Frequently Asked Questions:

Q;How do HID lights work and why do I need them?

A:HID technology is very similar to fluorescent on a much brighter scale.  The light comes from a very small gas tube filled with xenon gas. When voltage is applied to the ballast, the voltage is increased to approximately 23kv.  When the 23kv hits the xenon gas tube, it burns much brighter than a standard incandescent light of equivalent power draw.  HID lights also give you the option of different color bulbs.  We recommend either 6000k or 4300k, since with any higher color you will lose efficiency.

Q:What is the usefull life of an HID bulb?

A:  The HID bulbs we use have a useful life of 3000 hours before any degradation in light performance.  With HID bulbs there is no filament to break apart due to the constant vibration on a piston aircraft. 

Q:What about RF noise?

A:All the ballast we use is a new design that is 100% digital.  All the ballasts use digital inverter technology to increase voltage, greatly reducing any RF noise.  The bulbs are a big spark gap generator, there is no way around that.   We took the time to prove this, please click here for charts and an explination or what you are looking at.  We have not had any problems with nav, or GPS reception. 

Q:I've heard that the more expensive lights use bulbs with the igniter attached to the bulb?

A:Planelights HID systems, will not have any more or less RF noise than any other brand with a different style bulb (D1S).  Older HID technology was completely different, the igniter had to be attached to the bulb to reduce RF noise.  With our digital ballast, all the RF noise from the ballast and igniter has been eliminated.   

Q:Do they get hot

A: Yes, but the heat is directly equivalent to the power being applied.  If your original application was designed for a 55w halogen, then going to a 35w or a 50w HID should not generate a significant amount more heat than the original halogen.

Q:How much power do they draw?

A: 35w or 50w once the lights are warm. While they are warming up, both systems will pull about 80w.  The warmup period lasts about 10 sec.  Wiring needs to be designed to accommodate a 7 amp pull per light.

Q: Can I run these lights on a wigwag flasher?

A: Running on a wigwag is no problem.  You will need to be able to turn them on for a minimum of 1 min to allow the bulb to warm up and stabilize before flashing. We do not currently offer a flasher, there are a few on the market that are suitable for HID use. There is about a 20% reduction in bulb life if flashed its entire time.

Q: I have a 28V electrical system, do you have lights?

A: Yes the 50w lights will operate 9-30v.

Q: Should I go with 35w or 50w

A: The 35w lights are more efficient.  If you were currently running a standard 100w PAR36 landing light, you are getting 2200 lumens of light.  A 35w HID will give you about 3000 lumens.  You will have almost 50% more light that you did previously.  With that said, if you have the power why not use it.  A 50w light will give you about 20% more light for 30% more power draw.  If you are tight on power with a big panel, hot prop etc. then the 35w systems will free up more of power.

Q. Is there any warranty?

A: Yes, all our systems come with a 2 year no questions asked warranty.  If they break or you don't like them for any reason, send them back and we'll either refund you or send you a new light.  After 2 years, if something happens, all parts are available seperately at a reduced price.

Q: Do you offer any mounting solutions?

A: No, most of our lights will work with your stock light mounts.  If you are starting from scratch with no lights we suggest Duckworks Aviation for a good selection of mounting solutions.  The MR16's require a wingtip kit that you can purchase through Vans Aircraft if not already in you kit.

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