the time I have landing and taxi lights on wig way (flash) and based on feedback it definitely makes me more visible during the day. I wanted the ability to have either one on steady for night landing and night taxiing.

Jeremy Constant
RV7A 110hrs

[Bavafa]

Option #1 as nothing beats simplicity, specially for take off/landing when your focus is needed most.

[RV7Guy]

On my new 7, I am equipping with the AVEO 6 in 1 light system, tip mounted. They are set up with both taxi and landing lights. Since they are LED there is really no reason to not have both on when they are used. Light is light and you can't have too much either in the air or on the ground.

So, I'll have one switch. ON and OFF. The VP-X will allow me to program the light operation. I will program for Wig Wag above 85 knots, (for cruise flight) solid below 85 knots. The speed may change after I get some time with them.

Simple, sweet and effective. The VP-X provides many features that save weight and complexity.

[David Paule]

I'd recommend the wig-wag for speeds about 10% faster than stall. 85 seems a bit high, and you'd want them blinking especially while operating in the pattern.

Dave