I just recieved a catalog today from awdirect (www.awdirect.com)
that has led lights that could be used as position lights and also
strobe lights and power sources.

Brian Trubee

Joe Hull wrote:

There is a Cozy Builder that has done a lot of research and development on
LED's as position lights. It looks like he finely has a "product". You

might

look his web sight: http://www.jbwilco.com

Joe Hull
Cozy MkIV #991 (working on Engine & Cowling)
http://www.maddyhome.com/canardpages/pages/JoeHull/index.html

Although this is off-topic, I've been looking into this as well, based on
the cost, reliability and current demand of standard position lights.
Since I'm building in wingtip lights, I don't need the cost of enclosures
or STCs, just the light source.

The company Luxeon has high-powered, very small LEDs in various colors that
cost from $10 to $30.  It looks like 2-3 of their 1-watt or a single 3-watt
LED would provide enough intensity to meet the FAA requirements of 40
foot-candles for nav lights.  I've corresponded with Jim Weir (Kitplanes
electronics author) on rec.aviation.homebuilt about this matter, as well as
Luxeon.  Jim's concern is just the light output passing an FAA inspector.

These LEDs are best driven at a constant current (350-700 ma), and Luxeon
offers drivers to do this.  I understand you can also just use a resistor
of appropriate size based on the voltage drop and number of LEDs.  Maybe
$100 for a whole nav setup and weight-savings, too (more weight for the
engine!).
See the "star" and "emitters" at:
http://www.lumileds.com/luxeon/products/products_index.html

I've also found another source of reasonable strobes and power supplies
that can be built in if anyone is interested.\

Scott Gettings

 
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