Batboard

I just pulled 2 hideaway strobes out of an old Ohio State Highway Patrol car while doing a new install for a local PD. I was checking out their connections and I see something interesting. From tube to strobe cable, they are using regular female/male slide on connectors instead of the usual 3 pin AMP connector I am used to... Is that ok? OSP is usually pretty strict and all-pro on their installs so it kinda confused me...


Also, I dont have any power supplies right now, so I cant test these old tubes...Is there anyway to look and tell if they are bad? They look a little dark and dis-colored on one end of the tube, but I figure that may be from usage.


Just being curious....


Thanks,

Nick

Technically, it doesn't matter what you use to connect them. You could use solder, but connectors, spade connectors, wire nuts (evil), elmers glue, etc. As long as it is a good low resistance connection and there is no contact between the conductors, it will work. If you use uninsulated spade connectors and they touch, it could get ugly.

The other thing you need to do with ANY connection is waterproof them. I usually fill the amp connectors with dielctric silicone to keep the water out and then if I haven't made too mudh of a mess, wrap them neatly in electrical tape.

In my experience, the tubes should just be replaced. They might work long enough for you to get it on the road and running, and then six weeks later they'll short and you'll be tearing the light assembly out again...i just assume replace them, unless i know exactly what they've been thru (ie. installed by me or someone i know)

Federal signal uses regular male/ female spafe connectors. Its not the best but it works. I think they have since changed to an AMP connector.


Im not big on re-using tubes but if the customer wants it we do it.

I bought FedSig strobe tube from strobesforless.com a few months ago.. while it arrived DOA.. it did only come with spade connectors.

Adam wrote:I bought FedSig strobe tube from strobesforless.com a few months ago.. while it arrived DOA.. it did only come with spade connectors.

Guess I shouldn't go look at the site for a deal...lol

lol

and check out the policy...

Bulbs that arrive as not working and-or broken will be considered shipping damage and will require a claim to be made with the shipping company -- No exceptions.

To claim shipping damage.. you must pay to mail the bulb to them.. and include $5 CASH with the bulb to cover them shipping one back to you. and of course you'd want to ship the bulb insured so that adds to shipping charges..

I just went up to ESR in indiana and bought a new strobe tube for $17 and saved the trouble.. and money

buy whelen from me.

and they will not be DOA