LED modules for the 'Edge'

[kc7gr]

This is a question for the Whelen 'Edge' lightbar experts. I've not been able to find anything conclusive on Whelen's web site.

Does Whelen, or any third-party company, make LED modules to replace the strobe tubes in existing 'Edge' 9000 series lightbars?

This is something I'm looking at for the long term. If the cost is near to the replacement cost of actual strobe tubes and/or their power supply, I will probably consider it when the time comes to do replacing.

Thanks much.

[Tech225]

Ablse2 has several led heads that can be used in a retrofit application. I believe that they even have a bendable led strip for corners.

[fd2119]

I'm not entirely sure, but you may well be able to retrofit their Linear8/Linear12 LEDs into the outside turbo beam spots, and still maintain a "legit" (read: certified to meet/exceed certain standards) bar.

[Pj]

Yes and no.

They have a retro kit in the works that will allow an Edge Ultra and Patriot into an all LED lightbar.

The current series modules *COULD* fit, but with lots of modifications. The 9000/9600 series lightbars has the lights screwed into posts. The new 9M/Ultra/LFL series use snap in modules (no screws!) and are all the same size (400 series for 9M/Ultra) and 500 series for the LFL stuff.

The new modules just "snap in" vs screw in, so...

What series do you have?

*edit*

Now that I think about it....I don't think they changed the I-beam of the bar itself. You may be able to buy the plastic spacers to use the new stuff, but I would have to look at that. Its possible that you may be able to use it in combination, but may look a little funny as you will have one spacer next to another.

As for LED's, there are several style's available.
400 series LED without internal flasher
400 series LED with internal flasher (multiple patterns)
400 series Super LED - Linear LED - (requires flasher)
400 series Super LED - Linear LED with dual colors (one color on top, another on the bottom and can be used independantly)

[nmfire10]

If you can find a way to mount them, you can also use the sync function and eliminate the need for an external flasher complately.

[KitN1MCC]

the led's 12 and the other linear leds made for the bar will not work. byt just applying 12VDC to them the work on 18Volts DC thats what the ballast is for. you need the ballast for the Linear leds in the bars,

some of the new "light head" linear leds have a small power supply on the back side . the reason for that is there is less room in the bar then there is for a ligth head

[kc7gr]

Yes and no.

They have a retro kit in the works that will allow an Edge Ultra and Patriot into an all LED lightbar.

The current series modules *COULD* fit, but with lots of modifications. The 9000/9600 series lightbars has the lights screwed into posts. The new 9M/Ultra/LFL series use snap in modules (no screws!) and are all the same size (400 series for 9M/Ultra) and 500 series for the LFL stuff.

The new modules just "snap in" vs screw in, so...

What series do you have?

Edge model 9642. Wraparound strobes on both ends, takedown/work in the front middle, Smart Arrow Messenger board in the back between the strobes.

Now that I think about it....I don't think they changed the I-beam of the bar itself. You may be able to buy the plastic spacers to use the new stuff, but I would have to look at that. Its possible that you may be able to use it in combination, but may look a little funny as you will have one spacer next to another.

Really sounds like my best bet is to call Whelen directly. Their tech support people have always been most helpful.

Thanks much.

[Pj]

I had a 9622M (basically the same thing, I had the duplex traffic arrow/strobe, you have the messenger).

Replacement tubes are generally inexpensive for the life you get out of them. LED can be expensive on the purchase, but little you have to do later.

Depending on the vintage of your bar, a replacement 6" strobe tube LISTS for $29.00 ($17 dealer). That's if you can replace the tube seprate from the reflector (non duplex). At the moment I can't find the strobe size for the duplex module, but I am sure that the cost is around the same.

If yours is the newer strobe/reflector one piece duplex or non-duplex it lists for $57.00 ($34 dealer).

So, your really not that bad off. I checked with one of my buddies down there, and he said you could do it, but why? The problem you may run into if the wacky looking spacing that you would get by using to spacers, and that you may need to shim up the end modules so that the lights don't shift (not that they normally do anyways.) Whelen has little plastic shims that fit int the end where the endscap screws go. Something like 10 cents each.

The other problem you may run into, is space. The 9600 has wires going everywhere, so adding a balast in there might not work. It was a pain in the ass when I added two extra strobes in there with the little 20 watt p/s. Worked, but annoying. He said it would be better to find a basic 9M bar and retrofit it. With the 9600 series or 9M, you cannot add the corner LED's. The bar is too narrow for them to fit.