Compass Light
- Thread starter shanker
- Start date
Got out this weekend and my compass was wired but the light was not turning on. After some testing, I found power was leaving the panel but not getting to the compass. The ground wire was checked and was good but the power wire was not conducting power. Trying to chase those wires that run through/under the companionway was taxing. I tried to pull the positive wire from the panel end and there was no give in the wire so I gave it a good tug and out it came. It was only about three feet long and after a closer inspection of the end that was broken off it was evident that it wasn't a clean cut or a tear, more like a pinch and twist and an old injury at that. I estimated by it's length the spot where the damage occurred. Very close to it was an installed light fixture by the previous owner and it seems as though one of the mounting screws penetrated that wire which led to it severing.
I figured out a fix by using the existing ground wire as the positive (at the panel and compass) and running a new ground from the compass to the light in the head (easy access). I went for a sail last night and I now have a beautiful working red compass light. Happy, happy.
I figured out a fix by using the existing ground wire as the positive (at the panel and compass) and running a new ground from the compass to the light in the head (easy access). I went for a sail last night and I now have a beautiful working red compass light. Happy, happy.
On the 260 where there is a space for the compass to go, at my request when the 260 was going into production, they included wiring to that spot behind the bulkhead so you guys could light up.
Lighting up still isn't legal in South Carolina.
-or-
This isn't Colorado.
-or-
No, I meant a Bud Lite.
You two knuckle heads
Yes, I indeed labeled the wires on both ends to avoid any confusion in the future.
I believe the PO did some mods on my mast head and anchor light. I've been on and off this project for a while and if stuff was labeled, I probably wouldn't be so frustrated. I had a post last year which Dave commented on and explained the wiring for those lights with the switch 'jumper' added at manufacturing. Currently that jumper wire is in place and when I use the three way switch, on either side both the mast head and anchor lights go on together. Not sure what to do there. I also saw the wire diagram in the manual which confirms what Dave explained about the jumper. I disconnected the jumper to see if only one would go on but somehow both still go on.This will have to be a project for the winter to rewire everything in the mast. Hate electricity!
I have done some testing on my install of new power cleats. I'll post my findings after a few more sails.
Thanks for the help gentlemen.
Yes, I indeed labeled the wires on both ends to avoid any confusion in the future.
I believe the PO did some mods on my mast head and anchor light. I've been on and off this project for a while and if stuff was labeled, I probably wouldn't be so frustrated. I had a post last year which Dave commented on and explained the wiring for those lights with the switch 'jumper' added at manufacturing. Currently that jumper wire is in place and when I use the three way switch, on either side both the mast head and anchor lights go on together. Not sure what to do there. I also saw the wire diagram in the manual which confirms what Dave explained about the jumper. I disconnected the jumper to see if only one would go on but somehow both still go on.This will have to be a project for the winter to rewire everything in the mast. Hate electricity!
I have done some testing on my install of new power cleats. I'll post my findings after a few more sails.
Thanks for the help gentlemen.
Shanker - the jumper wire on the anchor light switch must have a diode in it. It will allow power to flow to both lights in the one position but not allow it to flow in the other.
This thread has a wiring diagram from the light manufacturer and some relevant types of diodes for your use.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1207495&highlight=Diode
This thread has a wiring diagram from the light manufacturer and some relevant types of diodes for your use.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1207495&highlight=Diode
Thanks Twalker.
I attached a picture of the jumper in place. There is something on that jumper which I will assume is a diode. I don't know how to identify if it is a diode or not but I will confirm what the numbers on it are today. I'll compare to those in your attached link.
I can't stress enough how much this particular issue has stressed me out.
I attached a picture of the jumper in place. There is something on that jumper which I will assume is a diode. I don't know how to identify if it is a diode or not but I will confirm what the numbers on it are today. I'll compare to those in your attached link.
I can't stress enough how much this particular issue has stressed me out.
Attachments
From your photo it looks like you are wired correctly there. You could use a test light or multimeter on the switch to check. My suspicion is that your deck connector at the base of the mast may be wired incorrectly. - ie power is going to the anchor lights ground connection and one of the power wires being used as the ground instead. On our boat it was the mast wire to connector that was incorrect.
Assuming your 260 still has factory wiring here is the mast wiring diagram. I would check that the black wire on one side of the deck connector hasn't changed places with the white or red.
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Model-Information/260_1997_2005/260 mast light wires.pdf
Assuming your 260 still has factory wiring here is the mast wiring diagram. I would check that the black wire on one side of the deck connector hasn't changed places with the white or red.
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Model-Information/260_1997_2005/260 mast light wires.pdf
If you have the three prong deck connector for the mast lights, generally the largest prong is for the negative wire(if there is a yellow wire, that will be for DC ground vs. the traditional black-not sure when the switch was made). The other two prongs of similar size will be for positive. Then it is a matter which positive wire goes to which. Remember the anchor light is a 360 degree light while steaming is a forward 180 degree light. The mast light was a two light unit separated by a wall but I have forgotten the manufacturer..