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Whelen Beacon

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Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristofer Duckett » Tue Nov 20, 2012 3:40 am

By chance has anyone had their rotating beacon changed for a whel LED beacon? I am looking at getting a new and curious as to how there are? I have LED Position lights but not the beacon and my beacon is making this serious grinding noise. Guess it's time to replace, plus I want to anyway. Thanks!
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristin Winter » Tue Nov 20, 2012 4:11 am

I replaced my rotating beacon with the Whelen drop in replacement, p/n 7709004. It is great. Everyone says they can see it a long ways off. I liked it so well, I replaced the belly strobe with it too.
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Tue Nov 20, 2012 6:34 am

You an see Kris' strobe at least 3 miles out on final at noon. Based on that I replaced mine. Same results. Only way to fly.

 

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby N3322G » Tue Nov 20, 2012 2:25 pm

Kristin's was also inspiration for our beacon change. Saw the beacon at 10 miles out on a sunny Texas afternoon - could not see the plane, just the light.

 

Be sure to get the model Kristin quoted as other Whelen beacons do not have the same good fit.

Also put in their landing lights - another easy drop in - except for having to drop the tip tanks.

Pat

 

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby George Kretschmann » Tue Nov 20, 2012 4:38 pm

 
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Tue Nov 20, 2012 5:47 pm

I bought mine through aircraft spruce and I want to say that Kris did too as I don't normally buy through them. Chief also carrys them.

 

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby N3322G » Tue Nov 20, 2012 10:34 pm

Bought mine direct from Whelen
Pat

 

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristofer Duckett » Wed Nov 21, 2012 1:20 am

I know a lot of folks have a twin Co, mine is a single any issues?

 

Thanks for the replies!

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Wed Nov 21, 2012 3:39 am

My 260B has its beacon located in the common position on the top of the fuselage at or about the hat shelf location. My beacon was a whelen and the new one was a drop in replacement. Basically 3 screws and one wire connection. I would start by identifying what you currently have installed (Grimes v. Whelen) with model #, check the W&B for this info, or look at the install, then go to whelen's catalog as they have a variety of installs to accommodate what you are replacing.

 

Good luck, Don

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Matt Bogard » Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:12 pm

I replaced both the top and belly beacons with the Whelen red LED units and love them - multiple times I've had a "heavy" comment on the approach frequency that I'm very visible. Three screws, a plug, and some RTV is all it takes. The most time consuming part was having the metal base painted to match the Comanche.

 

Page 26 of the Whelen catalog has more information - basically the beacons are made as a 2.6" diameter unit but most Comanches have a 3.7" dia hole for the old rotating beacons so you want to order the beacon that includes an adapter which fills that space. The beacon uses 4 screws to attach to the adapter and the adapter needs 3 screws to attach to the Comanche. From what I remember the catalog has the red/white model but not the red/red model - call Whelen and they will help you out on getting the right part number.

I also have the Whelen LED Parmetheus landing lights and they are a huge improvement over the old quartz units. I put "landing" lights on both sides but often wonder if I should have done a "landing" light on one side and "taxi" on the other - I think this would give you both the long-distance and wide-width beams to maximize your visibility. Also, I'd love to see a head-to-head of the Whelen versus the AeroLED landing lights as I think those may be even brighter yet.

For what it's worth, Whelen also told me that by next summer they intend to have an approved replacement for our teardrop-shaped nav lights that's a combination LED NAV/LED Strobe setup. I currently have the LED nav bulbs but would love the add in LED strobes as well but it has to be that specific-shaped unit to work with my tip tanks.

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Randy Johnson » Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:26 pm

Matt how much was the top beacon replacement?
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristin Winter » Wed Dec 05, 2012 7:30 pm

You don't need an adapter, you just need to order the correct one. Whelen's literature is a bit confusing. This is the part number for the larger beacon: 010770900-4. That is a drop in for the old Grimes/Whelen rotating beacon with the 3.7 inch base. If you have a different base because there was a strobe up on the tail to begin with, you will need a different part number, but this is the replacement for the old, mechanical rotating beacon.
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Matt Bogard » Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:46 pm

I think I paid $525 or so.
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Randy Johnson » Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:35 pm

Thanks Matt. Whelen does'nt give price in catalog.

 

Kristin I have a 62 PA 24-250. The 3.7" base looks right and I have no strobe on the top of the tail. Would guess the part number you describe above would work for me?

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristin Winter » Thu Dec 06, 2012 5:29 pm

If you have the old mechanical rotating beacon, that part number should work.
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Patrick Reilly » Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:24 pm

Hi Kristin,

Quick question, Ive got a 1965 260 with the mechanical rotating becon above the baggage bay. The part number 010770900-4 I dont see on the Whelen list nor does it pull up anything on aircraftspruce.

On the Whelen parts list I'm trying to track down the part there but can't find it on the list. That part number you provided 010770900-4,what series of led is that on the list? Im assuming its the all red one, maybe the 90520 series or the white/red HRFA series. Not going to lie Im not feeling the white/red combo at first look but if its brighter/better then it may grow on me.

Thanks for your help, unable to call from overseas and trying to order online so I can have it ready for when I get back to the states.

Thanks,
Pat

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Matt Bogard » Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:07 pm

Pat,

Call Whelen - they are very knowledgeable on the phone. I'm 99" sure you have the 3.7" base with three screws for mounting - they can give you the right part number in no time based on whether you want Red/Red or Red/White. I went with Red/Red and it's very, very bright.

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristin Winter » Fri Dec 14, 2012 5:14 am

Pat,

I second Matt's suggestion. Whelen must know their part numbers. I have a 2009 catalog which shows my beacon by the part number I gave you. It looks like they may either be phasing that one our, or have combined it as a part of another product line and changed the numbers. I can't make heads or tails of it either, though I bought one about a year ago so they were still available then.

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Alan Cheak » Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:03 pm

As my airplane goes into annual next month I just discovered that once again my rotating beacon bulb has burnt out. Guess I'll replace it with a strobe. Took these photos of some airplanes last year at the ICS convention in Savanna.

Alan

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Patrick Reilly » Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:59 pm

Finally got settled in back home and got a chance to track down this infamous whelen led beacon.

Talking to Whelen, the previous part number discussed earlier 01-0770900-04 has been superseded by 01-0771080-55. Unfortionately for me I'm unable to track one down. Aircraft spruce right by me in Corona said it looks like a 8 week lead time and they'll get back to me with pricing. Whelen stated it is retail priced at $795 but expect.

To find it for ~600's. (UPDATE: $665 from Aircraft Spruce)

I hope this helps anyone else trying to change out their beacon with the latest part number. Unfortionately my mechanical beacon lights but will no longer rotate the glass plates.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Pat

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Kristofer Duckett » Fri Jan 04, 2013 4:46 am

Thank you for that info Pat. I'm am in the market for the beacon as well as mine is seriously grinding! I'm about to get an annual done so hopefully I can work it out.

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Fri Jan 04, 2013 4:46 pm

Hi Kris,

Have you tried Chief in Oregon? I believe that is where I bought mine.

Good Luck, Don

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Patrick Reilly » Fri Jan 04, 2013 7:09 pm

Hello Kris,

Just to give you a heads up on Chief, they've informed me yesterday it'd be 4-6 weeks lea time and the price is $695. Seems like these things are selling like hot cakes or they only make them after ones been ordered.

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Alan Cheak » Mon Jan 07, 2013 7:48 pm

Emailed Whelen this morning and confirmed that the red LED to replace the rotating beacon on the fuselage is part number 01-0771080-55 for a 12 volt system. You'll also need the mounting ring model A440. Just put one one backorder from Aircraft Spruce here in Peachtree City. Total cost, $679.20. Hope I don't have to wait too long for it to arrive.

Alan

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:34 pm

Hi Alan,

The mounting ring you referenced, is that a separate part to be ordered? When I did my install, it mounted fine but I felt it allowed for the possibility of allowing water to get in to the fuselage. I sealed it with silicone but I'm wondering if the ring(the mounting ring model A440) you mention is to solve the water issue.

Thanks, Don

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby N3322G » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:44 pm

To all,

Whelen did re-design and 'improve' their beacon. The improved beacon was not a good fit for the housing on my twin because the screw holes had it sit too low in the housing. Yes, I got to install it twice and there is a longer story but for now ...

Whelen LED Model 709004 or Part Number 01-0770900-04 is a 100% 'red' LED beacon and fits in the Piper housing as delivered on PA39s the same way the old rotating beacon did. While this is not on the website or in the current catalog, Whelen tells me it is still available.

The 'newer' model is smaller and allowed a moat of water to sit around the beacon. When I shared this problem with Whelen two years ago, they said I was the first person to complain about this. Here is a photo comparison. Double click on the photos to make them larger and clearer.

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IMG_4913.JPG
Original beacon next to 01-0770900-04 Notice the hole are at the same level as the holes from the old beacon
IMG_3280.JPG
This photo shows the new design whelen - notice the distance from the top curve of the housing to the screw holes. This is the one that provided a moat of water to sit on the top of the tail and it is why I got the older model that fit correctly - like Kirstin's does.
Pat

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Alan Cheak » Tue Jan 08, 2013 2:26 am

Don:

Yes the mounting ring ( A440 ) is seperate. Cost is 20 bucks.

Alan

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby MULEFLY » Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:28 pm

Pat -- I'd bet that beacon slows you 5 kts! :-)

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Zach Grant L1011jock » Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:55 pm

Just means they can see the beacon longer as she goes by...
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby N3322G » Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:09 pm

Jim and Zach - you guys are too funny - thanks for the laughs. Hope to see you both at Clifton in April. should be fun and always a learning experience.
Pat

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Patrick Reilly » Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:03 am

Hello,

Does anyone have a copy of their 337 for the install they wouldn't mind sharing with me so I can compare it for my notes?

Just to update this topic with more info. I finally received my beacon today from Aircraft Spruce from Whelen ordered 1/8/13 P/N: 01-0771080-55 (Which superceded P/N: 01-0770900-04 the other LED beacon shown in previous pictures on this topic)

As Pat did a great job showing us the difference between the 2 it is definately smaller. My first reaction was I don't like it and want the other one seen but being its superceded, I waited 2 months to replace my old grimes one, and I cant get my money back from spruce for the special order I think it will grow on me! Ive attached some pics of the new assembly. Not much to it.

Ill add some pictures of it installed. Obviously some sealant will be going to fill in the possible "moat" Im not planning on having to take it out any time soon so I'll build it up so water can't rest in there, if/when it has to come out I will cut the caulk.

I guess the bright side it it will be less drag being it is smaller, I consider it a speed mod haha.
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Image

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Alan Cheak » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:12 am

Ordered mine on Jan 7, 2013 but have not received it yet. Hopefully this week.

Alan

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby 9089P » Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:27 pm

Yup, that's what mine looks like except my adapter ring was already mounted and painted in the plane. POOR design by whelen on the replacement. The mounting of the old beacon did not create the water pathway that the new one does. I used silicone to seal the gap.

Don

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Patrick Reilly » Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:35 am

Got the beacon installed today. Im very happy with it despite my inital reaction to the size. It is smaller but I believe the LED's are grouped closer together offsetting the size. It was a easy install, pulled out my old beacon, cut the wires, spliced in the new wires with connector. Attached the Whelen mounting bracket from the LED to the A440 mount ring (already on the aircraft but I used the new one I bought anyways). I thought I had new replacement screws for the mounting ring to replace the old ones but I didnt so I reused them for now.

I filled the moat with some caulk. Below are some pics, day and night video. My buddy followed behind me to another airport today and was very impressed with the light intensity and being able to see it so far away even during the day. Overall a great mod to do when your old style goes bad.

Hope this was helpful,
Pat

Day:
Image
Image
Image

Day Video:

Night Video:

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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Daniel Haumesser » Fri Mar 15, 2013 3:29 pm

Same as everyone else, I fell in love with that LED beacon when I saw it on a Mooney. Flew to Knots2 U in Burlington and picked up a new LED beacon and a fin fairing to attach it to. Mooving it from the top of the fuselage to the top of the fin was a huge improvement in visibility as well as cleeaning up the top of the plane. The hardest part was painting the fairing and running the wire down the fin. It just barely fits down the leading edge if you use a wire feeder with the loop cut off the end. If you don't have a cable already there for a VOR antenna (like I do), it would be much easier.
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Re: Whelen Beacon

Postby Alan Cheak » Sat Mar 23, 2013 1:31 pm

Finally got mine delivered. I'll hopefully have it in before Sun-n-Fun.

Alan

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