Lighting Trex 450 Gear (on a B450)

[ashemo]

Hi, guys and gals.

I'm considering this more for orientation than flying after dark (having just gotten my Blade 450), but thought you night-owls might have some input on my idea.

First, an explanation of my reason for considering this:

I started with an mCX2, and have really gotten used to the red/green nav lights on the thing. I moved the connector pins so they no longer blink, and are usable for the intended purpose. I also added a white LED in the nose for a "searchlight" effect which works great on windless nights for general tracking and for orientation, as well.

I'd like to add position lights to the B450, and rather than trying to add them to the canopy, had the idea of mounting LED's in the tips of the Align 450 gear that's installed. I was surprised when I couldn't find examples of this. I can't be the only one to think of it - then again,maybe it's just a terrible idea.

Execution seems pretty straightforward. I'd remove the plastic caps and replace them with LED's, running the wires down the inside of each skid to a hole I intend to drill to allow #24 wires to then run up and along the underside of the rear struts. I would then bring them together to a common connector so the gear could be easily removed. The other end of the connector would go to either the ESC, or an unused RX channel to make them switchable. (But I'm leaning toward 100% run time.) Resistors would be used to tame the voltage if needed.

Questions I have:

1) Will LED's in this position be readily visible in various orientations?
... 1a) Suggestions on a source for wide-angle high-brightness LED's would be appreciated.
2) Any suggestions for a lightweight 2- or 4-wire connector set?
3) As a noob CP pilot with very ittle sim time let alone any in the air, am I:
... 3a) jumping the gun on even thinking about making this addition?
... 3b) risking busting up the LED's on inevitable less-than-stellar landings?
4) Have any of you already done this, and if so, can you provide any detailed instructions or pics of the results?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Andy

P.S. I am also considering some forward-facing white LED's in each of the "scoops" in the B450 canopy to aid in orientation, as well. (OK, OK, it will look cool, too.) Any suggestions on this will also be appreciated.

Example found online (without further explanation):

[ashemo]

Moved this over to the 450 Section since it's not purely "Night Flying" related.
Please feel free to comment there.

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread...96#post4238596

Thanks,

Andy