Help with wiring windlass for dual direction

[Beez Neez]

I am fitting 12volt anchor windlass. Windlass motor has one positive and one negative wire.
Propose using lewmar dual direction contactor. The contactor has 3 brass posts on top marked as follows. F1 , F2, and Batt +. Also 3 connections for spade conectors( assume for the up/down switch) marked 1, -ve, 2.
I have been advised that because I have only the two wires coming from the motor then it can only be wired to raise the anchor. Is this assumption correct on the basis of what I have explained or if not can anyone advise me how to wire in order that anchor can be raised and lowered using the motor.
Any guidance very much appreciated

 

[rudolph_hart]

Same here!

I am doing exactly the same thing with the Simpson Lawrence Anchorman 700 Power windlass that was wired on my boat for 'Up' only by the builders .

It also has only 2 power connectors on the motor, and the very helpful John MacMaster, who knows all about SL & Lewmar windlasses, says it can be made 2-way.

So he will be supplying me a different solenoid to make it dual-direction. I will have to replace the 2-coreway cable from the control unit (which already has 2 buttons) to the solenoid with 3-core, and Robert should then be my avuncular relative.

I would have thought that yours will be pretty much the same.

His email is J.mcmaster@ntlworld.com

I hope this is useful

 

[rogerthebodger]

If it is a 2 terminal reversing motor, changing the plus and minus leads will reverse the direction of the motor.

This will need 2 contactors (heavy duty relays) connected to reverse the plus and minus leads.

What is the manufacturer of the windlass as someone may have a connection diagram.

 

[VicS]

The first thing that is necessary is to determine if the windlass can be operated in reverse.

The fact that the wiring is labelled or coded positive and negative rather suggests that it is not.

The design of the motor may not be suitable for reversing, the design of the gearing may not be suitable, the design of the windlass itself may not be suitable.

 

[Beez Neez]

Windlass wiring further info.

The first thing that is necessary is to determine if the windlass can be operated in reverse.

The fact that the wiring is labelled or coded positive and negative rather suggests that it is not.

The design of the motor may not be suitable for reversing, the design of the gearing may not be suitable, the design of the windlass itself may not be suitable.

Windlass is Simpson Lawrance sprint 1500.( Old but unused)

Manual states windlass is Power reversing.

Contactor is Lewmar marked as dual direction with terminals as described i.e only 3 battery connection posts (large brass ones). Marked F1, F2 & Batt +.

Wiring diagram for windlass shows 4 posts on contactor.

Is it the case then that this contactor despite being described as (dual direction) can only be wired to either raise or drop the anchor but not both functions.

Thanks for all advices so far and if no joy with my existing equipment will drop your man an email for a replacement contactor.

 

[cimo]

Windlass is Simpson Lawrance sprint 1500.( Old but unused)

Manual states windlass is Power reversing.

Contactor is Lewmar marked as dual direction with terminals as described i.e only 3 battery connection posts (large brass ones). Marked F1, F2 & Batt +.

Wiring diagram for windlass shows 4 posts on contactor.

Is it the case then that this contactor despite being described as (dual direction) can only be wired to either raise or drop the anchor but not both functions.

Thanks for all advices so far and if no joy with my existing equipment will drop your man an email for a replacement contactor.

Hello Beez
looks like you'll require the Dual Direction Solenoid
Box 0052509-12v or Dual Direction Economy Contactor
0052507-12v from Simpson/Lewmar or functionally equivalent. With only two leads from your windlass, you will need a 4 post contactor. You can adapt your current solenoid to do the job, but that largely depends on your bodging skills. (I suspect you current contactor is "dual direction" only when used with three lead windlasses).

 

[VicS]

Yes puzzled by only three heavy connections on contactor I'd expect one for each of the windlass wires, a battery + ve and a battery -ve. That makes 4. Then I guess 3 small connections for the control switch one of which probably connected to the battery + terminal

Any diagrams on line ?

 

[cimo]

I have an old Lofran manual here from a few years ago. Its a protected pdf file so I will try to pm it to you in full. its got a wiring diagram on page 5.
rgds
c

hold on - scrap that - I've found it online at -

http://www.lofrans.it/english/intro.html

see <CAYMAN 88 - TIGRES - FALKON> manual, under <downloads> link

rgds
c

 

[Beez Neez]

Thanks

Cimo
Thanks, I now understand that my Lewmar contactor is unsuitable and why. Also located wiring diagram you referred to.

Many thanks to you and everyone who assisted. First time on this forum and it is fantastic, a wealth of knowledge and superb bunch of people.

Regards

 

[cimo]

happy to be of help.
good luck with your windlass (v.nice when they're working).
rgds
c