Synchronized Position Lights?

jnmeade

jnmeade

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Jim Meade
What is the benefit of synchronized position lights on a small GA airplane? I have to replace one light and am considering some alternatives.
Mine is Experimental, so I have some options.
 
jnmeade said:
What is the benefit of synchronized position lights on a small GA airplane? I have to replace one light and am considering some alternatives.
Mine is Experimental, so I have some options.
Click to expand...
Are you talking about strobe lights? I can't see any way to synchronize position lights unless you're referring to the outdated concept of flashing the position lights as an anticollision lighting system.

Syncing strobes, probably does increase the visual detection range but probably not by much. IMO it does look better than independent flashing.
 
"Synchronisation cable

The EPL² has an additional yellow synchronisation cable to synchronise the left and right EPL² (see wiring diagram). However it is not mandatory to connect the synchronisation cable. The EPL² will also work without any problems if the cable is not connected. Is the snychronisation cable not connected (asynchronous mode), the ending of the yellow cable has to be isolated."

Here's the wiring diagram.

http://www.thiesen-electronics.com/en/lichter/assets/WiringDiagram.pdf
 
jnmeade said:
"Synchronisation cable

The EPL² has an additional yellow synchronisation cable to synchronise the left and right EPL² (see wiring diagram). However it is not mandatory to connect the synchronisation cable. The EPL² will also work without any problems if the cable is not connected. Is the snychronisation cable not connected (asynchronous mode), the ending of the yellow cable has to be isolated."

Here's the wiring diagram.

http://www.thiesen-electronics.com/en/lichter/assets/WiringDiagram.pdf
Click to expand...
My German is a bit rusty. Do you have a link to a site that describes their product that's in English?
 
As far as recognition of your direction of flight it is very helpful to the observer to see both flashes at the same time, as in an incipient head on or "am I following?".

I'd connect the wire. Really.
 
bbchien said:
As far as recognition of your direction of flight it is very helpful to the observer to see both flashes at the same time, as in an incipient head on or "am I following?".

I'd connect the wire. Really.
Click to expand...

Good point. I have to take the wings off for an inspection anyway, so hopefully it is not a big deal to snake a wire through.
 
gismo said:
My German is a bit rusty. Do you have a link to a site that describes their product that's in English?
Click to expand...

The link was to the wiring diagram, which is in both languages, but I admit German is listed first.
 
jnmeade said:
The link was to the wiring diagram, which is in both languages, but I admit German is listed first.
Click to expand...
I was looking for more information on what they meant by "synchronization". I was guessing these "position lights" contain strobes and that's what get's synchronized but after looking at the diagram (which lacks a separate power connection for strobes) I concluded that there are no strobes there unless they're switched on with the position lights.

Do you know what get's sync'd? Do the position lights flash all the time?
 
I'd sync it. I think this answers the question:

EPL² - Position Lights with Power-Beams

epl2-01.gif
Our new generation of position lights is characterized by a interaction between high performance-LED's and special reflectors.
Three Power-Beams generate a wide visible light via a cleverly devised angle system of reflectors. The integrated cooling plate leads off the excess head of the high performance LED's.
The EPL is made of a high-optic, scratch resistant plastic module. The entire control element is integrated into the ACL module where the ACL's dimensions determine the required space.
The EPL has a brilliant green and red light with modulated beacon impulse for better perception. It has a defined angle of light of 110° in compliance with the regulations of general aviation.
The wingtip lights are prewired to allow easy connection to a 2-lead cable of minimum 0.4 mm² cross section. Flanges allow simple fixture. In addition, it can be affixed to the fuselage or rudders by means of a silicon adhesive. An instructions manual and the shrink tubing required for the assembly are included in the EPL package.

Synchronisation cable

The EPL² has an additional yellow synchronisation cable to synchronise the left and right EPL² (see wiring diagram). However it is not mandatory to connect the synchronisation cable. The EPL² will also work without any problems if the cable is not connected. Is the snychronisation cable not connected (asynchronous mode), the ending of the yellow cable has to be isolated.



Technical Specifications

Color: red and green Operating voltage : 10 -17 volts D. C.,
typically: 12,8 - 13,4 volts (on board power supply)Wattage: each EPL approx. 4.5 watts Dimensions: 89 x 45 x 34 mm (L x W x H)Weight: approx. 76 g with the connecting cable Warranty: 5,000 operating hours or max. 3 years



epl2-gruen-01.gif
epl2-gruen-02.gif
epl2-rot-02.gif
epl2-rot-01.gif
 
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So.. they are LED's.. and the sync feature is to flash the colored LEDs.

Not necessary but doesn't hurt. And since its not a high energy "strobe" flash tube, minimal RFI.
 
Most LEDs have a sync option so you can pair both to flash together. I would pair them up and see if you prefer the simutanous verse alternating patern. I have seen both and prefer the simutanous flash, at least for wingtip strobes.
 
Run the wire. My RV-12 was designed to be un-synchronized. It is a PITA at night, and misleading to other aircraft ( so I am told)

It is easy to do if you can remove the wings.
 
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