Whelen PA5200 Help Question

[MIKET2]

Hello to all, I have 2 whelen PA5200 commander beacons. 1 is the single strobe tube with double flash the other I


guess is the later version which I am scared about. The single strobe tube one releases the dome right off the


retaining band, but the later version has 2 strobe tubes on each side and the scary thing is the whole unit is


attached together with the dome which makes the dome not removable. I fear if the strobe tubes go out in


that Im screwed. Is this true? What are your ideas about this? Thanks MikeT2

 

[dmathieu]

:?: :? Not sure what you have. Can you put up some pictures?


Dan

 

[MIKET2]

Sorry Dan I cannot post up any pics from this laptop I have, I have to use an outside source to do it.


The PA5200 Im reffering to has two double flash strobes in it on both sides, the dome is well


attached with the upper portion containing the strobe tubes and power supply like its been made


with it unlike the other kind which the dome just comes right off and you can change the single strobe tube.


Im trying to find out if when this was sold years ago did they have to buy the whole top piece with the


dome connected with it or can just the strobe tubes be changed some how it they go out, can the dome


be removed some how?

 

[JohnMarcson]

It think he has the front/rear cutoff version and a standard version.

 

[dmathieu]

Mike, The only thing I can think of with 2 strobe tubes under 1 dome, if I remember correctly, is a strobe 5200 that Whelen made that was front/rear, used for front light cut-off. Many also have a cruise light option. Don't confuse this bulb with a flash tube. (You may already know that). I think they made this front light cut-off light for a short time. As far as not being able to remove the dome, never.They would not do that. Sometimes the gasket between the plate and the dome bond together making them seem inseperable. I've had to pry them apart and replace the gasket. Again I'm just guessing without seeing the light. If you can email pictures with your computer, PM me and I'll give you my address.


Dan

 

[dmathieu]

Yes John. Exactly what I was describing!! Thanks!


Dan

 

[cmb56]

The single strobe version was the 5200-PA and the directional strobe version was the 5500-PA.


Remember that regarding Whelen nomenclature the PA is in the end of the number.


I agree with dmathieu that I think it is the rubber gasket that might have dried, if there is any.


The problem for me is that I can not remember that there are any gaskets in any of the 5200 or 5200-PA I have.


The 5200-PA is NOS.

 

[MIKET2]

It think he has the front/rear cutoff version and a standard version.

Thanks John and to all, this is exactly what I have and yes I believe the gasket has bonded over the years


with the unit and the dome. The crazy thing is the dome is pretty old and weathered with a lot of stress


cracks all over it. I fear if I try to pry it off it will destroy the dome but thanks guys for letting me know


that it a least does come off, I guess I could try to tinker with it from time to time, thanks again. Mike.


Got it off with my good old remington knife no problem, Thanks Again Y'all.

 

[kitn1mcc]

the cracks are caused by chemical reaction with some cleaners

 

[MIKET2]

the cracks are caused by chemical reaction with some cleaners

Cool thanks, thought they were caused by the sun and rain only, appreciated.

 

[03crownvic]

The model with the V strobes is definitely a keeper, as it is rare and very desirable among collectors. There were some of those V shaped strobes for sale on eBay within the last month or so, and I don't think they sold. Check the completed auctions and see if you can find them and if so, write the seller and see if you can get them offline. They aren't made any longer, and it would be wise to have a couple of spares for replacements just in case.

 

[MIKET2]

The model with the V strobes is definitely a keeper, as it is rare and very desirable among collectors. There were some of those V shaped strobes for sale on eBay within the last month or so, and I don't think they sold. Check the completed auctions and see if you can find them and if so, write the seller and see if you can get them offline. They aren't made any longer, and it would be wise to have a couple of spares for replacements just in case.

Thanks for the info on that, I did kinda figure that double V strobe one was unusual looking there, but yes I frequently check ebay on cool things


that pop up to try to get posted here also. Its a whole hell of a lot brighter than the single strobe type aswell. Cool Thanks!

 

[JohnMarcson]

Cool thanks, thought they were caused by the sun and rain only, appreciated.

Could be either really.

 

[MIKET2]

I knew that. :ugeek: