Solved How do you set up lights on flite test ESCs

[Dawson]

I have the flite test 80 amp Esc and it has that little connecter that I heard was used for LED lights and I just wanted to know how that works and what lights would work on it. I’m planning on putting it on a 7.5 foot Rc plane I built and wanted to make sure the lights could have extensions to reach the wings. Thanks

 

[Mr.Grinch]

I have the flite test 80 amp Esc and it has that little connecter that I heard was used for LED lights and I just wanted to know how that works and what lights would work on it. I’m planning on putting it on a 7.5 foot Rc plane I built and wanted to make sure the lights could have extensions to reach the wings. Thanks

Just have to wire up some 12v (if using 3s) leds with the proper connector. They will remain on once the battery is connected, no on/off control.

 

[jack10525]

I have had a few store bought planes that had leds in the wings. The connector for the led plugs into the receiver for power. I don't see an issue with extensions as long as the connection is tight.

 

[dylanbeaudette]

I really like these LED light strips which plug right into a spare channel on the receiver, unfortunately you can't toggle on/off with the transmitter:

FireFly LED Strips

Add the pizazz of lighting to your aircraft with our FireFly LED strips. The strips come in wired in pairs with JR servo style power connectors. (It is possible to cut them apart and use them individually) The LED's are mounted to a 1mm fiberglass strip a

alofthobbies.com

These single navigation lights connect to a spare channel on the RX and can (!!) be toggled remotely by the TX:

Navigation Strobes Red

Whether you want to improve your plane's realism or will actually be flying at night, flashing navigation lights are an excellent accessory for improving your planes visibility. We have these navigation lights available in 5 colors. White, Red, Blue, Green and Orange. The lights are very bright...

alofthobbies.com

We usually connect two of the nav light assembles via Y-harness and plug into a single RX channel.

I'm still searching for the "perfect" combination of lightweight wire and tiny LED module for use on our smaller aircraft. This item might be just about right:

Switchable RGB Led Lights - 5050 5v

5050 RGB LED 5v

alofthobbies.com

 

[dylanbeaudette]

Here is an LED strip (see the up thread for product link) mounted under the wing on an FT Tutor.

 

[dylanbeaudette]

Navigation lights on a Tiny Trainer.

 

[dylanbeaudette]

Finally, here is an interesting circuit for switching a load via spare RX channel:

https://www.electroschematics.com/compact-rc-switch-circuit/

 

[Merv]

... it has that little connecter that I heard was used for LED lights...

That little connector puts out flight battery voltage. Check to see if your LED's will be happy at battery voltage. If they are, it will work.

 

[bearit]

That little connector puts out flight battery voltage. Check to see if your LED's will be happy at battery voltage. If they are, it will work.

or it will burn them up using battery voltage

 

[Bricks]

I really like these LED light strips which plug right into a spare channel on the receiver, unfortunately you can't toggle on/off with the transmitter:

FireFly LED Strips

Add the pizazz of lighting to your aircraft with our FireFly LED strips. The strips come in wired in pairs with JR servo style power connectors. (It is possible to cut them apart and use them individually) The LED's are mounted to a 1mm fiberglass strip a

alofthobbies.com

These single navigation lights connect to a spare channel on the RX and can (!!) be toggled remotely by the TX:

Navigation Strobes Red

Whether you want to improve your plane's realism or will actually be flying at night, flashing navigation lights are an excellent accessory for improving your planes visibility. We have these navigation lights available in 5 colors. White, Red, Blue, Green and Orange. The lights are very bright...

alofthobbies.com

We usually connect two of the nav light assembles via Y-harness and plug into a single RX channel.

I'm still searching for the "perfect" combination of lightweight wire and tiny LED module for use on our smaller aircraft. This item might be just about right:

Switchable RGB Led Lights - 5050 5v

5050 RGB LED 5v

alofthobbies.com

For LED lights I use motor winding wire it`s coated and very light. Here is an example it can be found cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/motor-winding-wire/s?k=motor+winding+wire

 

[bearit]

if you get the leds with a usb connecter on it, it will plug into your receiver extra channel

 

[Bricks]

if you get the leds with a usb connecter on it, it will plug into your receiver extra channel

That may all good but for me the problem is adding enough lights adds considerable weight as i use 12 volt LED string lights CHEAP and then use the balance plug off of the battery for power, this way no extra power drain running thru the receiver..

 

[dylanbeaudette]

Quick follow up the LED light bars and mini strips from Aloft Hobby. Mounted on an FT Arrow and FT Miniscout.

These little LED strips can get warm, possibly enough to unseat a small dab of hot glue. Still working on finding the right adhesive.

Even with the extra weight, this plane still flies like a bat out of hell with an 850mAh 3S battery.

 

[Dawson]

Thank you all, this helps a lot!