FORWARD NAVIGATION LIGHTS ON OCEANIS 43

[Robert & Sandy]

Last week I replaced the forward port and starboard incandescent navigation lights with complete Hella NaviLED Pro units.

Installation was pretty straight forward, except the mounting holes and cable access ports are totally different.

When they were tested it emerged  I cannot illuminate them WITHOUT the steaming light coming on as well.

Is there some clever little circuit in the switchboard that is now being effected by the much lower current flow or is this a problem that has arisen previously?.

Bilgolabands

[Mike Brown]

The switch has two positions, one for sailing and the other for powering. Your new lights bring on the steaming light regardless of what position the switch is in?

[Robert & Sandy]

Mike,

Yes, the switch no longer gives two operating options. The steaming (powering) light comes on in both the navigation light and the steaming light switch selection. Nothing was touched within the switch panel so it seems a rather big co-incidence to have failed with the lamp change. Our motor vehicle exhibited similar traits when I attempted to change the number plate lights for LEDs.

Do you also have any information regarding my question last month regarding "slipping" balance?.

Bilgolabands

[James Taylor]

I'm a bit confused here. Our vdo panel (2008 B43) has a three way  switch that reads "motoring" (steaming) and "sailing". The center position on this switch is the off position. When either motoring or sailing position is selected the starboard, port and rear position lights illuminate. The mid mast white "motoring (steaming) light only comes on when the motoring ( steaming) position on the vdo panel is selected, as it should.

You mention the steaming light coming on in the navigation position. The navigation switch on our panel controls only the navigation equipment on our boat. Is it possible you are selecting the wrong button? If the position lights come on in the "sailing" position it would seem they would also operate in the "motoring" position unless there is a problem in your panels switch. I would recheck to ensure I am selecting the correct switch. If it still does it, reinstall the incandescent light  bulbs and see if they operate properly. I would also verify that the led's have a similar base design as the incandescent bulbs.  If all this fails call Beneteau USA and ask what they think.

[Robert & Sandy]

James,

Being in Australia ours is a Euro built 43 and it seems the labelling on the VDO switches is slightly different and they are in English and French, Yes, we have the switch marked "Navigation" and like yours it operates the chartplotter, radar and VHF radio.

When I mentioned "navigation light" I was referring to the port, starboard and stern lights. That three position switch now operates as a two position with no option to leave the steaming (motoring) light off.

The Hella LED units I fitted are not just bulbs but fully sealed new lamps as fitted by Beneteau to current models. If all you people don't have an answer I will try Beneteau Australia..

Bilgolabands

[Mike Brown]

Sorry for the late reply but we're out cruising and I don't always have internet. If I recall correctly the steaming light and deck light shared a common ground. Not sure if it's also tied in with the bow/stern lights. I wonder if perhaps the LED lights have created a loop in the wiring system that's keeping the steaming light lit. Sounds like a call to Beneteau is in order.
As for the "slipping" post yes I saw it but am afraid I have no experience what so ever with that sort of system. Although there are railway systems here in the states every marina I've dealt with uses a travel lift outfitted with slings.
Good luck with both
Mike

[Robert & Sandy]

Thanks Mike. We too have been away for some time.

One piece of feedback I received locally was maybe Beneteau in their wisdom have created a fall back position that in the instance of nil or minimal current through the navigation lights ( LED lamps fitted) the steaming lamp comes into play, at least providing some degree of night forward visibility to other vessels.

Regards

Bilgolabands

[Mike Brown]

Well nothing would surprise me as Beneteau does some over engineering in some of their systems. Good luck finding whats wrong.

[Robert & Sandy]

Mike and James,

More checking at this end and one "expert" feels a Hall Effect IC could be in the circuit board adjacent to the navigation lights switch though without a circuit diagram of the switch board we are somewhat cornered.

Do any of the SeaKnots members have access to the relevant diagram or can someone point me in the right direction.

Regards,

Bilgolabands

[Mike Brown]

I'm afraid I can't help with the diagrams. Good luck.