Wingtip Diode/Resistor

[RoundTwo]

What is the the function of the device inside each wingtip? Is it a diode or resistor and is it still necessary when Whelen Orion lights are installed instead of original strobes. I’m asking because of this…

[Jerry 5TJ]

Looks like you need mousetraps in there….

[Pinecone]

It is to drop voltage from 24 volts to 12 volts.  Normally seen for the recognition lights, not the wing tip nav or strobe.

If you run the conventional recog lamps, yes you need it.  If you go with the upcoming Whelen LED ones, it is not needed, but also doesn't do anything much due to the much lower current.

[Fly Boomer]

^^^THIS^^^

There is another thread here that essentially says:  With LEDs it (1) doesn't do much, (2) doesn't hurt anything, and (3) is a pain to remove because of limited access on some airplanes.