Series 34 Aqua Signal combi Tri and Anchor light LED for Masthead

[STATUE]

Having exhausted most people's patience about my non-operating NASA Supernova combi LED at the top of the mast, I am considering replacing it with a Aqua Signal equivalent.

(Mast coming down today!)

BUT, the NASA LED state that power draw is 200 mA, where as the Aqua Signal quotes 1.5 Watts - am I comparing apples with carrots here ?

Help please, thank you.

 

[sarabande]

At 12v, 200mA is 2.4W. In both cases that is a very small current.

 

[VicS]

Having exhausted most people's patience about my non-operating NASA Supernova combi LED at the top of the mast, I am considering replacing it with a Aqua Signal equivalent.

(Mast coming down today!)

BUT, the NASA LED state that power draw is 200 mA, where as the Aqua Signal quotes 1.5 Watts - am I comparing apples with carrots here ?

Help please, thank you.

I am reading 1.9 watts for the Aquasignal series 34 tricolour . That is 160mA at 12 volts ... so just a little less than the Nasa one.

Both the Aqua Signal series 34 and the Nasa Supernova are spec'd to have a 2nm visible range


AFAIK the Aqua Signal 34 will require separate wiring for the tricolour and anchor lights or at least a 3 core cable rather than the two core for the Supernova.

When you get the most down you might discover what is causing the problem with the Nasa Supernova. There is something in the back of my mind that says the Supernova is not supplied with a long enough cable to reach the foot of the mast and that there is therefore a junction somewhere.

 

[Halo]

You need to remember the basic formula
Watts = Volts x Amps
You can assume 12 volts and thereby compare the current draw

My Aqua Signal 34 is great but shorter than the conventional unit so the flat bit on top of the mast sheilds the unit when viewed from below. This means you have to be further away to see the light. On the other hand there is less windage.
The current draw is so low that when I left the tricolour on and went home I did not need to return to the marina to switch off as the battery trickle charger can cope with the load.

 

[captainboo]

There is something in the back of my mind that says the Supernova is not supplied with a long enough cable to reach the foot of the mast and that there is therefore a junction somewhere.

Yes it only comes with about 6" of two core cable. There will be some form of joint at the masthead.

 

[VicS]

Yes it only comes with about 6" of two core cable. There will be some form of joint at the masthead.

Thought so!

Based on what was said previously that's the first thing I d check once the mast is down.

 

[Andy61]

Hi Statue, I have an Aqua Signal Series 34 combined tricolour and anchor masthead light. It is a great light, however, it has a basic design flaw. There is a four pin wiring connector block in the light which makes removal and refitting simplicity itself, but, the light unit itself fits inside the base fitting and so any water runs down into the base fitting and this block (plastic with mild steel connectors and screws) is very susceptible to corrosion. Mine corroded and it is impossible to replace the block other than by buying a replacement base (about £36). I spoke to Aqua Signal - they couldn't have been less interested. I replaced the screws with brass screws and put plenty of vaseline over the connector and re-assembled and fitted. Still working OK. It is a good light though. There is a thread on this with pictures if it helps. Andy

 

[BabaYaga]

I replaced the screws with brass screws and put plenty of vaseline over the connector and re-assembled and fitted. Still working OK. It is a good light though. There is a thread on this with pictures if it helps. Andy

This was my solution to the problem (post 22):
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?446366-Advice-on-tricolour-anchor&p=5546781#post5546781
In my case (a quikfit base for a series 32 tricolour light) I found that only the M3 screws were magnetic and thus suspect and in need of replacement. However, one poster found the "wire clamp bar" to be magnetic on a newer base... If that is really the case this design flaw has gotten worse and seems more difficult to solve.