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I think that the 5596 is for the 28v system. After checking with Aircraft Spruce and the local FBO, both tell me there's not a quartz available for the 28V system. That can't be right. Even though Whelen has mislisted the 4509, they do show a Q5596 for the 152. I didn't expect ordering up to be this involved. I guess that's my next phone call.

Well it happened to me, too. The landing light in my 73L quit working yesterday. I went to my NAPA store to purchase a GE 4509, but they did not have one in stock. But the parts store did have a GE 4537, which has a candlepower of 200,000. The 4509 only has 100,000. The parts store catalog stated both lamps pull around 7 amps, both 12 volts, both 100 watts. Would there be anything wrong installing the 200,000 candlepower bulb?

I wonder if the filament hanging "nearly" vertical is better than horizontal?

Since cowl mounted lights tend not to last very long anyway, maybe vertical would be better.

I know in some ham radios and linear amplifiers the final amplifier tubes are placed horizontally, and some people claim that this shortens tube life because it allow the filaments to "sag."

I tried it once and it didn't seem to make a difference.

Russ,
I have on standard bulb and one Whelen Quartz bulb in the cowl of my 152. I lost count after the third standard bulb was replaced while the Whelen lives on. I used to order a landing light ($25 ea.) for every two oil filters I bought. I tried horizonal vs vertical and could not see any significant improvement in the bulb life. If the bulb is in the cowl, it's worth it to me to pay $75 and be able to depend on it.
I bought mine from Gary Bufkin at Aero Supply in Texas.

A Ha!!! A personal friend, and none finer. He's also in the process of restoring two Luscombes. His company supplied the refreshments at the last IA renewal seminar, as well. So, buy his stuff...and I'll have nice treats at the next one, too.

Aero Parts & Supply (214) 337-3328. Tell 'em I sent ya, and you'll have to pay a tolerance fee. So, mum's the word!

Thanks guys. Yep, the Q5596 is the bulb, and i'll give Aero a call and see what they've got.

I had a Pulse Light installed almost three years ago and, like Bill, I usually keep the Pulse Light on for the entire flight. Haven't had to replace a bulb yet. Both lights are on the wing, so only the landing light pulses.

That's great to hear, about the Pulse Light. I was going to install one once my plane is ready. The theory I was told is that by leaving it on and pulsing, the fliament doesn't cool down and become brittle. Supposedly by limiting the number of cool down cycles, the filament and lamp will last longer.

I'm more interested in the being seen aspect of the thing, but saving money with it is a good thing too.

Has anyone done a real comparision with a standard landing light versus a Pulse Light?

MaxPulse: [maxpulsemaxdim.com] Better, simpler & easier!

Only 4 wires.

1/2 the cost!

(Pirep after the annual)