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Old 12-05-2018, 08:37   #1
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how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Hi guys
So last week I installed my new tri-colour navigation light + anchor light, on top of my mast, I tested it before installing the lantern ( everything was fine) but now i can't double check it because i obviously don't have access to the batteries on the boat, is there a other way to test if the lantern works (just to be sure the wiring is good) while the mast is on the ground

would be a shame if I got the mast on the boat, and discovered that the lantern doesn't work.

Thank you in advance!
ModernViking
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Old 12-05-2018, 08:46   #2
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Isn't there a battery available somewhere nearby? Maybe drive a car to the mast and use jumper cables?
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Old 12-05-2018, 08:54   #3
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

I don't have a car, and off the cuff i can't mention a friend that have a car (we are all in start twenties :-P )

but definitely that would be a good idea!
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Old 12-05-2018, 09:06   #4
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

You could string some D cells together to get 12v.
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Old 12-05-2018, 09:33   #5
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

yeah that might do it, just found a video showing how to diy, well if that's the easiest way
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Old 12-05-2018, 09:38   #6
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Remember that LED bulbs are often polarity sensitive. If it doesn't light up, switch the battery around and try it again before you tear it all apart!
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Old 12-05-2018, 11:01   #7
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

If there is AC receptacle nearby you can use ac to 12vdc power unit which comes with many electronics. Just make sure to note correct +/ - at the plug end.
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Old 12-05-2018, 16:55   #8
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Go to a local car wreckers and borrow a worn out battery that still has a reading of 12 volts. It will be enough to light the globes for a check. Otherwise a security alarm outfit will be able to give you a used 12 volt standby battery that you can just about fit in your pocket.


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Old 12-05-2018, 18:39   #9
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

If I were in your situation I think I would try to make a friend in the boatyard and borrow a battery, or a car, for a few minutes. Otherwise, would it be possible to take the battery out of your boat? A lot of work, I know, but a good opportunity to check and clean all of the battery connections, and for me, the peace of mind would be worth the work.
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Old 12-05-2018, 21:33   #10
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

go buy a pair of 6v lantern batteries from a store. much easier then stringing D's together. or a small 12v battery from same a UPS replacment.
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Old 13-05-2018, 03:36   #11
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

I have a small 12V 1.3 AH SLA battery for doing that sort of stuff. Rechargeable and fairly cheap at electronics stores.
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Old 13-05-2018, 08:14   #12
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Use a continuity tester on your multi-meter.
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Old 13-05-2018, 08:14   #13
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

Quote:
Originally Posted by modernviking View Post
Hi guys
So last week I installed my new tri-colour navigation light + anchor light, on top of my mast, I tested it before installing the lantern ( everything was fine) but now i can't double check it because i obviously don't have access to the batteries on the boat, is there a other way to test if the lantern works (just to be sure the wiring is good) while the mast is on the ground

would be a shame if I got the mast on the boat, and discovered that the lantern doesn't work.

Thank you in advance!
ModernViking
get one of the 12v batteries from the boat
make the test worthwhile and hook up the wires at the bottom of the mast
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Old 13-05-2018, 13:20   #14
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

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Originally Posted by 01kiwijohn View Post
Use a continuity tester on your multi-meter.
If they are LEDs this may not work. The voltage of the continuity tester would have to exceed the LED regulator voltage drop.

If you are testing LEDs a nine volt transistor radio battery should be enough to energize them for a test. As others have said: be sure to get the polarity right.

For incandescent a small 12 volt sealed lead acid is your best choice.

PS. By the word lantern I am guessing you mean the light bulb.
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Old 13-05-2018, 14:28   #15
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard

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Originally Posted by 01kiwijohn View Post
Use a continuity tester on your multi-meter.
Use the Ohm's function on a multi meter. If there is continuity between the positive and negative wires you'll know that juice is flowing though the device. That's normally a sign the light is good. Guaranteed to work with an incandescent bulb and should work with an LED though haven't tried it to find out.
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