Convert simple on-off wiper to intermittant

[shoc]

Can I convert a simple on/off wiper to intermittent by wiring in a controller of some sort, rather than changing the wiper motor?

My current setup is a simple on/off as in the pic;


I really don't want to change the wiper motors cos they work just fine and I wouldn't have the skill to do a proper job but I could easily wire in a controller of some sort.

Any advice?

 

[Yngmar]

You just need a 12V intermittent wiper relay from a car. Link has a wiring diagram - you can also find them on eBay for under £10, but then you'll have to look up the pins and wiring yourself.

 

[pvb]

You just need a 12V intermittent wiper relay from a car. Link has a wiring diagram - you can also find them on eBay for under £10, but then you'll have to look up the pins and wiring yourself.

And you'll need to change the switches too.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Anything with intermittent wipers uses the same motors as your on/off setup. So no point or need to change the motors. The relay and switch already mentioned is the answer. Rapid Electronics or ASAP stock on-off-on stainless toggle switches that will match your existing ones visually.

 

[mersey]

Do your current wipers auto park to the side? Or do you have to flick the switch off when they're near the side?

 

[DownWest]

Do your current wipers auto park to the side? Or do you have to flick the switch off when they're near the side?

My thought too. Though it it matters less on a boat.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Do your current wipers auto park to the side? Or do you have to flick the switch off when they're near the side?

How is that relevant to intermittent wipe ?

 

[matthewriches]

How is that relevant to intermittent wipe ?

Well it’s very relevant as if the wiper motors are not self parking (perm live to the motor as well as a switched live) they will not stop correctly before the next intermittent wipe, they’ll end up abandoning themselves anywhere on the screen if on a timed relay as the speed of wipe will depend on voltage going to the motor (I.e. if battery charger is on, or alternator charging or battery nearly flat for example) so therefore no way of stopping them in the same place every time.

There is no way to offer intermittent wipe reliably and nicely unless the motors self park.

 

[JumbleDuck]

How is that relevant to intermittent wipe ?

Because intermittent wipe relays, like the one you linked to, work by giving a quick pulse to start the wipers moving and then rely on the auto-park function to complete the wipe and then stop.

If the OP's wipers do not auto-park, the intermittent wipe problem is much haredr to solve.

 

[matthewriches]

My thought too. Though it it matters less on a boat.

Nothing worse than having 3 wipers all stop in different places!

I converterted all of mine to self parking motors to enable intermittent wipe as not always requiring constant wiping. Much more forgiving on wiper rubbers and stops the chatter when wiping across a dry screen between waves.

 

[matthewriches]

Because intermittent wipe relays, like the one you linked to, work by giving a quick pulse to start the wipers moving and then rely on the auto-park function to complete the wipe and then stop.

If the OP's wipers do not auto-park, the intermittent wipe problem is much haredr to solve.

Correct!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Because intermittent wipe relays, like the one you linked to, work by giving a quick pulse to start the wipers moving and then rely on the auto-park function to complete the wipe and then stop.

If the OP's wipers do not auto-park, the intermittent wipe problem is much harder to solve.

I didn't link to a relay, but you're right, those relays do work as you describe, was forgetting that.

Ho could fit a timed system, though he'd have to put up with the wipers stopping in random places on the screen.

If his wipers don't self park, they may have the connections to do so. Most Vetus motors (very common) will self park if the extra wire is added.

 

[shoc]

Do your current wipers auto park to the side? Or do you have to flick the switch off when they're near the side?

No they do not self park, so will I get simple wiper arm stopping where it times out or will there be more serious issues?

 

[matthewriches]

No they do not self park, so will I get simple wiper arm stopping where it times out or will there be more serious issues?

Yes, it will work but will stop randomly on the screen. Not the end of the world but can get annoying if you have more than 1 wiper.

 

[shoc]

Yes, it will work but will stop randomly on the screen. Not the end of the world but can get annoying if you have more than 1 wiper.

Awesome, I can easily live with that, the boat in on inland waterways so the wiper only has to deal with rain, not sea/wave spray.

Regarding new toggle switch, will a 1 pole, 2 way, on/off/on switch do the job?

 

[PaulRainbow]

No they do not self park, so will I get simple wiper arm stopping where it times out or will there be more serious issues?

You may be able to add an extra wire to make them self parking. What's the make/model of wiper motor ?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Regarding new toggle switch, will a 1 pole, 2 way, on/off/on switch do the job?

Yes.

 

[shoc]

You may be able to add an extra wire to make them self parking. What's the make/model of wiper motor ?

Both are AFI but two different types, one is marked TYPE WWF.

I haven't taken cover of the other one but will do at next visit to boat...

 

[matthewriches]

That WILL self park if the additional connection is made. There will be 3 little connection studs. Slow, fast and perm live. Negative is via the body. Will see if I have one on the shelf then can tell you which is which.

Both are AFI but two different types, one is marked TYPE WWF.

I haven't taken cover of the other one but will do at next visit to boat...

 

[PaulRainbow]

Easy to tell which is which, turn the wiper off mid sweep, remove the wire (not the green/yellow) and turn the wiper back on. Of the remaining terminals, one will make it work at a different speed to usual, the other will park it.

Are you sure about the identification though, WWF is a USA Bosch designation, the motor does say made in USA on it.