[STEVE]

STEVE on November 17, 2020 at 11:49 am #20330

I couldn’t find a single switch that can control three circuits.
One option would be to rewire the circuits to get what you want. Tie the strobes and beacons to the “on” side of a single switch.
You or your mechanic would have to determine if the circuit breaker protecting the original circuit is big enough to protect both circuits.
Other than that, I can’t think of an answer.

[Erik Scheller]

Erik Scheller on November 13, 2020 at 9:09 am #20324

Hi Steve. There are separate switches for the navigation lights and the anti-collision lights. The anti-collision switch is 3-position rocker switch; strobes, off, & beacon. The POH doesn’t mention the specifically the switch positions illuminate, so I’m thinking with the absence of explanation – the switch only illuminates what is selected (i.e., strobes only in strobe position). My Service Manual wiring diagram doesn’t show a 3-position switch for that system. My serial number is 31-8112020. Thanks.

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 13, 2020 at 8:38 am #20322

I understand why you’re asking.
I do not have a POH for the Navajo so can’t tell you if the wiring in your airplane is as Piper designed the circuits.
The service manual schematics indicate that there is a beacon circuit, an anti collision light circuit and a position light circuit. Schematics show switch labels for “anti collision,” (stobes) “rotating beacon” and a “position light.”
But this may be incorrect since there are different schematics for different aircraft serial numbers.

If you don’t have these three switches, I would be happy to dig further but will need your airplane serial number.
Steve

[Erik Scheller]

Erik Scheller on November 12, 2020 at 4:58 pm #20321

My plane does just what the switch says – strobes only when strobe position selected (no beacon). Off when off. Beacon only in beacon.

The reason I ask – is that when I cleared the runway awhile back I noticed my strobes weren’t working. I double checked the switch and it was in the strobe position. So selected beacon as I always do after landing. But it got me thinking. I assumed my beacon had been on – and therefore legal – when in the strobe position, and if the strobes failed (for whatever reason) my beacon was still operating. Not the case. Which doesn’t seem correct. I’ve asked the one other Navajo guy on the field about it (and he’s upgraded all his lighting to LED’s) and both strobe & beacon operate in the strobe position on his plane.

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 12, 2020 at 12:12 pm #20320

Erik;
Don’t take this the wrong way, but my recommendation is to select the strobe switch, walk outside and take a look. You’ll get the answer to your question.
The reason for this “wise guy” answer is that there are so many changes that may have been incorporated in your 40 plus year old airplane that any answer could easily be wrong.
Steve

[Erik Scheller]

Erik Scheller on November 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm #20317

Does the strobe position of the 3 position strobe/beacon switch also operate the tail beacon, or strobes only?