i saw sometime ago an article or book describing how to add a tricolor to the masthead anchor light using just the 2 conductor wire. it had to do with using diodes and a special switch. anyone know where the reference is from or any electrical wizard types want to explain it. i think i might be able to figure it out by myself, but would prefer to avoid the trial and error adventures. thanks
john churchill
jchurchill@erols.com
adding tricolor to anchor light
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Ed Roberts
Re: adding tricolor to anchor light
Hi John,
I can give you the theory, but have no comments on how practical it would be.
The first gimmick is a double-pole, double-throw switch with the output taken from the center terminals. The outer terminals are connected together criss cross, and the input is to either pair of the outer terminals. Thus when the switch is thrown, the polarity of the output changes. This allows you to choose which of your two mast wires will be plus and which minus. At the top of the mast, connect one wire to both light fixtures. Connect two diodes to the other wire, with one reversed from the other. The lead from one diode goes to the anchor light and the lead from the other diode to the tri-color. When your switch is off (centered) both lights are off. The choice of the two closed positions lights the selected fixture.
Radio Shack carries an assortment of suitable diodes. Radio Shack also has switches. I see one 10A DPDT center off for two bucks. Should do it for a while anyhow. Good luck
Ed R.
edwardroberts@sprintmail.com
I can give you the theory, but have no comments on how practical it would be.
The first gimmick is a double-pole, double-throw switch with the output taken from the center terminals. The outer terminals are connected together criss cross, and the input is to either pair of the outer terminals. Thus when the switch is thrown, the polarity of the output changes. This allows you to choose which of your two mast wires will be plus and which minus. At the top of the mast, connect one wire to both light fixtures. Connect two diodes to the other wire, with one reversed from the other. The lead from one diode goes to the anchor light and the lead from the other diode to the tri-color. When your switch is off (centered) both lights are off. The choice of the two closed positions lights the selected fixture.
Radio Shack carries an assortment of suitable diodes. Radio Shack also has switches. I see one 10A DPDT center off for two bucks. Should do it for a while anyhow. Good luck
Ed R.
edwardroberts@sprintmail.com
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Matt Cawthorne
Re: adding tricolor to anchor light
John,
The procedure using diodes causes a .7 volt drop. It may not sound like much, but it can have a strong effect on how bright your lights are. It does not matter much about the anchor light in my humble opinion, but knowing that you intend to go offshore you may wish to think twice about doing anything that will reduce the brightness of your tri-color light. It is hard enough for ships to see us to start with.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
The procedure using diodes causes a .7 volt drop. It may not sound like much, but it can have a strong effect on how bright your lights are. It does not matter much about the anchor light in my humble opinion, but knowing that you intend to go offshore you may wish to think twice about doing anything that will reduce the brightness of your tri-color light. It is hard enough for ships to see us to start with.
Matt
i saw sometime ago an article or book describing how to add a tricolor to the masthead anchor light using just the 2 conductor wire. it had to do with using diodes and a special switch. anyone know where the reference is from or any electrical wizard types want to explain it. i think i might be able to figure it out by myself, but would prefer to avoid the trial and error adventures. thanks
john churchill
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net