Pulsing panel lights

[SkyKing]

Just another thought on the pulsing lights and that is the older Aeroflash red tail beacons as installed on most of the 1967 through 1980 Cessna's were a real amperage hog.

Typically, on the earlier 12-volt systems the flasher unit draws 11.2 amps, and on the 28-volt systems as installed on the Skymasters, 7.5 amps.

Our 1977 P337 has two of these beacons, the standard one on the tail and a second unit mounted just forward of the main wheel well. Sometimes they flash together, sometimes not, but when they DO flash together ... well, it loads the system down with 15-amps! We definitely see a difference in the ammeter if these are switched off.

SOLUTION: Whelen manufactures a newly designed completely self-contained flashing beacon with a 35-watt halogen bulb that is a direct replacement for the older Aeroflash "amp-hogs." This newer design can be seen on the newer series of Cessna single engine aircraft. Both Chief Aircraft and Aircraft Spruce carry them and the price is modest, about $120.

Since they are self-contained there is no add-on flasher unit, so there is a small weight savings. But the BIG NEWS is these 28-volt units only draw 1.35 AMPs and they appear to be as bright —or brighter than the original units. The Whelen P/N is 70509.

Has anyone done the conversion? Kinda hard to believe that the newer 35-watt halogen lamp can be the same brightness as a 150-watt quartz halogen bulb. Maybe it has to do with the lens as it is twice the height of the old red dome.

SkyKing