realistic beacon
 

Hi there,

I finally managed to build a funtional prototype of a real rotator beacon for my Kenny. ..I will have to build a second one.. but first, I need to test this first prototype.. and I need to find a way to connect the motor properly.

I used 1.8mm Leds and coals from a 130-type motor to transfer the current.

Here are the pictures and movies:

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...ny/beacon1.jpg
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...ny/beacon2.jpg

..and the movies:

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a..._beacon1-1.jpg
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...th_beacon3.jpg

I hope you like it.. now I'll run some tests on the beacon to make sure it runs for more than just a few seconds.

Cheers

Pip

Re: realistic beacon
 

that is very impressive! looks like the real deal! i dont suppose you have some more build pics?

very nice work!

Re: realistic beacon
 

Wow, that's some delicate handywork!

Cheer's, Neil.

Re: realistic beacon
 

Hi there!

thanks for the comments!

I started on beacon #2 today and made some pictures:

Required parts:
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...enny/parts.jpg
1.8mm Leds, soldered in parallel:
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...ny/18mmled.jpg
130 motor brushes (removed the "bumps" marked in red to save more space)
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...ny/brushes.jpg
beacon assembled (not really.. actually I didn't even properly solder the can):
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a.../assembled.jpg

Positive is transmitted thru the center and negative thru the copper ring in the base (via brushes and magnet wire inside the inner tube). The positive brush will be sitting inside the cab as is the motor and the negative inside the base. Everything can be disassembled (but I hope I'll never have to).

Here's another vid of the proto. It ran for three hrs today, working perfectly:

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...acon_amber.jpg

Cheers

Pip

Re: realistic beacon
 

Hi there,

I didn't have much time for hobbies lately but I managed to finish the two beacons. Now I have to find the courage to bolt them on the Kenny.

Here's the vid:

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3986c3d1.jpg

Cheers

Pip

Re: realistic beacon
 

Those are super cool looking!! I like them!! If it wasnt for needing the mortor under them they would be perfect on my lowboy! Great job on them

Re: realistic beacon
 

Nice work Pip, they look the part!

Re: realistic beacon
 

Nice work Pip! Much cheaper then the other SM LED simulated rotating beacons that available, I am sure. And these are nice because you made them yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Re: realistic beacon
 

Working just like the real ones, uneven speed, very nice.
Will remember this for upcoming models!
Dan

Re: realistic beacon
 

Thanks a lot for the positive replies!

I still haven't found the courage to bolt the lights to the Kenny. I'm so scared I might screw up my nice cab.. :(

Cheers

Pip

Re: realistic beacon
 

Vey cool little homemade job, and a nice thought out compact design. Good work.