Installing a LED for a beacon/strobe

[ncrc5315]

I want to install a rotary beacon/strobe etc. on a VO-1000 switcher. I've done this before using a 1.5 volt bulb, but never with a LED. What is the best way? I will be using an ESu LokSound decoder, if that makes any difference.

As far as the decoder goes, I know how to set that up, my question is on the physical installation of the strobe itself. With a bulb, the bulb is just inserted into the beacon/strobe, as the light will come out in a 360º pattern. But, since the LED is directional, how is it installed? Will having it point straight up, give enough light/effect, or does the LED need to be orientated in a different way? Or am I over thinking this?

[santafe49]

That is exactly how i did mine. The beacon had a little amber protrusion that stuck down through the base. I drilled a hole the size of the protrusion and glued a micro LED to the cab roof, pointing up to the protrusion and it works great. Looks like a real strobe. I have mine set up as a double strobe. One other thing i did was to paint the inside of the cab roof black before attaching the LED to prevent any over flash around the base of the strobe.

[ncrc5315]

Thanks for the reply, so as I can get my hands on a beacon/strobe, I will give it a try.

[nebrzephyr]

I did this with Athearn after-market beacon, which is already cored out. I used a 0402 SMD LED and it slipped right in.

Bob

[ncrc5315]

Thank you, hopefully all of the parts will arrive before next weekend, and I can get started.