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B&C SSF-1 finally died

 
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dan(at)rvproject.com
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:14 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

After 834 hobbs hours of nearly continuous use, my B&C SSF-1 wig-wag flasher
died. I can either plunk down another $22 for a drop-in replacement, or I
could explore cheaper options.

I found a Trident auto flasher that *looks* pretty much identical, but they
say it has a "Design Life" of 500 hours. If it's the same as the SSF-1,
that would be one way to save about 9 bucks.
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?11850

I'm not looking for anything fancy, like the CreativAir setup. I want a
3-wire (+12v, load 1, load 2) drop-in replacement. I wouldn't mind
soldering it up myself but I don't have the expertise to "design" one. Will
probably go with another B&C SSF-1, but would love to be able to
solder-it-myself and/or save some bucks. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D (834 hours)
http://www.rvproject.com


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nuckollsr(at)cox.net
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:46 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

At 10:10 AM 3/11/2006 -0800, you wrote:

Quote:


After 834 hobbs hours of nearly continuous use, my B&C SSF-1 wig-wag flasher
died. I can either plunk down another $22 for a drop-in replacement, or I
could explore cheaper options.

I found a Trident auto flasher that *looks* pretty much identical, but they
say it has a "Design Life" of 500 hours. If it's the same as the SSF-1,
that would be one way to save about 9 bucks.
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?11850

I'm not looking for anything fancy, like the CreativAir setup. I want a
3-wire (+12v, load 1, load 2) drop-in replacement. I wouldn't mind
soldering it up myself but I don't have the expertise to "design" one. Will
probably go with another B&C SSF-1, but would love to be able to
solder-it-myself and/or save some bucks. Any ideas?

The SSF-1 is a heavy duty automotive device. I've not researched
it in detail but it's a fair bet that the pinout is the same
as for other flashers having the same pin size and spacing.
Odds are that the item you've cited above (or similar from local
parts store) will work.

Solder? I thought that 1/4" fast-on tabs fit those
flashers. Why is there any soldering involved?

As to "saving" money, what's your time worth? You may
spend several hours locating a substitute, there is
risk (small) that the sub doesn't work, etc. Not trying
to talk you out of trying something new and different
but if cost is the biggest driver for your decision,
the sub may be less than a bargain.

Bob . . .


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dan(at)rvproject.com
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:43 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Quote:
>I'm not looking for anything fancy, like the CreativAir setup. I want a
>3-wire (+12v, load 1, load 2) drop-in replacement. I wouldn't mind
>soldering it up myself but I don't have the expertise to "design" one.
>Will
>probably go with another B&C SSF-1, but would love to be able to
>solder-it-myself and/or save some bucks. Any ideas?

(snip)

Solder? I thought that 1/4" fast-on tabs fit those
flashers. Why is there any soldering involved?

Yeah, 1/4" fast-on tabs do fit. What I meant was that if there was some
low-cost "kit" that lets you solder up a circuit that serves the same
purpose, I'd be interested in finding out about it. Even if the price was
close, I'd probably still prefer the "experience" assembling something
myself. Like the magneto timer kit I soldered up. And like the CO sensor
kit that I soldered up. I mean, I did build a plane after all...some people
buy planes instead of build them because their time is more valuable than
experience. Pardon me for extending that logic to minutia like flashers!!

Quote:
As to "saving" money, what's your time worth? You may
spend several hours locating a substitute, there is
risk (small) that the sub doesn't work, etc. Not trying
to talk you out of trying something new and different
but if cost is the biggest driver for your decision,
the sub may be less than a bargain.

Agreed. I was just researching options. I appreciate the single data point
that you've now given me, that the SSF-1 is the best option in your opinion.

do not archive
)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D
http://www.rvproject.com


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jschroeder(at)perigee.net
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:41 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Dan -

Which CO kit did you build? Where to get it? How much?

Thanks,

John Schroeder
On Sat, 11 Mar 2006 15:41:38 -0800, Dan Checkoway <dan(at)rvproject.com>
wrote:

Quote:
And like the CO sensor
kit that I soldered up. I mean, I did build a plane after all...

--


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dan(at)rvproject.com
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:16 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Quote:
Which CO kit did you build? Where to get it? How much?

http://www.electronic-kits-and-projects.com/4055.htm

I did a group buy with a bunch of local RV builders, so we took advantage of
the 5+ discount and the int'l shipping ended up being essentially
negligible.

Soldered it up and tested it with my truck exhaust, acetone vapor, etc. It
seems to work as advertised, although I have to admit I haven't even
installed it in the plane yet! (doh!)

)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D
http://www.rvproject.com


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ckhand(at)earthlink.net
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:24 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Dan,
I installed mine (first one - zero hours) a couple weeks ago and wrote down
the part identification info before gluing that side of the flasher to the
mounting plate. Haven't tried any auto parts stores to see if they carry a
replacement, but it was identified as:

TRIDON EL13 A-2
ALT/FLASHER
150 W/channel, +12 V
SAE J105
1254C2
Chris Hand
RV-6A, N731CK (reserved)

---


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ckhand(at)earthlink.net
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:56 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Additional data:

Trico lists the EL13A-2 flasher (B&C's SSF-1 if I read the part numbers
correctly) as the one recommended for alternating head lamps with a service
life of 400 hours:
http://www.tricoproducts.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=289&location_id=129&go=preset210trico

Trico lists the EL13A-1 flasher (the one at the midway link in Dan's email)
as a 500 hour service life and lists the emergency flasher as recommended
application but doesn't mention head lamps as a recommended application:
http://www.tricoproducts.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=288&location_id=129&go=preset209trico

I did find the EL13A-2 flasher on the midway web site for $12.99 and they
list "wig-wag headlights" as the application :
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/searchby.asp?txtSearch=TRI-EL13A-2

Chris Hand

---


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jschroeder(at)perigee.net
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:52 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Dan -

How many did it take to get the 5 (pound?) discount.

This kit looks good. With the relay, I'd like to wire it to a small
speaker or light on the annunciator panel.

I'm in the process of wiring up the dual mag checker. I wish all kits were
as well documented and "instructed" as this one, and a bargain too.

Thanks,

John
Quote:
I did a group buy with a bunch of local RV builders, so we took
advantage of the 5+ discount and the int'l shipping ended up being
essentially
negligible.



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dan(at)rvproject.com
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:54 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Quote:
How many did it take to get the 5 (pound?) discount.

It was just a quantity thing. Based on the web site today it looks like if
you order 5+ then you get the lower price.

do not archive
)_( Dan


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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 10:02 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Chris,

Thanks for the data points. Last night I ordered the EL13A-2 from Midway.

I'm about to shine a light on my naivete... I bought the SSF-1 from B&C
because (a) Bob's wiring diagram that came with it was trivial to implement
(much appreciated, Bob!), and (b) it seemed like a fantastic price for a
truly "solid state" device. When I powered it up for the first time and
heard it clicking, I was a bit surprised. I realized it was
electro-mechanical. I don't really understand how the term "solid state"
applies here (I am naive to say the least).

The Tridon EL13A-2 *appears* to be the same or similar type of
electro-mechanical flasher relay as the SSF-1 but at a lower price. Yes,
I'm a cheapskate. The difference in price is half an hour of flying. Maybe
the Tridon will die, and maybe it will not last as long as the B&C. We'll
see!

Somebody on another forum mentioned using thermistors (I think) for limiting
inrush current, and possibly extending the life of the flasher. I don't
have the knowledge or understanding to experiment with this at this time.

do not archive
)_( Dan

---


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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 10:27 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Dan -

I should have read the web site more closely. Thanks for the clue.

John Schroeder
DO NOT ARCHIVE
On Sun, 12 Mar 2006 09:53:16 -0800, Dan Checkoway <dan(at)rvproject.com>
wrote:

Quote:

<dan(at)rvproject.com>

> How many did it take to get the 5 (pound?) discount.

It was just a quantity thing. Based on the web site today it looks like
if
you order 5+ then you get the lower price.

do not archive
)_( Dan


--


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retasker(at)optonline.net
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:57 am    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

I do not have one of the B&C flashers, but I suspect that the "solid
state" refers to the circuitry controlling the internal relay. Really
old flashers were operated by a bimetallic strip - the current through
the bulbs caused a strip to heat up and switch. You could tell when one
of your turn signal bulbs died because the flasher would change the
flash speed with less current. Newer flashers (starting in the late
60's) had solid state circuitry to generate the "blinking" and an
internal relay to actually flash the high current lights.

It is a simple matter nowadays to design an "all solid state" flasher -
see Eric's site (http://www.periheliondesign.com/wigwagdmnl.htm).
Somewhat overkill, but you will never have to replace it.

do not archive

Dan Checkoway wrote:

[quote]

Chris,

Thanks for the data points. Last night I ordered the EL13A-2 from Midway.

I'm about to shine a light on my naivete... I bought the SSF-1 from B&C
because (a) Bob's wiring diagram that came with it was trivial to implement
(much appreciated, Bob!), and (b) it seemed like a fantastic price for a
truly "solid state" device. When I powered it up for the first time and
heard it clicking, I was a bit surprised. I realized it was
electro-mechanical. I don't really understand how the term "solid state"
applies here (I am naive to say the least).

The Tridon EL13A-2 *appears* to be the same or similar type of
electro-mechanical flasher relay as the SSF-1 but at a lower price. Yes,
I'm a cheapskate. The difference in price is half an hour of flying. Maybe
the Tridon will die, and maybe it will not last as long as the B&C. We'll
see!

Somebody on another forum mentioned using thermistors (I think) for limiting
inrush current, and possibly extending the life of the flasher. I don't
have the knowledge or understanding to experiment with this at this time.

do not archive
)_( Dan

---


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ckhand(at)earthlink.net
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:15 pm    Post subject: B&C SSF-1 finally died Reply with quote

Quote:
The Tridon EL13A-2 *appears* to be the same or similar type of
electro-mechanical flasher relay as the SSF-1 but at a lower price. Yes,
I'm a cheapskate. The difference in price is half an hour of flying.
Maybe
the Tridon will die, and maybe it will not last as long as the B&C. We'll
see!


I believe it's exactly the same flasher unit as the SSF-1 since the one I
got from B&C had "TRIDON EL13 A-2" stamped on the side I glued to the
mounting plate (can't see the writing anymore so can't reconfirm). I had
the same thoughts that I might be able to buy a replacement part if needed
at the local auto parts store, so wrote the part info on my wiring sketches
when I installed it.
Anybody have a B&C unit they haven't obscured the part numbers on? Would be
good to have a second check that I read/recorded the right numbers/letters.

Regards,
Chris Hand
RV-6A


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