Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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brianm
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2016 12:04 am

Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by brianm »

My Grimes rotating beacon is just barely clinging to life. If I replace the Grimes with a modern equivalent like a Whelen 70509 will I lose my grandfathering under 91.205 (c)(3)? I had been planning to install wingtip strobes next winter as part of a pre-ADS-B electrical system cleanup / re-wire. It looks like I might have to step the schedule up a bit.
Brian M
N2669V - '48
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GAHorn
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by GAHorn »

No. The Whelen unit meets the requirements of 23.1401 AND 25.1401.

http://www.whelen.com/install/132/13215.pdf
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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N8293A
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by N8293A »

I just sent my rotating beacon out to Avlite Aviation in Paso Robles,CA. They can usually rebuild or repair these units. Tom Leatherwood is who I talked to. I haven't gotten my esimate yet. I will let you know how my experience turns out. I know it will be pretty pricey, but I love my rotating beacon, and I can't give it up for something more modern.
avlite@tcsn.net
Steve McGreevy
N8293A '53 C170B
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DaveF
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by DaveF »

I had a Grimes rotating beacon on my Cherokee. I loved that thing and did everything to keep it working. I could always tell if I'd left the master switch on after shutdown because I could hear the electric motor rumbling and resonating through the airframe!
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brianm
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by brianm »

I love the look and sound of the coffee grinder and I would like to keep mine running. Unfortunately it seems like it might not be possible to repair the Grimes for less than the cost of a new halogen flasher. Then if I'm going the replacement route I start thinking I might as well go LED. A little more expensive but brighter, lasts forever, and hardly draws any power.
Brian M
N2669V - '48
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N8293A
Posts: 119
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by N8293A »

Got my beacon reinstalled today. It is a Grimes G-7740, and I had Tom Leatherwood at Avlite aviation in Paso Robles, CA repair the unit. He diagnosed my problem as a couple of worn brushes in the motor. He repaired, cleaned, and shipped it back for $180.00. It functions perfectly now, and it seems much quieter than before. I am very happy with the service and would do business with them again. So if there are any more rotating beacon holdouts out there that need service, get ahold of Avlite before you opt for the strobe option. I love the old beacon and I'm glad there is a resource to keep it turning
Steve McGreevy
N8293A '53 C170B
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VernH
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by VernH »

I would like to find one. Mine is long gone. Im installing a whelen 90520 where the previous Whelen unit was.
Im glad you were able to get some more life out of yours.
Fly safe!

Vern
1950 C-170A N5453C sn 19487
Based in Pensacola, FL. 82J
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GAHorn
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Re: Upgrading a Grimes rotating beacon

Post by GAHorn »

Avlite Aviation
Address: 3150 Propeller Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: (805) 239-4037

http://www.avliteaviation.com/
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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