Windlass Solenoid

[puddock]

Any pointers on where to source a reversing solenoid for my Simpson Lawrence Horizon windlass?
It will now only go in one direction. I reversed the polarity and the windlass will operate in the other direction, so that seems to rule out the windlass and the wiring from the solenoid.

 

[maxi77]

Any pointers on where to source a reversing solenoid for my Simpson Lawrence Horizon windlass?
It will now only go in one direction. I reversed the polarity and the windlass will operate in the other direction, so that seems to rule out the windlass and the wiring from the solenoid.

Try people supplying 4X4 winches they use 12v reversing solenoids and tend to be cheaper than yachty supplies

 

[pagoda]

Try this link.

I found them very useful indeed. Run by a John Mcmaster - ex SL employee.

http://www.slspares.co.uk/
info@slspares.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 141 887 4122
Fax: +44 (0) 141 887 4122
3-11 Fulbar Road, PA2 9AW, Paisley, Scotland

If you can source a beefy changeover relay elsewhere - fair enough -it might well be cheaper than original - if John has one.

Graeme

 

[mitiempo]

2 ordinary solenoids wired properly will give you what you need. Same as a Muir windlass has. I have wired several. Recently one solenoid packed it in on a customer's boat and $20 fixed it.

 

[DaveS]

I made up my own unit using automotive relays which was much cheaper, but to make it fail safe correct wiring is fairly critical. Alas, I don't have the diagram to hand and no time to re-draw it. Somebody else posted on this subject in the last few weeks, however, and included a wiring diagram. Could be worth a search?

It might also be worth opening up the existing contactor box, the fault could be something as simple as a broken wire.

 

[davidwf]

Lots for sale on Ebay, search for winch soleniod.

 

[Barry Jones]

Albright are very good - I'm not a lover of Durite having seen one of their split charge relays melt.

 

[mitiempo]

A winch used to have 2 separate solenoids but now most have a solenoid pack sealed in epoxy or a similar idea. A reversing windlass can be wired with 2 separate solenoids. The solenoids are connected on one pole (end) end this is connected to positive. The output from each solenoid goes to the 2 positive connections on the motor, one for up and one for down. The foot switches are wired to each solenoid and their activation determines which positive wire to the motor becomes active.

 

[DaveS]

A winch used to have 2 separate solenoids but now most have a solenoid pack sealed in epoxy or a similar idea. A reversing windlass can be wired with 2 separate solenoids. The solenoids are connected on one pole (end) end this is connected to positive. The output from each solenoid goes to the 2 positive connections on the motor, one for up and one for down. The foot switches are wired to each solenoid and their activation determines which positive wire to the motor becomes active.

The arrangement you describe is correct for a series wound motor with double, opposite polarity, field coils. Such a motor has 3 terminals. The SL Horizon has a permanent magnet motor which has only 2 terminals and is reversed by applying reversed polarity to them. The OP confirms this to be the case here: "I reversed the polarity and the windlass will operate in the other direction"

The distinction matters, because the switching arrangements are different.

 

[mitiempo]

You're correct, it would not work for a permanent magnet (2 terminal) motor.

 

[Harry25]

Are you sure your contacts are okay. On your photograph knock out the silver spacers and clean the contacts with a nail file.

 

[JFKK]

Does the Solenoid "Click" when the up/down buttons are pressed?
If not it is the switch that is at fault or the wiring from the switch to the solenoid

 

[puddock]

Thanks to all for your advice and comments, I will keep you updated with how I get on, once I get home next week.

 

[ean_p]

those in the pic actually look like albright contactors for which spares (coils and /or contact kits) are available. If the contacts are burnt and not passing then cleaning them is only a very short term fix as they will fail again rapidly as the silver coating on the tip will have gone.

 

[Harry25]

Well all I can say is that I filed my contacts two years ago and the solenoid is still working. Then just taped up in case it happened again. It does look like albright Dc88 comes to mind.