"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

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

"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

"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

Sounds like you've got a series wound motor with separate terminals for
the field and armature. If my memory is correct the polarity of the
armature winding gets reversed to change rotation.

It looks like your switching modules are working OK which will save you
some money. Otherwise I'd suggest an anchor windlass controller such
as an IMTRA. They occassionally show up on EBAY at halfway reasonable
prices. Be sure you get one designed for a series wound (4 terminal)
motor.

The control panel just provides a couple of contact closures. Functionally
it is an SPDT switch although it has On and Off buttons and a power
indicator LED as well. I'm going to try and tear into it this weekend and
see if I can figure out the problem. When I press the port thrust button I
can hear a relay pick inside the panel, but no activity at the thruster.

Doug

wrote in message
oups.com...
Sounds like you've got a series wound motor with separate terminals for
the field and armature. If my memory is correct the polarity of the
armature winding gets reversed to change rotation.

It looks like your switching modules are working OK which will save you
some money. Otherwise I'd suggest an anchor windlass controller such
as an IMTRA. They occassionally show up on EBAY at halfway reasonable
prices. Be sure you get one designed for a series wound (4 terminal)
motor.

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


Read the manual resources. EP90.


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