Firehouse Technology ARC V Drone Strobe Anti-Collision Light, 1000 Lumens, White

Light and bright. Really bright. I like the adjustable flash/strobe modes. Flash for daytime ops to aid with VLOS and strobe at twilight/night. Easy to spot a compact drone with this running. Easy, one button use with long battery life. Built to take some abuse and meets FAA criteria. Some reviews said different, but the one I received charges via USB-C.

Ok so I have used Firehouse lights before and always have been very happy with them. I have also have tried a few others from other vendors, but most are just copied off Firehouses original design and were poorly done or were not nearly as bright as the Firehouse lights and some were terribly misleading (get what you pay for) . This new model is by far the brightest model I have tested, and also the smallest for the 1000 Lumens it puts out. First off the new case is very small and fits on my smallest drone (the Mini) up to the largest and can be mounted anywhere. The case is waterproof and sealed and low profile so it does not look like a bug on top. The lens is angled and does NOT block any of the available light unlike the recent offering by polar pro. The Case also has the on off button on the side which prevents accidental turn ons and finding your light dead (Like Lume Cube). They also added a new mode (there are 4) it will strobe, flash, spotlight (always on) or the new strobe/flash mode which has become my favorite as it works well day or night, we also use the different modes (and colors) to identify when we have multiple aircraft in the air who is who. We bought a white strobe (greatest range), they also have a bunch of different colors and color combinations. They also chose to not use cheap lens covers for color changes, or use the RGB style leds (Ulanzi) as both of those types greatly decrease output, the colored lenses (lume cube) filters it out (and gets lost) and the multicolor led types (ulanzi) split the led flat non focused surface up into thirds (1/3 red 1/3 white 1/3 green) which means each color is only a third of the led output. The Arc "V" light has 5 (This the roman numeral V) of the Cree XPE leds which are by all technical specs the brightest, and are "focused" lights (lens over each led) made for drones and to provide longer throw range, unlike the cheaper flat LED's strobes used in others, this makes a huge difference on a drone, the flat style led seem bright in your hand, but in our testing (while flying) they dont have the range needed to meet FAA specs (even though they claim to). The light comes with very thin strong 3m velcro (cut to fit) as well as 3M VHB tape so you have different mounting options. The lights also are supported by a bunch of different vendors who make custom mounts , and they have there own as well for most models. You also get a charge cord, and documentation in the package that actually has testing data that supports the 3+> Mile range rating which is handy for when you apply for a waiver. We did our own tests as ultimately the FAA states the pilot is responsible to ensure any light meets its regs, and it was easily visible as they state at 3, 3.5 and the 4 mile mark on a clear night with the White strobe. We did this with one mounted on bottom and one on top. Run times were tested they use a 250 mwh lipo rechargeable battery which is one of the largest available which gives you in our testing close to 6 hours in strobe mode, 4 plus hours in flash, and 1 hour in spotlight, and with very little decrease in brightness as the battery drains down. We had tested other vendors strobes units that had smaller batteries and along with much shorter run times they dimmed quickly, the Firehouse did not. Charging is done via a micro usb (we hoped for usb C) but when we asked them about it they stated the micro usb allowed the unit to be smaller, so not a bad trade off as I have a bunch of micro usb cables laying around anyhow if i need more and used on many cell phones and tablets. Lastly they warranty all there lights with no questions asked, why do i ad this. I had a light that had a bad lipo (last year) and contacted them 6 months after I purchased, they sent a replacement out right away and did not ask for a return. Now the cost, its not the most expensive and not the cheapest, but simply stated it works the best and at 34 bucks on my 1000 drone I could not be happier. Helps me meet FAA regs, and lets me maintain line of sight and the new case it even looks pretty. Thanks again to Firehouse great job and keep them coming.

Very highly rated light for good reason. It is insanely bright and the attachment process is easy. Charges quickly and the red changing to green charge indicator is impossible to ignore. Made in the USA with very good workmanship! I have one complaint that will not affect my rating but should be looked into. The charging port that fits a micro USB has a small rubber protective cover that once off is extremely difficult to get back on. There is a small plug that I believe is to keep it attached that easily comes out of the hole. While not a deal breaker by any means it is a bit of a pain.. otherwise, great item!

The brightest strobe yet I've bought, StartRC is second closest. Quick charging also. Impressed.

Very bright - they exceed FAA regulations for Part 107.29 "anti-collision lights visible from at least three statute miles away". I've flown in many ranges of temperatures all the way from 104ºF to 3ºF, and while I wouldn't recommend those ranges for drone flight normally, the Arc V never had quality issues or condensation problems. These are also nice and light weight and sturdy.

I really like Firehouse lights, the USB covers could be stronger, but the strobes are excellent. I have read on multiple occasions that the included 3M Velcro is not that good. So FH website does sell mounts made by/from Ariel Pixel. I bought the top and bottom mounts. An item of importance, is to be sure to not cover the GPS unit which is on the top front (Air 3S). The mounts are designed to not block GPS and can be placed/removed very easily without leaving any marks. FAA only requires a top mount, but the bottom mount is very good at night for observing your drone.

I watch some youtube videos an bought this after watching the video's. I have not mounted it yet on my drone. I tried it out by turning the light on and it is super bright. I recommend not looking at it directly you will be temporary blinded by the light.

I can see why the remote control version is sold. This totally wipes out your night vision if you look right at it. I have zero doubts this has the 4 sm visibility. Its smaller than the cheaper ones as well. My Mini4K has zero issues hauling it around. Its a luxury part but I feel its quality and this isnt something to cheap out on.