Strobe light

[KZNY]

I have a 1998 M20J Allegro. We just noticed that the left strobe light had gone out. I was checking with Lasar on the part# and they werent sure for the later model M20J if it was a Whelen A610 or A610M. Without removing the screws anyone with a later model MSE or Allegro able to share if they had replaced this strobe light. Not the best pictures but I have attached a closeup of the left and right wingtips.

[Aerodon]

The 610M is the same thing but with a molex connector (likely what you need).  But I have seen 'teardrop' and 'oval' shaped lenses.

 

Aerodon

[Lax291]

1990 M20J MSE and it's a A610 for me. My left side strobe is much dimmer than right so will need to replace soon. Aircraft Spruce has them. 

[Hank]

Or you could go LED and eliminate the risk of melting the cover by leaving the strobes on . . .

[PT20J]

Strobes don’t get hot enough to melt the lens - at least on my 1994MSE that uses A610. @OSUAV8TER sells them.

[OSUAV8TER]

https://www.gallagheraviationllc.com/Whelen-Aerospace-Technologies-A610-Flashtube-Assembly_p_103.html <-- here is the replacement strobe flashtube that I have

I can also help you convert the aircraft to LED, if you like.

Email me at gallagheraviationllc@gmail.com or call me at 513-401-6495

[Paul Thomas]

When I looked earlier this year, the J is not covered under the STC for the LED.

[OSUAV8TER]

5 minutes ago, Paul Thomas said:

When I looked earlier this year, the J is not covered under the STC for the LED.

Correct, and it never will be with the Whelen Orion 650E. Owners who are having it installed are doing it as a minor alteration with a logbook entry by an A&P mechanic. If you feel that an STC is necessary to convert to LED, the AeroLEDs Pulsar 650 is covered by an STC for the J model (see  attached). I carry those lights too. 

 

 

 

Part-23-STC-AML-SA04837NY.pdf

[Marc_B]

15 minutes ago, Paul Thomas said:

When I looked earlier this year, the J is not covered under the STC for the LED.

I've asked WAT about this previously.  It is the FAA's opinion that TSO part exchanged for "functionally similar" TSO part (reference attached AC-2041a) = minor alteration. This path is taken frequently without issue.  Also attached FAA/TSO Letters to assist.

OR500 TSO Authorization Letter Aug 23 2013 copy.pdf AC 20-41A.pdf 90701 OR650E( ) TSO Approval Letter Nov_25_2013 copy.pdf

[OSUAV8TER]

Just now, Marc_B said:

I've asked WAT about this previously.  It is the FAA's opinion that quality lighting system TSO part exchanged for TSO part (reference attached AC-2041a) = minor alteration. This path is taken frequently without issue.  Also attached FAA/TSO Letters to assist.

 

OR500 TSO Authorization Letter Aug 23 2013 copy.pdf 1.86 MB · 0 downloads AC 20-41A.pdf 45.32 kB · 0 downloads 90701 OR650E( ) TSO Approval Letter Nov_25_2013 copy.pdf 1.86 MB · 0 downloads

Correct but it is ultimately up to the installing mechanic to determine if it is a major or minor alteration to the aircraft. If the mechanic deems it to be a major alteration then a field approval or an STC needs to be filed by an A&P/IA. Most people I work with do this as a minor alteration if there is no STC for the light but every now and then I run into a mechanic or shop that insists that it is a major alteration. Cirrus owners and shops are most problematic with this. 

[Pinecone]

It is the recognition lights that warp the lens.

I converted to all LED exterior except for the halogen rear lights on the wing tips.  Partially since by keeping them, the annunciator dimming works properly.

My shop did is as minor alteration and a simple sign off.

[OSUAV8TER]

Does a 20J have three strobe power supplies or just one?

[Hank]

3 hours ago, Marc_B said:

I've asked WAT about this previously.  It is the FAA's opinion that TSO part exchanged for "functionally similar" TSO part (reference attached AC-2041a) = minor alteration. This path is taken frequently without issue.  Also attached FAA/TSO Letters to assist.

OR500 TSO Authorization Letter Aug 23 2013 copy.pdf 1.86 MB · 1 download AC 20-41A.pdf 45.32 kB · 2 downloads 90701 OR650E( ) TSO Approval Letter Nov_25_2013 copy.pdf 1.86 MB · 2 downloads

This is how i converted my landing light to Whelen LED.

[Paul Thomas]

My IA indicated that we'd have to look into the fine details to determine whether it is a minor mod or not which stopped me from buying it during the S&F special. I ended replacing the existing strobe light.

1 hour ago, OSUAV8TER said:

Does a 20J have three strobe power supplies or just one?

Mine has 3 and the ones for the tips are in the last inspection panel if I remember right. The packs are much lighter than I expected.

[KZNY]

Thanks everyone. I will be going to the hangar tomorrow to check the strobe part #. Will post back here what I find out. I did see one log entry from 2020 where it said replaced strobe powerpack HDACF S/N 132XX with new HDA-CF-14/28  S/N 0976373xxxx

The replaced Powerpack does have 3 outputs. So not sure if there are 3 powerpack units or just a single one. 

[MB65E]

Just lost a strobe supply on a clients airplane. A new supply was more than the LED kit. From Aero/Wat. I wish the aero lamps had a brighter green nav lamp. Seems they mimicked the washed out old green grimes Lamps. Super easy install and the aero lamps look and fit better than the WAT lamps. 
-Matt

[OSUAV8TER]

15 hours ago, Paul Thomas said:

My IA indicated that we'd have to look into the fine details to determine whether it is a minor mod or not which stopped me from buying it during the S&F special. I ended replacing the existing strobe light.

Mine has 3 and the ones for the tips are in the last inspection panel if I remember right. The packs are much lighter than I expected.

If there is any reason for doubt, which some IAs do, just get the AeroLEDs Pulsars. They come with the STC for the aircraft.

https://www.gallagheraviationllc.com/AeroLEDs-12V-Green-Pulsar-650-Wingtip-Light_p_505.html

https://www.gallagheraviationllc.com/AeroLEDs-12V-Red-Pulsar-650-Wingtip-Light_p_504.html

[Lax291]

@OSUAV8TER do you sell the black plastic retainers (for lack of better term) the wingtip lights mount to? Mine are very brittle and cracking. 

[OSUAV8TER]

39 minutes ago, Lax291 said:

@OSUAV8TER do you sell the black plastic retainers (for lack of better term) the wingtip lights mount to? Mine are very brittle and cracking. 

No I do not. That is a Mooney specific part but if you can't get it, I can't imagine that piece being difficult to repair. 

[KZNY]

Since I started this thread, I wanted to share what I found when I when I went to the hangar today. This is for the 1998 M20J Allegro.

1. The strobe light was a A610
2. The Powerpack was in the Avionics panel for the wingtips. (Didnt find one when I removed the 2nd panel from the wingtip)
3. It did have a recog light. Its just inconspicous and tucked in.
4. There seems to be a tail powerpack in the back but didnt open that panel to see.
If I have to do the LED conversion, this may be simpler for the wingtips since the wiring seems to originating inside the avionics bay. 

Attaching pictures for the keen eye to spot anything.

Pictures attached. 

[IvanP]

On 8/8/2025 at 7:54 AM, Pinecone said:

It is the recognition lights that warp the lens.

I converted to all LED exterior except for the halogen rear lights on the wing tips.  Partially since by keeping them, the annunciator dimming works properly.

My shop did is as minor alteration and a simple sign off.

I am thinking about replacing the position lights and strobes on my Bravo with LEDs, but my concern was about the dimmers. I replaced the recognition lights with WAt LEDs last year and they are great. Based on your post, it seems that as long as the rear-facing halogens are left in place, the dimmers work fine when everything else is LED, correct?

Edited August 9 by IvanP

[kortopates]

I am thinking about replacing the position lights and strobes on my Bravo with LEDs, but my concern was about the dimmers. I replaced the recognition lights with WAt LEDs last year and they are great. Based on your post, it seems that as long as the rear-facing halogens are left in place, the dimmers work fine when everything else is LED, correct?

correct!


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[IvanP]

9 hours ago, OSUAV8TER said:

No I do not. That is a Mooney specific part but if you can't get it, I can't imagine that piece being difficult to repair. 

I had to repair mine when replacing the recog lights and it is a PITA. Would love to get replacement, but as with most Mooney parts these days they seem to be made of unobtainium.  It would be a nice complement to the wingtip light kits that you sell for Mooneys. 

[IvanP]

7 minutes ago, kortopates said:

correct!


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Thank you for confirming. Now I have another excuse to spend some money  

[OSUAV8TER]

3 minutes ago, IvanP said:

Thank you for confirming. Now I have another excuse to spend some money  

I can help you with that! Those halogen recog lights can melt your lenses. I have the lenses too and if I recall they are around $380 a side or so.