Twin trumpet horn question

[Bridgeman]

I have just cleaned contacts on twin Ongaro horns and put them back in position. When I try helm position switch no problem, both horns work fine, when I try flybridge switch it just make a slight squeak noise. When I remove one of the horn sockets and try just a single horn either top or bottom horn it works fine. Any suggestions as to what problem may be please?
At present making do with just the top of the two horns but it is a puzzler.
Thanks. Neil

 

[kashurst]

you have got a poor contact somewhere - they take a surprisingly large initial current to get them going. I would start with the flybridge switch and associated connectors and go from there.

 

[Bridgeman]

Thanks kashurst. Not sure, I have given up for today. I just cannot understand why both horns work from below but only when one is disconnected will it work on flybridge. It doesn't matter which one I disconnect, as long as only one is connected. Would this be case if it had a poor contact in the wiring?

 

[kashurst]

yes - one horn is requiring slightly less current than the other (normal) but once its going the poor contact will reduce the voltage available to start the other horn. Probably won't matter which way around you connect the horns there just isn't enough juice available via the flybridge switch.

 

[Bridgeman]

Many thanks kashurst I will have another try tomorrow, and try to fathom out how the circuit is wired up with the helm switching.

 

[neale]

As Kashhurst is saying, sounds like you have a high resistance joint causing voltage drop. Flybridge switch most likely suspect due to weather. Try cleaning up the contacts.

 

[Bridgeman]

Thanks Neale. Decided to take some gear down tonight for trip tomorrow so will have a look at contacts in switch. At least its working albeit only one horn.

 

[septiclecky]

As neale said high resistance either at a joint or more likely at the switch at the fly bridge causing the problem with it being open to the elements.

Clean the contacts on that switch or better still may be better to replace it

 

[tinkiewinkie]

Not the answer to your problem bridgeman - as others have suggested, that is somewhere in the circuitry before the horns themselves. But when I had such problems, I found that they were caused by two earwigs which had crept into the horns and were clearly enjoying a spot of copulation at the moment I pressed the button. Their charred remains continued to lay across the contacts causing a short circuit..........but what a way to go!!

 

[Bridgeman]

Thanks for replies septiclecky and tinkiewinkie. I have given up for time been as one working ok. Checked all I can and seems ok in switches. Just arrived Nieuwpoort from Hull and enjoying the sun. Will have another go at rest of wiring when we get back. Brgds Neil