From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: Wing tips
To: lml
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005 11:45:55 -0400
Message-ID: <web-864939@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <20050411153802.80569.qmail@web53706.mail.yahoo.com>
References: <20050411153802.80569.qmail@web53706.mail.yahoo.com>
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Posted for Kyrilian Dyer <kyrilian_av@yahoo.com>:

  Hello Steve,
  I recently read your post on the LML noting your unique wing tip, and I was
hoping you may be willing to share (or hint at) what's involved.  I realize
that an unknown stranger is the least likely confidante with whom you'd want
to share secrets, but...
  
  I'm also building a Legacy (FB 236), and have been a lurker on the LML for
some time (I promise I'll post soon).  I'm designing a unique wingtip lighting
system, and was curious whether what you're doing is anything close to what I
have in mind.  I intend to fair the tip (get rid of the flat tip where the
Whelens usually go) and install 2 MR11 halogen bulbs and a strobe under a
lense, similar to what others have installed.  However, I'd like to move it a
bit forward--realizing the potential exists for nav antenna interference.  The
MR11s would only be used in flight, with the option to wig-wag or leave them
on.  I'm not comfortable with that much heat being generated on the ground,
with the lense and composite probably not happy with so much heat--not to
mention the fuel.  A single MR16 in each tip may be substituted, depending on
clearance.  A squat or airspeed switch will disable the circuit if it's
forgotten on landing.  Main landing gear installed 75-100W MR16s will take
care of
  landing and taxi.  I'll also install a strobe next to the halogens under the
clear lense.  A third strobe will likely go on the upper tip of the tail,
again as tightly 'cowled' as possible.
  
  To meet 14 CFR 23.1385-21.1397 I will install LEDs within the tip.  I'm 
still
working the specifics, but want to install them conformally within the tip, so
that they're not obvious.  The rear white position light will also be made up
of LEDs (I believe the available LEDs meet the specs for color), that will be
mounted in the trailing of each wing tip.  They'll have cross coverage that
will illuminate the tail for better visibility at night.  I've created a 3-D
model in Matlab that allows me to determine optimal LED angular position.
  
  I love the ability to modify our experimental planes and love to see unique
features in people's planes.  I'd love to hear about your features, and
promise I won't tell or steal your secrets now that I've told you mine ;-)
  
  Cheers,
  - Kyrilian Dyer
   Jensen Beach, FL