Diode for mast light?

[symont]

I think this is an easy one.

The steaming light on my H260 works fine (front one, toward the bow). The mast light... only the aft bulb lights on (toward the stern).

Could it be the diode on the switch?
Diode

Before I order one, is there any other usual suspect cause I should check?

Thanks in advance!

[EDIT, for clarity] I should add here that this is not a new problem. This mast light behavior was there when I purchased this boat. It's just that I recently foud out that this is not the proper way to signal anchoring.

 

[twalker H260]

Do you have just the single fixture at the mast head or two separate fixtures? If single fixture it could be the diode - ours was missing the diode so we could have the steaming light or the aft portion of the mast head only until the diode was installed. If two different fixtures it may require a change in wiring in the mast.

 

[symont]

It's a single fixture with two bulbs in it.

I have opened the switch panel this morning and got a surprise. No diode!

I could be wrong because I am not the original owner. But my educated guess from what I have seen back there: this boat never had one. Based on twalker testimony above (thanks btw), it seems "normal".

An easy fix then...

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Not sure about diode. The original wiring was a three strand wire to the two bulb light I think Perko. The switch was a three way toggle for on-off-on. One on for steaming and the other for anchoring ( two bulbs on). First suggest checking continuity at deck plug. The large hole is negative while the two smaller is positive. If working then a new bulb but you might want to install LED bulbs.
It could be the switch itself but first start with the deck plug.

 

[Brian D]

A diode that is installed but reversed (installed backwards) will act the same as no diode at all. So using a jumper with a diode will tell if it needs one or not. There will be no damage.

Check out this post (if you haven't already). - 96 Hunter 23.5 masthead light diode

 

[symont]

Thanks for the inspiration Crazy Dave. The deck plug is new, sealed with dielectric grease and everything. The continuity is perfect up the anchoring and steaming bulb metal posts. I disconnected the wires from the switch to find out that it is either broken, or a plain simple ON-OFF-ON that lights one bulb at a time.

The diode (an two LED bulbs) I just ordered will solve the problem. But...

Brian, I wish I had read you 15 minutes sooner. The double pole/double throw switch is the way I should go. Someone knows a part number for such a switch that fits in the H260 panel?

[EDIT] I think I found one : DPDT

Now let see if I can cancel the diodes!

 

[twalker H260]

Found where i had provided input on this issue in the past. It includes the part number for a generic diode that you can pick up locally. Also has a quick wiring diagram and the original instructions for our mast head lamp.

96 Hunter 23.5 masthead light diode

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...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[symont]

Thanks twalker. I have first purchased a diode and two LED bulbs. And then, after Brian comment, a DPDT switch. If it fits in the panel, I will go with the switch. If not, I will use the diode.

And why stop there... I also ordered LEDs for the other navigation lights and the the interior domes.