Half Moon Rising

    

Installing a Masina 'Afa LED in an
Aqua-Signal Series 40 Bicolour Running Light
aboard S/V Shangri-La


Copyright © 2005-2010 by Bebi Electronics, Ltd.



Downeaster 38 off Leisiaceva Point, Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands-Click to Enlarge

As with all of our products, the Masina 'Afa is an ultrabright LED replacement running light bulb that we wanted to install in the Aqua-Signal Series 40 bi-colour light on our 1975 Downeaster 38' cutter. For once, I remembered to take at least some photographs of the process for our customers to use as a reference. The bi-color running light lens is somewhat discolored, but it still has enough transmitivity to meet COLREG requirements.

Click To Enlarge Photos
Click Here For a Printable View (192k).

Aqau Signal Series 40 Bicolor Navigation Light-Click to Enlarge   AquaSignal Series 40 Bicolour Marine Navigation Light Rear View-Click to Enlarge
The original assembly with the Masina 'Afa and spacer. We do not attach the spacer to the 'Afa, as there are height differences between the base and the lens center amoungst fixture manufacturers.   Lamp assembly removed from the fixture. To take the photographs, I clipped the wire right at the base of the strain relief before I removed the light from the bow pulpit.

To remove the base from the navigation light fixture, you only need to remove the two small screws at the base back. The base will then pull off the fixture. On this light, it took a bit of a stout pull due to the age of the gasket.   Close-Up of Aqua Signal Series 40 Bicolor Marine Navigation Light Rear View-Click to Enlarge
Replacing Bulb with LEDs in A-S 40 Bicolor Navigation Light-Click to Enlarge Ready for soldering. All of the pieces are taped to the bow pulpit as a result of 25 years of dropping expensive or unreplaceable items in 10 fathoms of water (If you find a sterling silver fork from my grandmothers wedding set off the coast of Baja California, please return)!
Please note that I have installed the wire strain relief nut on the wire first, and that the bulb assembly holder has been screwed back onto the base. Also note that feed wires for the 'Afa are led thru the spacer. In our opinion, it is absolute foolishness to rely on mechanical connections on a sailboat (and even more so at the end of a 6' bowsprit!). This is even more true when you consider that the expected lifetime of our ultra bright marine LED products is in excess of 20 years with daily dinural usage.
This picture of Split Rock (one of the more famous snorkeling spots in the world) isn't needed, but it was right off the port bow, and it was such a nice day I can't resist including it! Split Rock, Leisiaceva Point, Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands-Click to Enlarge
Installing Replacement LED Bulb in AquaSignal 40 Bi Color Bow Light-Click to Enlarge   Soldered with the 'Afa and spacer ring glued into place. Effective May, 2008, the base of the Masina 'Afa and the spacer ring have 3 mating holes, as well as three wire ties, incorporated into the design. This change (suggested by a customer, John L., aboard S/v Rapid Transport) makes working out on the 'sprit a lot more secure.
Because of the precarious location, instead of using Selley's All Clear (an elastomeric sealant/adhesive), I used a high temp glue gun. Fabulous! I then screwed the base onto the fixture and reclamped it into place. You should be aware though that all hot melt glue, a great tool on board are not alike. Some are strong enough that they are used for roofing, others are really only good for hobby use.

Aqua Signal Series 40 Bicolor Navigation Light with Replacement LED - Click to Enlarge   Aqua Signal Series 40 Bicolor Navigation Light with Replacement LED - Click to Enlarge

Completed job shown at both day and night. Including time spent
digging tools out from the tool locker, elapsed time was 1.5 hours.