I'm not talking about the bulb assembly that they sell for 1 aviation unit (approximately $100 with shipping) but rather the bulb itself.
I recently purchased a replacement for the original one in my beacon. The original lasted at least a couple hundred hours till the flasher unit expired during a low voltage situation when my battery was headed South. I replaced the beacon flasher, and the bulb for 2 1/2 aviation units. Back in business again I departed for a very enjoyable flight that lasted approximately 3hrs. On my next preflight I noticed that my beacon was not working again, ensuing investigation revealed that the bulb filament had burned through
Less than pleased with my investment thus far I proceeded to gently remove the light bulb from its housing. The bulb is nothing more sophisticated that a 35W 12v bi pin halogen yard light about the same size as a T4, and in fact experimenting with a $6 replacement bulb yielded excellent results. The problem is the two pins that protrude from the bottom of the bulb, they are nearly an inch long each, splayed out wide, then straight so they plug into the flasher base. So far I've been unable to locate a halogen replacement with pins that long.
If anybody has suggestions on a bi pin replacement bulb with long pins I appreciate the input.
I suspect Whelen will probably stop making replacement bulb assemblies in the near future, and the idea of spending 7 or more aviation units on their LED replacement sets my teeth on edge.
I'd also like to repair my old Grimes rotating beacon to have a spare, but that will require some drive parts that I wasn't able to find when I replaced it with the Whelen flasher.
