Combination Anchor/Steaming Light Solution

[kpgraci]

Not a question...just wanted to share my solution to a problem that others may have had.

I bought a dual-light masthead light that doubles as an all around anchor and also as a forward facing steaming light. Problem was the wiring diagram that came with the light uses a DPDT switch and a crossover wire to accomplish the 'both on' or 'forward only' modes, but my fuse panel was already labeled for these lights but had only SPST switches.

I considered just wiring each up on a switch and when I wanted an anchor light I would turn on both the Anchor and Steaming switch...but then I came up with the idea of inserting a diode between the anchor out and the steaming out poles of the switches and viola!

I used a 3A Barrel diode from radio shack ($1.50). Simple and effective.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I'm sure that I am missing something ... but why not just replace one of the SPST switches with the DPDT and have the other switch freed up for another use? Aren't you still using both switches in your case?

 

[Ron20324]

Scott, I'm missing it, too, as to why Ken would want both lights on at the same time. I'm sure that light arrangement would tell some other boat that you are a vessel that are not. On my B23 i used one hot wired from the breaker panel to the access panel in the cabin overhead at the compression post. A SPST switch for the deck light. Then a SPDT switch to select either anchor or steaming. You would not want both on at the same time in my book- and probably others. Why not just a SPST for each light?

 

[kpgraci]

yes...you would not want to have both on at the same time, but the steaming light is 1/2 the anchor light so if both were on it would still be a valid combination - an all arounnd anchor light. But it does use two slots when one is all that is needed...so yes. I'll look for a DT switch that fits my panel...that would be better. and free up a slot.

Edit: Sea dog panel with small 1"x.5" (appox) rocker switch holes...can get a SPDT non-illuminated, but can't find SPDT illuminated in that size with any manufacturer. Could add my own panel lights...but I'm going back to plan A. Panel space not an issue at this time, as far as anchor and steaming not needed at same time, same holds true for anchor and running lights...not too worried about it.