Which LED Position lights to get?

Lorin Dueck · Post by **Lorin Dueck** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:47 pm

Hi all -

Since you were all so helpfull on my aileron bushing question - I thought I'd throw this one out there too.

I'm planning on installing LED position (Nav) lights in the wingtips.
But I'm not as ambitious as Chad or a few others - and don't want to make my own from scratch.
However, I really like the looks of Chad's & Brantel's set-up.

What have you guys done - and how did it work for you?

As always - I appreciate your thoughts (both good & bad).

Thanks, Lorin D.
9A Wings
N194LD reserved

Post by **bullojm1** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:00 pm

Lorin-

LED technology is progressive so fast that what might be the latest and coolest today will be outdated once your bird flies. I am thinking in the near future there will be some nice packages out there that have LED NAV and LED STROBES competitively priced! Since your on the wings right now, you should just enjoy the ride and wait to see what comes out in the next couple years. There isn't any cost savings to doing it now.

Another LED application is landing lights. Might be something feasible to have LED Nav/Strobe/Landing/Taxi lights, all in the wingtip!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:06 pm

Hey Lorin...first, thanks! Second, I think the Jeff Bordelon LED's were really pretty simple to do. Maybe a bit more work than some, but not bad. I've since sold my lights, but they weren't bad at all to install. I'm only gonna have landing and taxi lights if you're curious...

If I ever do put nav lights in (again), and Jeff's are not available, I would use the new Whelen LED/strobe combo. Looks traditional, but LED's are now used.

JOHN TIPTON · Post by **JOHN TIPTON** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:51 am

I'm going with these: http://www.killacycle.com/Lights.htm

John

rv8or · Post by **rv8or** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:03 pm

I am reluctant to post this, because I don't like to spread the negative Karma, but, I have to say I am a bit disapointed with Jeff Bordelon and his light kit.

Why?

Because I have yet to recieve it! Despite his advertised "X-mas Special", a check he recieved on 12/3, and numerous e-mail exchanges, all I have is an inbox full of excuses as to why they are so long to be delivered.

He obviously wasn't ready for the demand his "special" rained down upon him; and therefore should have made that clear when I inquired about ordering.

The most frustrating part is, he wanted it paid in full upon order...including shipping costs--$760+. It will be 5 months on May 1st since I sent him the money. 5 MONTHS! That's a VERY long float of MY cash. I can get a quickbuild fuselage nearly that fast.

To be fair, he has moved to a new house in the meantime, and I realize he is a one man shop working in his garage; not a high volume mass-production, well funded outfit. I suggested--after 3 months of waiting--to avoid upset customers, that in the future he should take payment in two payments (cost of materials, and then the balance due when ready to ship). He didn't seem too receptive to the idea, so don't know if he has changed his policy.

Chad's lights looked great before he 'vaned on them and removed them. The other pics Jeff has on his site look good. He tells me the kit will be "worth the wait"...unfortunately. I'm still waiting. And with nothing but fiberglassing tips and this light kit to do while I wait on my fuse kit, I'm wasting opportunity.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll get run-over by a truck, struck by lightening or come down with the clap or something as a result, but that's my experience, and I thought you'd like to know.

Joe

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:10 pm

Bummer Joe. Sorry you're waiting longer than anticipated. I think you'll like 'em nonetheless, but it should've been disclosed up front that the demand would be hard to meet.

BTW...I pulled mine out to meet my mission...day VFR. No reason to carry around unused lights.

Less than 10% of my total time is at night, and 80% of that 10% is at work. I just don't fly at night enough to make it worth it. Just wanted to explain...I took no offense whatsoever to your comment bud!

rv8or · Post by **rv8or** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:44 pm

C-

I spend enough time on your site, and here and VAF, to know your reasoning...which I totally understand. They just looked so cool, and all that work! Oye!

I just didn't want you to get a big head with how great your project is looking these days--and the associated compliments, so the trusty 'ol "weather vane" dig was thrown in. If we don't police ourselves...ANARCHY!

J

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:57 pm

rv8or wrote:C-

I spend enough time on your site, and here and VAF, to know your reasoning...which I totally understand. They just looked so cool, and all that work! Oye!

I know you know...Did you know that I knew you knew?

They were a bit of work, but just wait to see what I'm gonna put out there!

rv8or wrote:I just didn't want you to get a big head with how great your project is looking these days--and the associated compliments, so the trusty 'ol "weather vane" dig was thrown in. If we don't police ourselves...ANARCHY!

J

And I certainly appreciate that!

aparchment · Post by **aparchment** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:23 am

Pinwheels? Stukka sirens? Tassles?

Do tell!

cjensen wrote: I know you know...Did you know that I knew you knew? They were a bit of work, but just wait to see what I'm gonna put out there!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:28 am

Patience dear Antony...patience...

rv8or · Post by **rv8or** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 12:29 pm

aparchment wrote: Tassles?

OMG! You owe me a new keyboard, this one is covered in iced tea from my nose!

I was thinking Chad was going with dual Ram Air Turbines on the tips, to power his homebuilt HUD of course (which displays in red, BTW).

J

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:22 pm

I do have a sort of obsession with red, don't I...

I did like the tassles suggestion! Red ones.

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