Return-Path: Received: from mail.eclipse.net ([207.207.192.13]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Thu, 24 Jun 1999 17:27:04 -0400 Received: from tecra720 (bb1-96.eclipse.net [207.207.196.96]) by mail.eclipse.net (8.9.1a/8.9.1) with SMTP id RAA29108 for ; Thu, 24 Jun 1999 17:30:03 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <039301bebe88$19f503f0$65c8c8c8@tecra720> From: "Ed McCauley" To: References: <6cdcbd04.24a32304@aol.com> Subject: Re: Some landing/taxi lights Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 17:25:35 -0400 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Hi guys. I remain on my quest for the 'ideal' landing light.... In doing so I've checked out the Pilot PL1062C, PL-1055C and the PL-1057C. I haven't tested the PL-4040C yet. What I've found on the units I have tested (all used the 12V 55W halogen bulbs) is that the beam dispersion is WAY too broad. As a reference point I used the landing bulb (GE #4509) from my '172. Its specs are: 100W (Electrical power consumption), 110,000 candlepower (light output) rated at 25 hours operation with a beam spread of 12 horiz x 6 vert. My "Lab" consists of a high current DC source and a country backyard! I power each bulb and point it at the trees in the distance and at the sky. The 4509 produces a bright white dot and a clearly sealed beam. The Pilot units I've tested (and a few others) produce a diffuse illumination.... anything BUT a sharp beam. I'd be curious if you've tested the 4040C and if so, what your results have been. FWIW, those interested may be interested in checking out an offering from Lopresti: the new Lexus / BMW / Audi type Super bright light. http://www.flyfast-lopresti.com/boom_beam.htm Note the power consumption VS light output. It implies a MUCH more efficient technology. This translates to a MUCH cooler bulb. One of the Lopresti folks told me he could hold the unit in his hand and it ran cool. This could be quite a significant advantage when it comes to our composite babies! I wouldn't DREAM of trying to hold the GE 4509 or the Pilot units while in operation! I'd no sooner enclose such a hot item in such a small, unventilated compartment as my wingtips or winglets. For those of you unconvinced, just hit a layup with a heatgun for 15 seconds and see how strong it stays! Humbling. The Lopresti offering is not without drawbacks including its price! Ed McCauley Lancair IV-P Milford, NJ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html