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Pippoe
10-20-2012, 06:32 PM
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/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/beacon1.jpg
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/beacon2.jpg

..and the movies:

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/th_beacon1-1.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/?action=view&current=beacon1-1.mp4)
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/th_beacon3.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/?action=view&current=beacon3.mp4)

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

Goose19
10-20-2012, 10:13 PM
that is very impressive! looks like the real deal! i dont suppose you have some more build pics?

very nice work!

doodlebug
10-20-2012, 10:32 PM
Wow, that's some delicate handywork!

Cheer's, Neil.

Pippoe
10-21-2012, 03:13 PM
Hi there!

thanks for the comments!

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

Required parts:
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/parts.jpg
1.8mm Leds, soldered in parallel:
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/18mmled.jpg
130 motor brushes (removed the "bumps" marked in red to save more space)
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/brushes.jpg
beacon assembled (not really.. actually I didn't even properly solder the can):
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/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/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/th_beacon_amber.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/?action=view&current=beacon_amber.mp4)

Cheers

Pip

Pippoe
01-11-2013, 12:53 PM
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/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/th_2_beacons_zps3986c3d1.jpg (http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad326/pippoe/Kenny/2_beacons_zps3986c3d1.mp4)

Cheers

Pip

dabears
01-11-2013, 05:48 PM
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

SonoranWraith
01-11-2013, 06:06 PM
Nice work Pip, they look the part!

Espeefan
01-11-2013, 09:13 PM
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!

D8R
01-20-2013, 11:21 PM
Working just like the real ones, uneven speed, very nice.
Will remember this for upcoming models!
Dan

Pippoe
01-21-2013, 06:12 AM
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

buzzy16
01-24-2013, 02:37 AM
Vey cool little homemade job, and a nice thought out compact design. Good work.