Hi,
You’re wise, a Pulselite system adds visual visibility to any airplane since the human eye is very attuned to movement, and landing lights blinking on and off are much more noticeable than steady state lights.
You’ll find a STC approved Pulselite system for your PA28-236 at http://www.PreciseFlight.com.
I installed the Precise Flight Pulselite system on my Comanche at least 10 years ago and it’s still working fine.
For what it’s worth, the Dakota Information Manual I have says that anti collision lighting was optional. If the cap on the vertical stabilizer wasn’t the type with provisions for a rotating beacon, you’re have to buy a cap that can accommodate the beacon.
Knots2U (www.knots2U.com) sells caps that are approved for the installation on your Dakota. The Knots2U part number is GF65345-03 for a cap that will accommodate a large self contained rotating beacon; it is approved to replace your existing cap by FAA-PMA approval.
Knots2U also sells rotating beacon lighting from Whelen. One unit with LED lights, which consume very little power and last for thousands of hours is the Whelen Orion 360.
Since the part number for the vertical stabilizer cap for a rotating beacon is listed in the parts manual, I can assume that a beacon was approved for installation. I have attached a wiring schematic for a later model Dakota that shows the wiring and switching used when a rotating beacon is installed. Piper also published two drawings, 36789 and 79850 detailing the installation of a strobe light in the vertical fin cap. I have asked Piper for copies of those drawings. When I get them I’ll post them.
