LED Tricolour/anchor light- which one?

[Neptune's Gear]

Made in Brasil. I've sold a few into the USA, no idea if anyone there stocks them, sorry.


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[Neptune's Gear]

Oh, connection. Most use the two micro switches that come with the unit, and 3 wires in mast. Use your existing switch on the board for on/off with 2 wires as normal. Then connect the 3 position micro switch to that, and the off/on micro switch to the neg.
Switching goes +/- in ist micro switch position giving tricolor, other side position gives -/+ and converts light to anchor. When in anchor position switching on the other micro switch gives strobe. Sounds complex, but it's pretty simple. Just remember that the light won't turn on in the daylight, and that it can take up to 20 secs to change modes :-)


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[edwmama]

Hi folks

I got to climb up to the top of the mast today ( only my second time)
On my original 1968 Cal cruising 46, docked in Marina del Rey, CA
The masts of these gems are shorter than most boats of comparable size

I went up there to trouble shoot why my signet wind direction indicator is not working

Well I've discovered the rudder on the indicator had broken off.... So there's the answer

What I've also noticed is that my masthead anchor or running light is
Severely "glazed" or opacified, like a beer glass mug left in a humid fridge

I guess this glazing is the result of over 34 yrs of sun and rain & moisture exposure
( a new mast was flown in from in Massachusetts and was installed in 1982
So I figured that's when the light was installed )


My question:

What would be an excellent LED masthead light replacement?

I want led for battery savings, long lasting, and of course waterproof
With at least 2 NM visibility
That would be compatible with this rig

Would enjoy hearing what you folks have done with yours


Would also like to know if anyone has replaced their VHF antennas and or if
They've installed those round TV antennas up there

Thanks in advance

Edwin
Lahlia
Cal cruising 46
MdR, CA


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[MooseMarine]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The refit is taking much, much longer than anticipated as all good boat refits do.

I did make a choice on tricolour/anchor light.

Signal Mate LED Combination Tri-Color Navigation / Anchor Light & Photodiode.TRIANC3P

The photo diode was the clincher and this was the only all in one version that I could find. What cruiser hasn't woken up well after sunrise and forgotten to have turned off the anchor light and seen the battery monitor in the red? Well perhaps not with a LED version.

Once we float and have actually tested it I'll post again.

MooseMarine

PS SignalMate - Please get a CE rated product - TMS/Allspars are awaiting...
Aquasignal/Hella - where are your photodiode models??

[CarinaPDX]

The LunaSea product is similar, and has the light sensor inside: Tri/Anchor/Flash Fixture - Zero AIS Interference - USCG COLREG 72 & ABYC-A16 | Products | Lunasea Lighting

I like the LunaSea because the spike on top (to discourage birds) can be removed and a Davis wind indicator can be screwed into the socket. It is less flexible for mounting the light however: it has a pedestal with a round base held down with screws - no other option. For mounting the SignalMate has the edge. The original LunaSea product had the pedestal screwed into the bottom of the light, so it could be removed and mounted on a threaded tube; for some reason they dropped that.

Greg

[Tillsbury]

Surprised there’s no mention here of the Marinebeam combination tricolour/anchor light. Really small, really simple to wire up, frees up a breaker, with a light sensor, and no interference. I love it particularly when trying to find my way back to the boat in an anchorage in pitch darkness — my boat is the one with the clearest and brightest anchor light way over there...

[Laughing Buddha]

I ordered and installed my Optolap in 2017 from Matt. Worked great, but I may have "toasted" it or my mini switches. Anybody have a good replacement idea for the switches and wiring diagram? Much appreciated in advance for any assistance.



Matt you probably have my email on file still - cheers mate!


Cheers - Jim

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by botanybay

If 24v then definitely aqua signal which I am very pleased with.

The regulator for some of the others have been known to overheat in the tropics in 24v systems.

Also, some have had noise issues with the regulator when in close proximity to the vhf antenna.

Seconded. I'm not an AquaSignal fanboy, but the tricolour/anchor light is bulletproof. Used for 8 years in all kinds of weather without issue. And it's very bright.