Am trying to replace the bulbs on a Saturn compass. Looks like the swivel top unscrews at the sides. Tried to unscrew but the opening is too narrow for a regular flat blade screw driver. Does this come off to replace bulb and if so what tool do you use to unscrew it with? Thanks for the help. Paul H S/V Linda Belle
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Scott Blahnik
Same problem
Mine has been kicked off of few times by the kids climbing up on deck. I just snapped it back on. I think it just prys off. Problem is, the bulb is welded in place! It doesn't just unscrew, or have prongs, or something convenient. I think they're made to last, and not to require replacement. What I'm concerned about is that maybe the bulb is fine, that the problem could be in the attachment to the battery or something because on visual inspection of the filament it appears intact. I suppose i could hook up one of those voltmeters. Yes, I'll do that! If I've got juice, I suppose that means I'll have to solder another bulb on...Hopefully somebody will have a better answer, will follow this post S Blahnik
Mine has been kicked off of few times by the kids climbing up on deck. I just snapped it back on. I think it just prys off. Problem is, the bulb is welded in place! It doesn't just unscrew, or have prongs, or something convenient. I think they're made to last, and not to require replacement. What I'm concerned about is that maybe the bulb is fine, that the problem could be in the attachment to the battery or something because on visual inspection of the filament it appears intact. I suppose i could hook up one of those voltmeters. Yes, I'll do that! If I've got juice, I suppose that means I'll have to solder another bulb on...Hopefully somebody will have a better answer, will follow this post S Blahnik
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Paul H
Saturn Compass
Scott, Do I pry the sides off at the screw connection? All I want to do is paint the bulb with red nail polish for better viewing at night. Is their enough room for me to do that? Thanks Paul H
Scott, Do I pry the sides off at the screw connection? All I want to do is paint the bulb with red nail polish for better viewing at night. Is their enough room for me to do that? Thanks Paul H
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Brad
Don't mean to pry...
Paul, I've got a Saturn/bulkhead mount. Get a small screwdriver with a thin head that fits the screws. Remove the screws, then gently pry one side of the housing outward and away, then the other side. The connected wires are short, so don't lift too far. Once the housing's free, flip it over, and gently pry or pull out(needlenose pliers) the socket and bulb. The bulb then twists out of the socket. Just replaced mine, painted with red nailpolish. Works great. Hope this helps.
Paul, I've got a Saturn/bulkhead mount. Get a small screwdriver with a thin head that fits the screws. Remove the screws, then gently pry one side of the housing outward and away, then the other side. The connected wires are short, so don't lift too far. Once the housing's free, flip it over, and gently pry or pull out(needlenose pliers) the socket and bulb. The bulb then twists out of the socket. Just replaced mine, painted with red nailpolish. Works great. Hope this helps.
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Paul H
Question Brad
Where do you get a screwdriver that small and with that wide of a head? I've got a 95 H26. These compasses have been there a long time. I doubt if they have ever been taken apart. Thanks for the info. Paul H S/V Linda Belle
Where do you get a screwdriver that small and with that wide of a head? I've got a 95 H26. These compasses have been there a long time. I doubt if they have ever been taken apart. Thanks for the info. Paul H S/V Linda Belle
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Scott Blahnik
Paul, I'll try it this weekend
I'm thinking you don't need the screwdriver. The screws may just act as a hinge. Otherwise, why would you have to pry it anyway once the screws are loosened? Jeez, I could be wrong. Don't pry yours until I do mine, or I'll feel sort of responsible for the damage! What I'm wondering about is that socket...
I'm thinking you don't need the screwdriver. The screws may just act as a hinge. Otherwise, why would you have to pry it anyway once the screws are loosened? Jeez, I could be wrong. Don't pry yours until I do mine, or I'll feel sort of responsible for the damage! What I'm wondering about is that socket...
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Scott Blahnik
My bad
That hood is definetly not meant to pry off. It seems mine got broken when the nephews were scrambling up to get on deck. You can see where it's been pulled out from it's seating on each side and cracked up. Still functions, though. This still isn't helping you out. I see what you mean by the narrow slots. Oh, my bulb is red and burnt out and easily replaceable with a prong arrangement on the base.I went to replace it, but only clear is available at West Marine. So, I'll try the fingernail polish trick myself. Good Luck, Scott on S/V Hello Dolly
That hood is definetly not meant to pry off. It seems mine got broken when the nephews were scrambling up to get on deck. You can see where it's been pulled out from it's seating on each side and cracked up. Still functions, though. This still isn't helping you out. I see what you mean by the narrow slots. Oh, my bulb is red and burnt out and easily replaceable with a prong arrangement on the base.I went to replace it, but only clear is available at West Marine. So, I'll try the fingernail polish trick myself. Good Luck, Scott on S/V Hello Dolly
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Brad
Paul...
Sorry for the delay... I'm still digesting stuffing and sweet potatos. The screwdriver I used was just a little guy I had in my toolbox. It was thin enough to fit in the slot of the screw, but certainly not as wide. My screws came out pretty easily. If your screws need more persuasion, try a shot of WD-40, let that work for a bit, then try again. Perhaps Sears has the right size screwdriver. If not, or as an alternative, I'd by a cheap screwdriver the right width, and file it thin. Do you have the bulkhead mount unit? Just want to be sure we're talking apples and apples. Hope this helps, and I'll monitor this more closely for your progress. Brad
Sorry for the delay... I'm still digesting stuffing and sweet potatos. The screwdriver I used was just a little guy I had in my toolbox. It was thin enough to fit in the slot of the screw, but certainly not as wide. My screws came out pretty easily. If your screws need more persuasion, try a shot of WD-40, let that work for a bit, then try again. Perhaps Sears has the right size screwdriver. If not, or as an alternative, I'd by a cheap screwdriver the right width, and file it thin. Do you have the bulkhead mount unit? Just want to be sure we're talking apples and apples. Hope this helps, and I'll monitor this more closely for your progress. Brad
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Paul H
Saturn Compass Adventure
Brad, Mine is a bulk head mount. Have two compasses. One on each side of the boat. Haven't been down to see her in a couple of weeks. Beginning to get withdrawal symptoms. Am going down this weekend to try the WD 40 trick and a thin screw driver if the weather holds up. Tried to use the flat edge of a knife but it didn't work. Will let you know what happens. Paul H
Brad, Mine is a bulk head mount. Have two compasses. One on each side of the boat. Haven't been down to see her in a couple of weeks. Beginning to get withdrawal symptoms. Am going down this weekend to try the WD 40 trick and a thin screw driver if the weather holds up. Tried to use the flat edge of a knife but it didn't work. Will let you know what happens. Paul H
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