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12-05-2018, 08:37
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Denmark
Boat: Grace 30
Posts: 28
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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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12-05-2018, 08:46
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central California
Boat: Samson C Mist 32
Posts: 680
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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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12-05-2018, 08:54
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Denmark
Boat: Grace 30
Posts: 28
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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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12-05-2018, 09:06
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bellingham
Boat: Outbound 44
Posts: 9,319
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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.
__________________
Paul
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12-05-2018, 09:33
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Denmark
Boat: Grace 30
Posts: 28
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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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12-05-2018, 09:38
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Puerto Rico
Boat: Cape Dory 28
Posts: 144
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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!
Ed
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12-05-2018, 11:01
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,034
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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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12-05-2018, 16:55
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Australia, Hervey Bay QLD
Boat: Boden 36 Triple chine long keel steel, named Nekeyah
Posts: 909
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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.
Cheers,
Richard.
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12-05-2018, 18:39
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central California
Boat: Samson C Mist 32
Posts: 680
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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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12-05-2018, 21:33
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: canada
Posts: 4,642
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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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13-05-2018, 03:36
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Boat: Island Packet 40
Posts: 6,433
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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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13-05-2018, 08:14
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
Boat: Casacde 36
Posts: 596
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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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13-05-2018, 08:14
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 600
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard
Quote:
Originally Posted by modernviking
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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get one of the 12v batteries from the boat
make the test worthwhile and hook up the wires at the bottom of the mast
__________________
'give what you get, then get gone'
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13-05-2018, 13:20
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Langley, WA
Boat: Nordic 44
Posts: 2,501
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard
Quote:
Originally Posted by 01kiwijohn
Use a continuity tester on your multi-meter.
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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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13-05-2018, 14:28
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#15
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Boat: 1976 Sabre 28-2
Posts: 7,505
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Re: how to test lantern while mast is on the hard
Quote:
Originally Posted by 01kiwijohn
Use a continuity tester on your multi-meter.
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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.
__________________
Peter O.
'Ae'a, Pearson 35
'Ms American Pie', Sabre 28 Mark II
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