Simple and easy to install, this circuit simulates a jet engine's afterburner using a strip of orange LEDs that "flicker" in a totally random pattern when the throttle is fully advanced (WOT). The LEDs are powered by a 3-cell 11.1 volt Li-Po, which can be supplied by an electric model's flight battery, or powered from a separate, 3-cell Li-Po installed just for the afterburner ring. LED strip lights are #3528 type/size, and include 3M double-sided adhesive installed on the back for easy installation. Wires going to the LED strip are 30 inches long, and can be shortened or lengthened as necessary with any kind of speaker/zip wire. Looks great on any model with an afterburner cone, especially ducted fan electric models.
LED strips lights are now available mounted on either white or black PCB strips, to accomodate models with different colored tail cones. Black LED strips are slightly more expensive, check the product options when ordering. The LED strip is approx. 11 inches long, enough to go around an opening of approx.90-95mm. Longer LED strips can be ordered for a few bucks more, just drop us a note or call for pricing.
New Version Available!
We are now offering a "Deluxe" version of this circuit that comes with a strip of LEDs that provide a much brighter afterburner effect. The new LED strips have 3 times the number of LEDs per inch, providing enough light output that they are easily visible even in full daylight. From the drop-down menu choose the "Deluxe" version. The LED strips used with this new version are also avalable separately for customers who wish to upgrade their afterburner kits.
If you want to "upgrade" your Afterburner LEDs set with the new, brighter LED Strips, you can purchase them here.
DOWNLOAD: LED Afterburner Manual
LED Afterburner Ring
This is a dual-power device, which must be connected to both your receiver and a separate power source that drives the LED strip. The servo lead plugs into the receiver to provide the circuit with the signal from the throttle channel that lets it know when to turn the LEDs on, and the power lead is connected to a source of approximately 12 volts to power the LEDs. A 3-cell 11.1 volt Li-Po is close enough to 12 volts to work perfectly.
The circuit can be connected to your receiver's throttle channel along with a throttle servo or an ESC using a common servo "Y". When the throttle stick is advanced to the full throttle position, it causes the LEDs to flicker with a simulated afterburner effect. On an electric model, power for the LEDs can be provided by the model's 3-cell flight battery, or you can tap into the balance tap of any battery pack that is 4-cell or larger. Simply splice into the wires coming from the ESC (the wires that plug into your flight battery), or add a connector that plugs into the balance tap. On glow or gas models, you'll need to add a separate 3-cell Li-Po of 1000mAh or so to provide the power for the LEDs. Instructions are included, and I'm always available to offer tips and advice on how to make connections to various model types and configurations.
Weight: 18 grams
