96 Hunter 23.5 masthead light diode

[kmenning]

I recently purchased a 1996 Hunter 23.5. In going through it I discovered the masthead light didn't work. Troubleshooting led me to replace the connector at the base of the mast. Now my masthead light works but not the way I think it should. The switch either lights the front or the back of the masthead light, never both for 360 anchor light. I read someplace in the forum that there is supposed to be a diode someplace at the back of the switch panel on that switch. I pulled the switch panel but I don't see any kind of diode anywhere nor do I see where one would have been. I also don't see any mention of it in the wiring diagram in the manual. There really isn't much mention of the switch panel for that matter. The back of the switch panel has an "Ultra Panel Marine" sticker on it. Can anyone help me get this working correctly??

Thanks!

Ken

 

[twalker H260]

Most energy efficient method is to change the single pole/double throw switch for a double pole/double throw switch. It should be wired as shown in the manual at this link:

http://www.perko.com/images/catalog/pdf/Figs 1183 to 1197 Inst (1183INS1).pdf

If you want to use your existing switch find an appropriate diode and wire it as shown in the attached diagram
(Current will flow to both bulbs when switch is in anchor light position but only flows to steaming light when switch is in steaming position)

From one of the other sailing sites a member listed the following diodes as being candidates.

"Try a 1N5402 Diode. It is rated for 5+ amps at 200 Peak reverse Voltage . A 1N5403, 1N5404 would also work OK."

For our 260 I located a few diodes from some old electronic equipment and gave them a try until I found a couple that worked.

 

[kmenning]

Most energy efficient method is to change the single pole/double throw switch for a double pole/double throw switch. It should be wired as shown in the manual at this link:

http://www.perko.com/images/catalog/pdf/Figs 1183 to 1197 Inst (1183INS1).pdf

If you want to use your existing switch find an appropriate diode and wire it as shown in the attached diagram
(Current will flow to both bulbs when switch is in anchor light position but only flows to steaming light when switch is in steaming position)

From one of the other sailing sites a member listed the following diodes as being candidates.

"Try a 1N5402 Diode. It is rated for 5+ amps at 200 Peak reverse Voltage . A 1N5403, 1N5404 would also work OK."

For our 260 I located a few diodes from some old electronic equipment and gave them a try until I found a couple that worked.

Thank you. That's exactly the info I was looking for.

Ken