On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 08:17:08 -0400, "Doug Dotson"
dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote:



Looks like it is a potted module.


What does it look like and are there part numbers or ID
on it? How many connections for large wires are there?
Is there another identical unit in the controller area?

This sounds like a solid state relay. With a DC thruster
motor there are two basic options. One is to use a DPDT
relay or two SPDT relays. The principle is to apply + & -
battery for one direction and opposite polarity across the
motor for the other direction.

A SPDT relay will have two big connections and two small ones.
A DPDT relay will have two big connectons and three small ones.
It would seem that using two SPDT relays is the proper way.
Otherwise, battery power is applied to the thruster at all times.
So there would have to be another single pole relay to shut off
power when not being activated. The most straightforward approach is
a bridge connection. This requires four modules (only). What kind of
setup does it look like you have?

The small connections are the control lines. Depending on
current rating, a replacement should be in the $15-$25 range.


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

"Gary G" see.signature@bottom wrote in message
...
On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 08:17:08 -0400, "Doug Dotson"
dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote:



Looks like it is a potted module.


What does it look like and are there part numbers or ID
on it? How many connections for large wires are there?

I'll look this evening.

Is there another identical unit in the controller area?

Not sure what you mean? Controller area? All electronics are mounted
on the motor. Only other component is the control panel which is small.

This sounds like a solid state relay.

That would be my guess.

With a DC thruster
motor there are two basic options. One is to use a DPDT
relay or two SPDT relays. The principle is to apply + & -
battery for one direction and opposite polarity across the
motor for the other direction.

I'm an EE. I know how it works. Just looking for advise on the symptoms
vs which failed component on this particular unit.

A SPDT relay will have two big connections and two small ones.
A DPDT relay will have two big connectons and three small ones.
It would seem that using two SPDT relays is the proper way.
Otherwise, battery power is applied to the thruster at all times.
So there would have to be another single pole relay to shut off
power when not being activated. The most straightforward approach is
a bridge connection. This requires four modules (only). What kind of
setup does it look like you have?

Two big black potted modules.

The small connections are the control lines. Depending on
current rating, a replacement should be in the $15-$25 range.


It's for a boat! Nothing cost $15-$25 other than a small stainless steel
screw

No relays, just a couple of potted modules. As you said earlier. they are
likely
solid state relays.

Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

I'm an EE. I know how it works. Just looking for advise on the symptoms
vs which failed component on this particular unit.


Geez. Now I'm wondering why the "module" hasn't been properly redesigned
with non-proprietary parts easily obtainable anywhere on the planet.....

Just jumper out the module's power wiring and see if it runs in both
direction. Scrap the crappy module and put a couple of simple relays
(weatherproof would be nice) from Grainger's Supply in its place....

Of course, this is why EEs are always in the company of ETs to make the
design actually WORK....(c

--
Larry

"Larry" wrote in message
...
"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

I'm an EE. I know how it works. Just looking for advise on the symptoms
vs which failed component on this particular unit.


Geez. Now I'm wondering why the "module" hasn't been properly redesigned
with non-proprietary parts easily obtainable anywhere on the planet.....

Just jumper out the module's power wiring and see if it runs in both
direction. Scrap the crappy module and put a couple of simple relays
(weatherproof would be nice) from Grainger's Supply in its place....

Might have to do that. Depends upon what a new module costs. It would help
if I had a schematic of the control panel.

Of course, this is why EEs are always in the company of ETs to make the
design actually WORK....(c


Larry

Well, new news. The thruster is fine, it is the control panel that is bad.
Not
a normal DC motor. Control does not just switch the polarity of the power
to the motor. Motor has 1 black wire (ground) and 3 red wires. Two of the
red wires connect to the relays in the module with one or the other
energized
depending upon direction. Not sure what the 3rd red wire does but it
connects
to the module via a separate lug. I can just short the lines at the control
panel
to activate the thruster. I can replace it with a SPDT switch if I want.
Hopefully
I can find a panel for not too many bucks.

Incidently, anybody know what type of oil this thruster uses? Looks pretty
light but I haven't a clue. No manual came with it.

Thanks to all that contributed!
Doug
s/v Callista

"Larry" wrote in message
...
"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

I'm an EE. I know how it works. Just looking for advise on the symptoms
vs which failed component on this particular unit.


Geez. Now I'm wondering why the "module" hasn't been properly redesigned
with non-proprietary parts easily obtainable anywhere on the planet.....

Just jumper out the module's power wiring and see if it runs in both
direction. Scrap the crappy module and put a couple of simple relays
(weatherproof would be nice) from Grainger's Supply in its place....

Of course, this is why EEs are always in the company of ETs to make the
design actually WORK....(c

--
Larry

"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

Well, new news. The thruster is fine, it is the control panel that is
bad.


An EE can't find a bad switch?

Just teasing.....how awful....(c;

--
Larry

"Larry" wrote in message
...
"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

Well, new news. The thruster is fine, it is the control panel that is
bad.


An EE can't find a bad switch?

Just teasing.....how awful....(c;

The control panel is hardly just a switch. All membrane switches with
internal
relays it sounds like. Sealed so I'll have to bust it open to see if I can
fix it.

--
Larry

On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:10:16 -0400, "Doug Dotson"
dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote:

Well, new news. The thruster is fine, it is the control panel that is bad.
Not
a normal DC motor. Control does not just switch the polarity of the power
to the motor. Motor has 1 black wire (ground) and 3 red wires. Two of the
red wires connect to the relays in the module with one or the other
energized
depending upon direction. Not sure what the 3rd red wire does but it
connects
to the module via a separate lug. I can just short the lines at the control
panel
to activate the thruster. I can replace it with a SPDT switch if I want.
Hopefully
I can find a panel for not too many bucks.

Incidently, anybody know what type of oil this thruster uses? Looks pretty
light but I haven't a clue. No manual came with it.

Thanks to all that contributed!
Doug
s/v Callista


As one EE to another, try Google:

http://www.side-power.com/sidepower/index.php?id=83


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

"Gary G" see.signature@bottom wrote in message
...
On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:10:16 -0400, "Doug Dotson"
dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote:

Well, new news. The thruster is fine, it is the control panel that is bad.
Not
a normal DC motor. Control does not just switch the polarity of the power
to the motor. Motor has 1 black wire (ground) and 3 red wires. Two of the
red wires connect to the relays in the module with one or the other
energized
depending upon direction. Not sure what the 3rd red wire does but it
connects
to the module via a separate lug. I can just short the lines at the
control
panel
to activate the thruster. I can replace it with a SPDT switch if I want.
Hopefully
I can find a panel for not too many bucks.

Incidently, anybody know what type of oil this thruster uses? Looks pretty
light but I haven't a clue. No manual came with it.

Thanks to all that contributed!
Doug
s/v Callista


As one EE to another, try Google:

http://www.side-power.com/sidepower/index.php?id=83

Been there, done that, no joy. That is unless I want to buy a
new thruster.


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

On Thu, 22 Sep 2005 20:42:39 -0400, "Doug Dotson"
dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote:



As one EE to another, try Google:

http://www.side-power.com/sidepower/index.php?id=83

Been there, done that, no joy. That is unless I want to buy a
new thruster.



OK, inquiring minds want to know (at least one). If the supplier will
not support their legacy products, let us know. This helps all users
and potential customers. Albeit, at your expense. :-) However, I sense
that there is a large group of folks eager to help one another. Quite
refreshing.



Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com