Identify this component.?

I have great difficulty in telling whether my masthead light is working if I check it in day light!-not as daft as it sounds if checking several days before going off and having to leave boat late afternoon to get home at a reasonable time.
 
If you wire an LED and suitable resistor across the masthead light switch terminals - then when the switch is made the LED will be OFF; and when the switch is open, the LED will light ... but only if the masthead wiring and bulb is intact.
If you can't afford the few milli-amps the LED draws (continuously ...) when the m/h light is OFF, then install a small 'test switch' to switch the LED out of circuit - and only have the LED in circuit when you want to run a quick test to check that all is well.
 
I'd buy direct from the US. Sadly, even if you can find a source in the UK, the $18 will translate to £18 -- plus a profit margin, VAT, delivery etc = about £50 if you're lucky! :(

Alternatively, why not make your own?

As a starting point: http://www.discovercircuits.com/DJ-Circuits/bad-bulb.htm

You might need to adjust a bit if the Nav lights are LED, but principle is the same! Cost of parts probably under a tenner to do all lights! :D
 
An panel mounted digital ammeter is extremely useful and will tell you whether your nav bulbs are blown and many other things besides
 
ffiill said:
I have great difficulty in telling whether my masthead light is working if I check it in day light!-not as daft as it sounds if checking several days before going off and having to leave boat late afternoon to get home at a reasonable time.
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You might consider using LED bulbs, these are much more reliable than incandescent lamps with most electronically controlled LEDs having a operational life of over 30,000 hours. The LEDs are not affected by the daily knocks and bumps common in the marine environment, often the cause of aged lamp failure. The work and expense of monitoring mast top incandescent lamp operation can be negated for less than £10, the cost of a good quality marine constant-current LED bulb.

Another common cause of incandescent lamps failing to work is surface contact corrosion in lamp holders. This can manifest itself as flickering and is often infuriatingly intermittent, the problem seems to always disappear when you start testing. This problem is common to both LED and incandescent lamps when used on boats. Salt in the marine environment accelerates and can amplify the problem. I would strongly recommend that all boat owners clean and lubricate their lamp contacts with specialist electrical anti corrosion lubrication. Vaseline is now old hat and has a relatively short working life and will not offer full protection against corrosion. Good quality specialist products can offer protection in salt contaminated atmosphere for up to 10 years. One tube will often last the life of your boat!

Regards
 
Adrian Jones said:
Vaseline is now old hat and has a relatively short working life and will not offer full protection against corrosion. Good quality specialist products can offer protection in salt contaminated atmosphere for up to 10 years...
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Contralube 770 is the stuff you need [click here] but I'm on my second tube :rolleyes:

We went over to LED masthead lamps some months ago, well worth doing as they are only ever on when the engine is not running. Don't make the mistake of buying a cheap one on eBay, Adrian has the type you need, see here.
 
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