LED Strobes/ Nav Lights

[DanB]

I would like to hear from others what they have found for Nav Lights and strobes. I developed a beacon for the top of my vertical stab which should work well... http://www.azshowersolutions.com/Vertical_Stab7.html
Before I dive into my McGiver box of tricks, it would be great if there was something out there already designed. I know there are some out there, however, I'm not up for paying $600 for the pair. I made my tail beacon to avoid Whellen's inflated prices (made it for less than $40) and I'll do it again unless I find an alternative. Someone on the RV site used to sell LED kits, but I'm not sure that they would work out on the wingtips of the Kitfox. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,

[RandyL]

Dan,

I've already started a load planning spreadsheet for my Super Sport and realized that one of the early decisions builders will need to make is whether to live with the capacity of the 912's internal alternator which will only provide 18 amps max, 14 amps continuous, or to add the optional 40 amp alternator at nearly $1,000 and have all the power you want. I'm still pondering this issue and have not decided pending further investigation but would love to avoid the cost and weight of the external alternator.

I've identified some lighting options as follows...

Here are the CreativAir LED kits that you're referring to...
http://www.creativair.com/index.php?...8a5ccf36c89abf
Looks like they now have a strobe option which is new. I have not yet assessed the light output or anything, but this looks to be an affordable option.

AeroPULSAR from AeroLEDs
http://www.aeroleds.com/index.php?ma...=index&cPath=6
This company is located in Boise and the new kit, which is not yet available, looks like a good, if expensive, solution at $649 for nav and strobes.

AveoFlash from AveoEngineering in Eastern Europe...

Looks to be in the same price range as the AeroPULSAR setup, sold in the US through Aircraft Spruce

Kuntzleman Electronics...
http://www.kestrobes.com/
Looks like one could put together a combination of nav and strobe lights from this line too, haven't checked the prices yet.




Lastly, I haven't yet decided whether to install landing light(s) or not, still need to get a better handle on my total electrical load first.

[mickey]

I'm willing to bet that Rotax uses a standard automotive alternator of some kind. I refuse to believe that ANY alternator is worth $1000! What we really need is a mounting bracket and a good quality Japanese alternator.

[jdmcbean]

Good Morning..

We (Kitfox Aircraft) are distributors for both the Aero Pulsar and the GS-Air... We have had the Proto-Type Aero Pulsars on the factory aircraft since July and they are a nice unit with a clever install. The new lenses are very clear although the proto-type ones need to be replaced. The non-Tso'd units are $650...

GS-Air is sending us a set of proto-types as well.. should be here next week. Will let you know what we find out.

[Dean_aeroleds]

Hello Everyone,

I just joined this forum, and am available to answer any questions you might have about our products.

Dean Wilkinson
CTO, AeroLEDs LLC

[Dorsal]

Dean,
Welcome, it is great to have manufacturing reps on the site. I bought a pair of your wing-tip nav/strobes, my plane is not flying yet but they work great in the shop.

[DanB]

Hi Dean and welcome to the site. I was looking on the Vans Site recently and noticed a post you made there. It had some great shots of your nav-lights as well as landing lights taken at AirVenture this year. I enjoyed seeing them and wondered if you could place those here as well? I know most are shots of RV's but it could give some ideas to the Kitfox community as well. Thanks

[Dave S]

I'm willing to bet that Rotax uses a standard automotive alternator of some kind..

Mickey - For what it is worth - I have and use the 40 amp aux alternator - I could be wrong; however, the alternator looks an awful lot lot like the Nippo Denso unit on a 84 Toyota pickup except for a different driven pulley and the alternator housing rotated 90 degrees. There is more to it than the alternator, mount and belt though - the drive pulley is a three piece unit composed of the sheave screwed to split plates so that the pulley can be slipped over the prop flange, assembled to the split hub behind the prop flange and then held together to the back side of the prop flange with the collar nuts anchoring the prop bolts - I am betting the machine work going into the drive pulley accounts for a considerable amount of the cost of the aux alternator kit in addition to the mount and brackets - the whole works does fit well under the series 7 cowl - but then there is the extra weight issue.


Dave S

[Dvanlanen]

I will be building an S7 SS (the kit is on order). Since I will be attending AirVenture next week, I thought I'd try to purchase a nav/strobe lighting system while I'm there, because sometimes the vendors offer show specials and free shipping. I have been looking online at both the AeroLED and the AveoFlash LSA systems. It appears that the AveoFlash system has been further improved since their original system came out. It appears to be slightly lower in weight, and if I am reading the technical information correctly, it may use slightly less amperage than the AeroLED system. Also, it is about $155 cheaper than the AeroLED system. Does anyone have any current experience with both systems? Is there any good reason not to consider the AveoFlash system over the AeroLED system? I'd appreciate any guidance you can offer.

[Dorsal]

First I have the Aeroled system and it seems to work well, as for the answer you didn't ask for I would wait on this purchase. Unless you are a speed builder there will likely be another Oshkosh (or 2 or more) before you are done and there may well be continued development in these technologies. In general don't buy the techy bits until you need them (including radios, gps systems and other "glass" stuff)
I know, 2 cents you didn't ask for.