Nav Lights Switch

[SteveMac3]

Few years ago there was a switch marketed that automatically selected the correct lights whether you were sailing motoring or wanted just the tricolour. It was rotary. Anyone know anything about it where to get it etc?

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[bruce]

should be available from any electronic store or electric appliance repair shop

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[Dipper]

Aqua Signal make a 12V all-singing all-dancing weatherproof version that operates sailing, steaming, anchor, instrument and deck lights but it is very expensive - RRP around £131. Aqua Signal's part number is 3928500000.

Most Aqua Signal suppliers should be able to quote for one. Try entering Aqua Signal into Google.co.uk.


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[SteveMac3]

Thanks, prob was based on something standard but seemingly N/A!

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[LadyInBed]

My boat is fitted with one, but I have no details for it /forums/images/icons/blush.gif

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[dickh]

I can certainly remember it being advertised regularly in the small ads in the yachting mags - try looking trough some old mags.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[chuns]

Years ago one of the mags published a circuit diagram for such a switch. I made one then, and another for the current boat. It works very well - I like simplicity. If you like, I will see if I can find the relevant bits of paper.

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[AlexL]

If you go to maplins or RS or similar and get a multi pole rotary switch, It should be fairly straight forward to wire the relevent lights to each postition of the switch.
I gues you would need:
Sailing - Tricolor
Sailing - Nav Lights
Motor Sailing - Nav Lights + Steaming Lights
Anchored
Just make sure the switch has sufficient welly, remember a 50w light at 12v draws in excess of 4 Amps

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[bedouin]

Problem with that is you've just specified a 4 gang 5 way switch rated at about 6A - which are quite hard to find.

For completeness I would also add the ability to motor with the ability to use the anchor light when steaming - which pushes the requirements up to a 5 gang 6 way...

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[deejames]

I use two heavy-duty toggle switches - both changeover and one with a centre-off position. (Available from Maplin & others). First switch is up=Anchor, Centre=off, Down=Nav Lights. Second switch is up=tricolour, down=steaming. With LEDs to indicate status, it's simple and fairly fool-proof.

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[Stemar]

There was an article in PBO a year or so back describing a system using a relay that autmatically switched from tricolour to standard nav lights and turned on the steaming light when the engine was started (strictly, when the key was turned).

It's only my natural laziness, ably assisted by the rats' nest behind my switch panel that's kept me from from doing this on my boat

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Is it really that difficult

I am going to get shot in flames for this.

But we are supposed to be an educated bunch, do you really need the nanny switch?

I have four switches,

sides and stern
steaming (powered from above power supply, so not available with tri)
Trilight
Anchor

Ok, there is a possibility of showing too many lights, but we don't. First off we don't have shore power, this makes me 'mean' with power, especially when sailing at night. I also scan the lights when I turn them on to prove

a. they are working.
b they are correct.

Is it really necessary?

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[Dominic]

Re: Is it really that difficult

Agree with you.

I have 5 switches Sides - Stern - Steaming - Tri - Anchor.

Never had a problem and manage to turn the right ones on or off as required.

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[MainlySteam]

Re: Is it really that difficult

We have exactly the same (with a mimic) and has never been a problem to anyone, boaty or non boaty.

John



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