Firstly, I wasn't sure which forum this should go in so if a mod see's fit to move it somewhere else then do what you need to do.

The question is a simple one....what is this thing? I have been wondering for ages. I want poke it and see what it does. I have a theory which is no doubt wrong so what on earth is it?

Edited January 8, 20233 yr by Jazz

That is an ice detector. It is simply a small lamp that shines onto the windshield wiper arm attachment hardware, so that the pilot can see it at night. The windshield wiper attachment is an ideal place to look for ice build up because of it's shape and location in the undisturbed air slipstream, so it is one of the first places that ice will begin to accumulate, plus the simple fact that it is right in the pilots line of sight. So they place that low tech little light to simply shine on the hardware so that the pilot can keep an eye on it.

 

Airbus's have a similar low tech ice detector, but it is a dedicated little post about the diameter of a pencil and a few inches long that is mounted to the center windshield post.

13 minutes ago, GACSavannah said:

That is an ice detector. It is simply a small lamp that shines onto the windshield wiper arm attachment hardware, so that the pilot can see it at night. The windshield wiper attachment is an ideal place to look for ice build up because of it's shape and location in the undisturbed air slipstream, so it is one of the first places that ice will begin to accumulate, plus the simple fact that it is right in the pilots line of sight. So they place that low tech little light to simply shine on the hardware so that the pilot can keep an eye on it.

 

Airbus's have a similar low tech ice detector, but it is a dedicated little post about the diameter of a pencil and a few inches long that is mounted to the center windshield post.

Thank you! It's been bothering me for ages!

Im more intrested what your theory was about the thing? 😛

7 minutes ago, Kaboki said:

Im more intrested what your theory was about the thing? 😛

🙂

I had thought for a while that it may be a light sensor for things like the HGS to auto calibrate brightness but I then realised that it was there whether or not one was installed and I couldn't think of any other reason for one. I also then remembered that the ambient light sensor for the HGS is attached to the mount as I read the manual for it recently. Thanks to QANTAS.

I had actually considered it being a light for the reason that was kindly explained but I dismissed the thought as I once heard a pilot of one of these things say that they just used a light such as the one on their phone to check for icing on the wiper. Can't remember when or who though. Some video somewhere.

All irrelevant now as the good chap cleared up all doubt for me.

 

Ok, I was expecting some kind of conspiracy theory:p. Thanks for the explanation:) 

1 minute ago, Kaboki said:

Ok, I was expecting some kind of conspiracy theory:p. Thanks for the explanation:) 

🤣

Such as what? They are a 737's nipples and they produce milk for the pilots coffee? 🤣

Is the light always on, or is there a switch for it?

That's not a light, for ice or anything else ;).

It's a cockpit area mic for the CVR system.

42 minutes ago, Stearmandriver said:

That's not a light, for ice or anything else ;).

It's a cockpit area mic for the CVR system.

You mean they're not nipples?

Microphones make more sense to me. I'm inclined to believe this Stearmandriver bloke. I think this GACSavannah is pulling my leg.

🤣

47 minutes ago, Stearmandriver said:

That's not a light, for ice or anything else ;).

It's a cockpit area mic for the CVR system.

So it is a light, in the metaphorical sense. It would illuminate the FAA or controlling body how much pilots really complain if they pulled the CVR 😂

5 hours ago, Jazz said:

Firstly, I wasn't sure which forum this should go in so if a mod see's fit to move it somewhere else then do what you need to do.

The question is a simple one....what is this thing? I have been wondering for ages. I want poke it and see what it does. I have a theory which is no doubt wrong so what on earth is it?

lol

it blows cold mist over your forehead when APP LOWI 

I think they project video games and films on the windscreen during long night flights

Or maybe its the secret chemtrail button, disguised as a mic/light or something 😛

Oops, Think I said too much, there someone at my door, have to go 

Edited January 8, 20233 yr by Kaboki