I have an AquaSignal masthead tricolor light - running lights in the upper section, anchor light in the lower section. The mast was rewired in 1998; the AquaSignal is the same age. The running lights work. The anchor light went dark this spring, I replaced the bulb. It is still dark. Does anyone have experience with this light to suggest how to proceed to troubleshoot?
Robin Meigel
s/v "Pacem"
1979 CD 27
robin.meigel@alumnae.brynmawr.edu
Masthead anchor light
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: Masthead anchor light
Robin,
I just rewired Second Chance's mast because I was getting no power to the bulb socket on my anchor light. I don't have the same light as you, but i can offer some ideas.
When stripping the old wire out of the mast there were at least two connections that were simply twisted together, wire-to-wire with electrical tape. The wire was plain old copper strand appliance cord. It had developed enough corrosion to actually isolate the wires, killing the contact. Wire-to-wire should be soldered and crimp-connected, using marine grade wire.
Using a voltage meter, check the light socket. Is the deck connector at the mast base getting power? Is the bulb socket getting power? Is the socket corroded so the bulb contacts are only touching corrosion? Pull the light and test the wires leading to the light. Try to isolate where the power ends. If it was rewired properly in 1998 it may not be corrosion, but possibly a wire connection has pulled apart. If you are getting power at the mast base, but none at the socket, this will no doubt require a trip up the mast or unstepping. Best of luck!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
goldy@bestweb.net
I just rewired Second Chance's mast because I was getting no power to the bulb socket on my anchor light. I don't have the same light as you, but i can offer some ideas.
When stripping the old wire out of the mast there were at least two connections that were simply twisted together, wire-to-wire with electrical tape. The wire was plain old copper strand appliance cord. It had developed enough corrosion to actually isolate the wires, killing the contact. Wire-to-wire should be soldered and crimp-connected, using marine grade wire.
Using a voltage meter, check the light socket. Is the deck connector at the mast base getting power? Is the bulb socket getting power? Is the socket corroded so the bulb contacts are only touching corrosion? Pull the light and test the wires leading to the light. Try to isolate where the power ends. If it was rewired properly in 1998 it may not be corrosion, but possibly a wire connection has pulled apart. If you are getting power at the mast base, but none at the socket, this will no doubt require a trip up the mast or unstepping. Best of luck!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Robin Meigel wrote: I have an AquaSignal masthead tricolor light - running lights in the upper section, anchor light in the lower section. The mast was rewired in 1998; the AquaSignal is the same age. The running lights work. The anchor light went dark this spring, I replaced the bulb. It is still dark. Does anyone have experience with this light to suggest how to proceed to troubleshoot?
Robin Meigel
s/v "Pacem"
1979 CD 27
goldy@bestweb.net