I have a new in the box McDaniel RC Model 188 lighting system from 20 years ago and I plan to use it in my Byron Hellcat. I've cutout the section of the wingtips and made lenses where the lights are going to go, but I'm concerned about the heat that these light bulbs on this system are going to generate. Not concerned about the strobe as it won't be in confined area like the wingtips.

Do I have to worry about this? There will be no airflow unless I provide some which I didn't intend to. Would I be better off switching to led's? If so, anybody have a recommendation and source? Depending on how bright and type of led, it can throw off some heat as well. McDaniels website doesn't offer any info right now on their lighting systems or this issue.

Thanks for any help on this.

Ok i hope you are not a electroncics tech or enginner for you will know what i am about to tell you already if so disregard

I cant comment on the McDaniel RC Model 188 lighting system but i can on the leds . here is the link for were i buy my leds and led lenses http://www.superbrightleds.com/leds.htm Ok first you need to look for LUMINOUS INTENSITY(mcd) this is how bright the led will be the higher the number the brighter it will be .I like them to be over 9000 if possable .Next you need to look at the veiwing angle .i like to use 360 for the light that need to be seen all sides of the plane the only problem with this is i have never found a led with the intensity needed that wasnt white in a 360 deg veiwing angle so that gives you 2 options a lens mount or move to a 120 deg veiwing angle( wich is what i normaly use for every thing ) . after you determine that you need to look at the specs of the leds you have selected and determine the voltage they will work at . try to get leds in the same voltage range( easier to make a circit ).You dont want to exceded the voltage recomendations the the data sheets sugests you use .Usaly this will be between 3 to 6 volts on the ones i use . finaly i use a 100 ohm resistor on the cathode ( - or the short leg ) of each diode
Oh Leds have little heat not enought to melt plastic

hope i helped

Thanks for the info, I used to be a electronics tech (now in software), but remember enough to make some changes to accomodate switching to leds. Wasn't sure where and what leds to get if I do this. The current bulb running direct off the battery pack can produce some serious heat, so I'm concerned about it getting to hot. Also the current draw should be alot less with the leds. I guess I'm also looking for confirmation that others would convert over to leds as well. Thanks again for the link, I'll browse the site and see what I can find.

Mark