The old gum ball machine beacon.

[BigD]

I love the old thing, the way it turns and the cute red light. No, I don’t want to switch it to an LED. I’d like to get any information there is on overhauling it, specifically the motor which works but sounds a bit grindy. Thanks in advance

 

 

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[N201MKTurbo]

There are a couple of kinds. One you can take apart, clean everything re-grease it and it will be good for another 50 years. The other kind has a somewhat sealed motor that doesn’t come apart. I have had luck putting them in a jar of mineral spirits while running for a few hours, then letting them drip dry over night then putting it in jar of 90 weight oil running for a few hours, then letting it drip dry. 

[Echo]

I thought that they were supposed to sound like a coffee grinder 

[AJ88V]

Changing gears slightly, I always park my plane with the beacon switch turned on.  That way I can guarantee the master switch is off when leaving the plane.

[dkkim73]

2 hours ago, N201MKTurbo said:

I have had luck putting them in a jar of mineral spirits while running for a few hours, then letting them drip dry over night then putting it in jar of 90 weight oil running for a few hours, then letting it drip dry. 

Love the approach! My plane has no beacon or recognition lights, just strobe and nav (and of course the fwd-facing landing and taxi). 

I've wondered about putting in something like a beacon for just taxiing area without running the strobes. I'm not entirely sure of the reasons for the different light configurations. 

[N201MKTurbo]

10 minutes ago, dkkim73 said:

Love the approach! My plane has no beacon or recognition lights, just strobe and nav (and of course the fwd-facing landing and taxi). 

I've wondered about putting in something like a beacon for just taxiing area without running the strobes. I'm not entirely sure of the reasons for the different light configurations. 

I wouldn't install one of the old motorized beacons now, unless someone gave you a good one for free. The LED flashers are cheaper and should last a long time. And I think you have to cut a smaller hole in your plane.

[Jim Peace]

On 10/23/2024 at 2:18 PM, BigD said:

 

I love the old thing, the way it turns and the cute red light. No, I don’t want to switch it to an LED. I’d like to get any information there is on overhauling it, specifically the motor which works but sounds a bit grindy. Thanks in advance

 

 

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See and be seen.....get a nice new bright LED....

[Marc_B]

Less chance of RF interference with new LED as well!

[BigD]

See and be seen.....get a nice new bright LED....

I’ve got strobes too. Still love gumball machine.


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[BigD]

Less chance of RF interference with new LED as well!

No gps. Still love the gumball.


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[BigD]

I wouldn't install one of the old motorized beacons now, unless someone gave you a good one for free. The LED flashers are cheaper and should last a long time. And I think you have to cut a smaller hole in your plane.

I do have a free one: it’s even installed! I just want it to last FOREVER- because I love it so much. And so do my passengers.


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[BigD]

Love the approach! My plane has no beacon or recognition lights, just strobe and nav (and of course the fwd-facing landing and taxi). 
I've wondered about putting in something like a beacon for just taxiing area without running the strobes. I'm not entirely sure of the reasons for the different light configurations. 

Thats why I love my gumball. It is not too bright but bright enough for ground ops.


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[N201MKTurbo]

58 minutes ago, BigD said:

I do have a free one: it’s even installed! I just want it to last FOREVER- because I love it so much. And so do my passengers.


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I think they are cool too. My old M20F had one that was serviceable. I had it running smooth and quiet when I sold the plane. My 56 Cessna has the one with the sealed motor. It was frozen when I got the plane, it runs reliably now.

[Pinecone]

On 10/23/2024 at 6:33 PM, AJ88V said:

Changing gears slightly, I always park my plane with the beacon switch turned on.  That way I can guarantee the master switch is off when leaving the plane.

In installed an LED one for that reason.

Also warning to people around that the prop may start moving at any time.

[Shadrach]

On 10/23/2024 at 2:18 PM, BigD said:

 

I love the old thing, the way it turns and the cute red light. No, I don’t want to switch it to an LED. I’d like to get any information there is on overhauling it, specifically the motor which works but sounds a bit grindy. Thanks in advance

 

 

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I disassembled, cleaned, lubed and reassembled mine about 15 years ago. Running like a top ever since. The adhesive on the still pliable electric tape around the motor was as sticky as new. All of the bearings were stamped made in W. Germany.  It just needed to be cleaned and lubed. Brushes were hardly worn.  Truly impressive build quality.

They do make LED bulbs that fit your beacon.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/13-22438.php?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADkVbL9HTtCK_TFm97Ps8cGBphzZp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9Z6Eo6e3iQMV3WBHAR1oXQXGEAQYBCABEgLNH_D_BwE

 

[A64Pilot]

On 10/23/2024 at 6:10 PM, Echo said:

I thought that they were supposed to sound like a coffee grinder 

The ones I have experience with did, on UH-1’s, they were on the top of the engine cowling and you could hear them when you turned the battery on, wearing a helmet.

But they were probably larger maybe than one put on small airplanes?

Edited November 3, 2024 by A64Pilot