Strobe system mix-n-match

[geoffb]

My old Hoskins strobe supply went poof when one of the big electrolytic caps failed.  Started on the CB route and found a service manual planning on trying to replace all the electrolytics, but decided that was a bad idea.  So, ended up ordering one of the new Whelen replacements that comes with the amphenol connectors and is supposed to be plug and play for the Hoskins.  I've got the wingtip strobes running, but am having issues with the old Hoskins combination position/strobe on the tail.  It will flash for a while, then the tube will ionize (steady glow in the tube) and then all flashing stops on all three tubes.  If I turn on the nav lights, the tail strobe immediately ionizes and all flashing stops.

I've reviewed all the Whelen documentation which tells you that you need to remove the shield ground at the strobe end and have done that.  I had to do some experimenting to get the connections to the old tail strobe tube correct with regards to anode/cathode/trigger and believe I have that correct now.

The only thing I can come up with is the old Hoskins nav light appears to ground the bulb through the housing so there's only 4 wires, anode, cathode, trigger and positive for the nav light.  Looking at the Whelen documentation for their combination nav/strobe tail fixture they show 5 wires coming out including a wire for the negative connection to the nav light.

Is the fact that the old nav light is grounded through the housing giving my strobe supply fits?

[carusoam]

If I recall correctly, the wiring is different between the two manufacturers and Whelen has really good documentation on their web site. Have you been there?

http://www.whelen.com/aviation/catalogs

they have an installation catalog there...,

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

Some of the strobe bulbs have a little ground strap that grounds them to the light housing. If you take apart the light and find the ground strap, put a piece of electrical tape on the strap, or just bend it so it is not grounded.

[geoffb]

Thanks, I'll take a look inside the housing.