Gear indicator

[N1041G]

I have a 1981 231/253 conversion, which I've owned for 7 years. It a great airplane. The one problem I have always had and never taken care of

is the gear indicator on the floor. I always need a flashlight to see the green line. 

Now that I'm in annual, I told my mechanic that this MUST be resolved. Either the bulb is out, or the glass is so dirty that I can't see anything.

I stopped by the shop the other day, and they told me the problem was solved. They found out that the bulb was 24 volts in my 12 volts system

Unbelievable. Simple fix. They just installed a 12 volt bulb, and now as you can see, I can see:)

[carusoam]

This issue comes up regularly. The plane's document says use a 24v bulb on the 12v system.

I have not seen anyone come up with a conclusion....

Did the factory want a 12V bulb?

Does the 12 volt bulb get too hot?

Is the 12v bulb too bright at night in the cabin?

Did the factory make a mistake in the document?

Would a cooler LED be better?

Just wondering...

Best regards,

-a-

[DonMuncy]

I have posted this fix a few times.

Someone suggested it was intentional, to make it dimmer.

My opinion is that it is merely a mistake in the manual.

[N201MKTurbo]

If it is a mistake in the manual then why does everyone have a 24V bulb?

[DonMuncy]

I have no idea. But I can not imagine anyone would intentionally design a system with a bulb that really is so dim as to be no light at all.

[timpercarpio]

Interesting. Ours is very hard to see also. I'll have it checked out at annual in a few months. Thanks for the heads up.

[DonMuncy]

Check your bulb and your manual. I know the K model manual calls for the 28v bulb.

[Guest]

Given how often planes are landed gear up, I prefer to install a 12 volt bulb.

If it is so bright that it blinds the pilot at night, stop looking at the floor other than a quick check to confirm that the gear is indeed down.

Clarence

[David Mazer]

If the K has a 24v bulb, how can the other, 12v systems, use a 24v bulb intentionally?  Clearly a 48v bulb/system won't be any brighter than a 12v bulb/system would be.

[N1041G]

I guess it's possible that the 12 volt bulb is too bright. If so, a dimmer would certainly help.  I would prefer to have the brighter bulb, so I don't 

have to reach for a flashlight during my checklist. Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

let's hope the annual finds no surprises