Windless is acting funny

[BravoVita]

I am trying to install some components on my windless so I can use it. I just got a solenoid and a wireless remote, everything functions as it should independently but when the remote is wired to the same contacts as the solenoid it appears the solenoid is robbing power from the remote unit. The result is the windless turning on and off at the same pace as the solenoids function. Anyone have any experience with this? I don't think the foot switch that was previously installed was wired independently but most of the 12 volt was not complete when I purchased the vessel.

[Reefmagnet]

I've had the same setup with a home brewed wireless controller and never had an issue so the configuration *should* work ok. Could be a faulty remote unit as one would expect the windlass to turn off and on in relation to the solenoid (did you mean contactor?) operation. However, if the wiring was undersized or there is a bad connection somewhere in the circuit, the initial amperage surge of the windlass motor starting could drop the voltage to the point where it makes either the contactor drop out or the wireless interface spit the beans. Hard to grab a transient voltage drop without a CRO, but attaching a filament light bulb (aka test lamp) to the circuit should provide a visual indication of just how much the voltage is dropping when the windlass kicks in.