Although this information is included in our data sheets, enough people on the web have asked
how they can wire their tri-color and anchor light combination to use only two wires, but turn on either light
instead of both with a single switch. If you would like to see how an AquaSignal tricolor has been converted to
a tricolour combination light using this technique, click
here.
I have shown here two drawings, the one to the left is for an ordinary incandescent bulb, the one on the right is if you use a Bebi Electronics
LED light. Our products are engineered well enough that the reverse voltage will not damage them, but we cannot comment specifically on products
manufactured by other firms. If you have a doubt about a 'Brand X' product, there will be no harm if you treat it as if it is
an incandescant light. |
If you are unconcerned about how much power you waste at your tricolor/anchor light combo and insist on continuing with an incandesent
bulb, you should use Schottky diodes, which have a much lower voltage drop than an 'ordinary' diode (~0.3 volts). When you
select a diode, make sure that the diode is able to carry the needed current. A safe rule of thumb is to allow a 100%
safety margin when selecting the steering diode. In general, two diodes in parallel are cheaper than one large one, but you will need to shop around to be sure.
The switch shown is a DPDT (double pole, double throw) centre-off switch. The centre-off function isn't needed if instead of wiring the switch directly
into ship's power, you instead wire it into a panel breaker. Again, care must be taken to choose a switch with a sufficiently high current rating to carry the load.
If you would like more information, please contact us at
sales@bebi-electronics.com. |
