Several questions about my Mac 26M

[bedouin]

Yes, that is it.

I am really thinking about trying to grasp your LED set up. I think at this point it would be easier to lean that than run more wires around the boat.

Could I get a simple laymen explanation??

Thanks

Matthew

[mastreb]

Hi Matthew,

LEDs are "Light Emitting Diodes"; that's what LED stands for. Diodes are an electrical component that allows electricity to flow in one direction only. Diodes are very useful by themselves, but it was discovered by accident that they can emit energy in the range of visible light, and so special diodes were designed to emit light, and now we have LED lighting.

So when power is applied to an LED from + (positive, or anode) to - (negative, or cathode), it will allow electricity to pass AND it will light up. When power is applied the opposite way (by reversing the battery, for example) then power will not flow at all.

The electrical symbol for a diode includes an arrow character, like >, to indicate which direction it allows power to flow.

Now imagine that you've got two diodes, one pointing < and one pointing > connected across (in parallel) two wires.

When you connect the battery one way, one of the two LEDs will light up, and the other will block. When you switch the battery around and connect it the other way, the other LED will light up, and the first one will block.

This is the configuration that allows you to use a single pair of wires to run two lights of differing functions. You simply need what's called a triple-pole, triple-throw switch that has three possible positions:
+ -
- +
(no connection)

In the first position, you'll get light number one, in the second you'll cross-wire it to get light number two, and in the third position you'll have no energy in the circuit so all lights are off.

Matt

[bedouin]

So I do not need a Diode anywhere in the line??

Is there anyway to use my spare rocker arm on/off switch for the "third" position??

If not wonder if I can replace on of my rocker arms with a 3 position switch?? Hmmmm.....

Thanks

Matthew

[mastreb]

So I do not need a Diode anywhere in the line??

Is there anyway to use my spare rocker arm on/off switch for the "third" position??

If not wonder if I can replace on of my rocker arms with a 3 position switch?? Hmmmm.....

Thanks

Matthew

You do not need any other diodes in the line. Just put one LED one direction, and the other opposite. You won't be able to use the dual-position, dual-throw (DPDT) rocker SWITCH that's already in your panel, if that's what you mean, but you can find replacement 3T3P rocker switches that will fit online.

[bedouin]

Found a DPDT - On/Off/(On) replacement rocker switch. Others with different switch settings?? DPDT - (On)/Off/On)

What are the parenthesis for?

Thanks

Matthew

[bedouin]

Ok, seems like the parenthesis means... (On) indicates a momentary position.

I did find a matching Blue Sea rocker switch SPDT - On/Off/On

Now not sure the difference between DPDT and SPDT is.

M

[Y.B.Normal]

DPDT means double pole, double throw. There's actually 6 poles (connector tabs) on the back of the switch. This is the one you want to use.
SPDT means single pole, double throw. There are 3 poles on the switch. You would use this if you want to operate two different things with one switch ie: red cabin lights/ white cabin lights (incandescent bulbs, NOT LEDs). You're using the same ground (negative) wire.


In both cases, the switch in the "off" position when the switch is in the center.

[bedouin]

Looks like all I can fine is a Blue Sea 8289 Water Resistant Contura Switch - DPDT - (On)/Off/On) which would do me no good if (On) indicates a momentary position.

My breaker panel is from Blue Sea.

Guess I'll keep looking

[Russ]

To wire 2 LEDs to operate independently with reverse polarity, you simply need a DPDT switch.
You probably won't find a "marine" DPDT switch like this. This is a low amperage circuit that is not exposed to weather, so I used a standard switch like this one.
http://www.amazon.com/DPDT-Heavy-Duty-T ... pdt+switch

Here is how you have to wire it. I would highly suggest soldering it.


The Center 2 wires come from your existing switch panel that run to the deck plate. You could simply cut existing wires and put this switch in between. The wires to the deck plate then connect to the points on the left of this image. Drill a hole near your existing panel and mount this switch. It will flip one way for steaming light, the other for anchor light.

http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO% ... ersing-po/

Then wire both LED fixtures on your mast to the existing 2 wires using the same deck plate. No need for a new deck fitting. If they both light at the same time, flip one of them around and it should go out. Flipping this new switch will reverse the polarity and the LED lights will reverse lighting.

In the upper right of this panel, you will see my DPDT switch. If you want to keep your existing panel, just drill a hole near the panel and push the switch through it.

[bedouin]

Thank you for that explanation, it helps greatly.

I found a matching rocker arm DPDT switch with on/off/on.

One more question, can you explain the connection from the new wire from the mast head to the steaming light, how actually it is wired.

I noticed yesterday that there is a very tiny hole with a rubber gasket with just enough room for the two wires to come thru for the steaming light.

Trying to figure out how to join the two wires and in what configuration.

TIA

Matthew

[Tomfoolery]

Trying to figure out how to join the two wires and in what configuration.

Here ya go.



Notice the diodes set at opposite polarity for each bulb. Switch one way puts straight polarity to the wiring up the mast, the other way reverses the polarity. Doesn't matter which is which, just that the diodes are opposite. If you don't like which way is which, just reverse the leads to the mast at the DPDT switch.

It also doesn't matter which side of the bulb the diode is on - I just drew it that way to take advantage of the 'mirror' command in AutoCAD, 'cause I'm lazy. But it does matter which way it's oriented, relative to the other one (opposite, in other words).

The switch doesn't need an 'off' position in the middle if you're using a panel switch for masthead (steaming) and anchor lights. If not, use one with an off position, but be sure to fuse it. I'm assuming your panel has fuses for each switched circuit, by the way.

[Russ]

Toms CAD skills are amazing. Just attach the anchor light to the two wires in the steaming light. If they both light up at the same time, reverse the anchor light wires.
The only trick here is that some LEDs are idiot proofed. That means, they will actually work even if the polarity is reversed. If this is the case, it will light up even if wired backwards. My anchor light was this way. I had to actually wire a real diode inline. Hopefully this is not the case for you. If the light works regardless of the order of the wire connection, you have an idiot proofed led. I don't know how they do this, it is contrary to the diode of and Light emitting diode.

The center off position is good if you do t have an off switch. It won't hurt, but kind of unnecessary if you have. 2 position switch.

Just wire it in and play around. LEDs are fun once you understand they should only light up if wired in one direction. The ultimate pay off is they uses less than one tenth the power of standard bulbs.
I can run all my cabin lights and all my running lights for less than one standard cabin light.

[bedouin]

Ok, ordered a matching Blue Sea DPDT switch on/off/on (to replace the one on my breaker panel for the steaming light). Once it gets here I will start trying to figure out the wiring connections.

Here are my next steps. Drill off the cap from the mast top. Somehow figure out how to get my wire down the mast to the steaming light (read all the posts just need to figure it out). Wonder if I really need conduit since I am only going to the steaming light (looks about 20 feet). I guess it would be a deal breaker if I am trying to sleep one night and the wire is banging inside the mast.

Getting the wire out of the tiny hole in the steaming light.... forget it. I tried to unbolt the steaming light from the riveted metal support but the screws are turning round and round. Looks like I will need to get one of those long tools to hold the (I guess phillips head) screw in place while I remove the nut. Nothing is easy.

Then I'll use one of those jumpers (don't know the name) to clip the new set of wires to the existing steaming wire and I should be set with the wiring (as long as it does not interfere with the new LED light bulb replacement).

I just noticed that the steaming light bulb is shorter than the Masthead/anchor light bulb (which I replaced with an 42MM LED 360 - ordered from LEDwholesalers.com - hope it lasts). So I will need to measure it and order an LED bulb replacement. Can someone suggest the type of LED replacement? I don't need a 360 degree but maybe a 180 or I think a bit more, 220 whatever they make??

I have an Aqua Signal round masthead light that will mount directly to the top of the mast cap (bought without the pedestal as I thought it would be to easy to break it off). However, as I unscrew it (top comes off the bottom plate) there is no rubber gasket. Has me kinda concerned as I leave the mast up and boat in the water 365 per year. Seems water will get in with all the rain and wind we get here on the bay.

Would appreciate any tips, tricks and corrections to my next steps.

TIA

Matthew

[RobertB]

I installed my masthead light using the existing two switches. I added behind the panel a relay instead of adding/changing switches. The relay accomplishes the change in polarity to the mast wiring based on the activation (or not) of the running lights.Works great. If you are interested, I can help search the older posts to find.

[bedouin]

Appreciate it but I already ordered the DPDT switch.

Now I just ran the new HD headstay and the threaded end will not come all the way thru the end of the furler. I guess I need to drill it out just a tiny bit.

Always something!