I have a 1967 PA30 Twin Comanche with a broken beacon lens up on the tail. This is a Hoskins Strobe (14v dc / 18 amp) with two wires and a built in power supply. See http://www.airdorrin.com/?p=634 for pictures.

I am trying to find a lens, but failing that, asking if anyone knows of a whelen or other direct replacement that will fit in the same fairing. Dimensions are on the website url above.

Frank,

If you put Whelen in the search box in the upper right of this page, you'll get a few hits that may be able to help you.

Wrapping this one up. It took awhile, but I found what I needed by talking directly with Whelen, and then calling about 6 different places to find one.

Whelen model 7108055.
Part Number 01-0771080-55
Red 14vdc LED Flashing Assembly (Strobe replacement)

Replacing a broken Hoskins Model 701620-1 Red Tail Strobe. Only the lens is broken, so I'll save the power supply for the belly strobe.

Most likely by early next week I'll have my LED light re-installed and be flying again.

Thanks to those with the hints and ideas.

Frank,

Did the LED replace a couple of years ago and Whelen directed me to a unit that fit screw hole wise int he housing -which looks a lot like yours - but it sat so low, it created a moat. Heads up on that - don't know if they still make the one with a longer 'skirt' to sit higher in the housing.

Frank,
I have the whelen LED strobe on top of my tail, love it,,,,installation wasn't so bd, my IA does it.
Great mod, big difference.....u'll love it.
I have a video below, you can see it on the left nacelle throughout the video, or go to the very end of flight, i shut all lights but the tail strobe, and you can see it plainly in front of the plane!!!!!!
Also, have LED landing lights, and LED nosewheel taxi light, which i love, highly recommend, makes a huge difference to us older guys night flying, once i land, i'm lost!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsWOnjfBcO0
Hope all is well,,,
steve

Another LED testimony.

This morning it was hazy at 7. I took a bio break as Ken did another take-off and landing. 3/4 mile away while he was still on the ground, the plane was 'invisible' but that tail beacon was very visible.

 

Hey George -

I ordered part number 01-0771080-55 Whelen Red LED light from Keith Null at Skytech, Inc. DMW (410-876-0353). Feel free to contact me at fdorrin@gmail.com if you need specifics. I will post pictures on www.airdorrin.com when I get time later this week.

I put the new strobe in last night. Pat was right - there is a moat created when you do that. I'll include pictures of what that looks like. I put in a bead of silicone where the moat would be, and it will not be an issue. Screw pattern lined up perfectly - the three screws are not symetrical.

The light is intense!! All this because of a broken plastic piece.

Frank

 

Update: I was able to install the replacement on my own and get the airplane moved for its annual. Vacation is a couple weeks away, so the pressure was on.

This picture shows the moat effect of the direct replacement. I chose to accept this, and put a bead of silicone around the light/fairing at this location. It will be easy to remove should the need occur, and will actually keep all the water out. If I have water sitting in whatever depression remains - it won't be much.

picture of the moat effect for PA-30 direct replacement

shows a top down view of the unit. See for more information and additional views.

Thanks to all who contributed.

Frank