Product & installation overview:

The Beacon module simulates the light of a rotating roof beacon or early-era incandescent bulb type warning beacon by varying the intensity of the attached LED. Click on the image below to view a video of the effect.

The NK8032 is configured with either a Yellow LED

The NK8032A is configured with either a Red LED

The NK8032B is configured with either a White LED

The NK8032C is configured with either a Blue LED

 Utilizing the industry’s smallest  microcontroller and associated voltage control circuitry, these modules with LED, consume less than 20 ma. This makes all of the NK8032 type Kits well suited for low power applications such as battery operation but can easily be powered by any well-filtered and regulated DC power source with an output of 6-18VDC. The very small overall size of this module will allow it to be easily placed in and around any structure.

Connecting the NK8032 $ N8032A, B or C:

 Installing any of these Beacon Kits is very straightforward. Because the modules have circuitry on both sides, care must be taken to be sure that the components or wire solder points will not make contact with any metal object which could cause a short  circuit.

 These kits are pre-wired with input power wires already connected. The red wire is for connection to +DC and the black wire is for connection to –DC (ground). These wires are pre-tinned for easy soldering  to your power source. Figure 1 below shows a close-up of the circuit and wiring connections.

Important note: A low-wattage iron with a pointed tip should be used for connection of wires. Too much heat or solder can easily damage the wires.

The LED included with these kits will provide sufficient brightness for a realistic effect. The brightest light output will be seen from the front of the LED surfaces, but these LEDs do also have relatively bright “side-shine” allowing good viewing over a horizontal angle of up to 150 degrees. Plan the positioning of the LED in your model to “point” them toward the middle of the viewing angle for best  effect.

 We recommend mounting the LED from the back by attaching adhesive to the wires near the back of the LEDs so adhesive is not placed directly on the LED. It is also recommended that whatever adhesive is used that it does not contain high aggressive solvents that could attack the insulation on the wires. Walthers Goo is an example of an “aggressive” solvent type adhesive. Elmers white Glue, CA (superglue) and 2-part epoxies are very safe for this type of mounting and will not damage wires or surfaces of your model in most cases.

We hope the added realism it provides enhances your enjoyment of the hobby.