It is how the switch is wired as to when it is on. You could wire all the
switches to illuminate even if off.
Bill

"Gary" wrote in message
. ..
I guess so, but if you could actually see the switches before you turn
them
on, it would eliminate the need to count switches in the dark. I have 14
switches on my panel. The windshield wiper switch is right beside the
horn
switch. If it's drizzling lightly, and I don't want to leave the wipers
on
all the time, I must toggle it on and off periodically and have to count
switches to make sure that I'm not blowing the horn by accident.

I like the idea of an illuminated switch, but still need the actual panel
illuminated as well.


"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
Many of the illuminated switches are only illuminated when they are in
the
"on" position. That doesn't help you find the switch to turn it on.


I think the function is based on the principle that a boater will know
where
the bank of switches is located. After very little time with a boat, one
will
know the general order in which the switches are arranged.
The illuminated switch will confirm that the
circuit completed is the one intended.

Hmmmmm...interesting idea. I might look into that.

Thanx


"Calif Bill" wrote in message
k.net...
It is how the switch is wired as to when it is on. You could wire all the
switches to illuminate even if off.
Bill

"Gary" wrote in message
. ..
I guess so, but if you could actually see the switches before you turn
them
on, it would eliminate the need to count switches in the dark. I have
14
switches on my panel. The windshield wiper switch is right beside the
horn
switch. If it's drizzling lightly, and I don't want to leave the wipers
on
all the time, I must toggle it on and off periodically and have to count
switches to make sure that I'm not blowing the horn by accident.

I like the idea of an illuminated switch, but still need the actual
panel
illuminated as well.


"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
Many of the illuminated switches are only illuminated when they are
in
the
"on" position. That doesn't help you find the switch to turn it on.


I think the function is based on the principle that a boater will know
where
the bank of switches is located. After very little time with a boat,
one
will
know the general order in which the switches are arranged.
The illuminated switch will confirm that the
circuit completed is the one intended.

All the switches I have ever seen have the light wired between the closed
contact pole and a ground pole.
You could open the switch and resolder the light to the 12v pole. You would
need a master switch to be able to turn off the lights so the battery would
not run down.

Of course this would require all new switches that have lables for each
device you are controlling.

Lot cheaper to but LEDs and install to your running lights power.

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
k.net...
It is how the switch is wired as to when it is on. You could wire all the
switches to illuminate even if off.
Bill

"Gary" wrote in message
. ..
I guess so, but if you could actually see the switches before you turn
them
on, it would eliminate the need to count switches in the dark. I have
14
switches on my panel. The windshield wiper switch is right beside the
horn
switch. If it's drizzling lightly, and I don't want to leave the wipers
on
all the time, I must toggle it on and off periodically and have to count
switches to make sure that I'm not blowing the horn by accident.

I like the idea of an illuminated switch, but still need the actual
panel
illuminated as well.


"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
Many of the illuminated switches are only illuminated when they are
in
the
"on" position. That doesn't help you find the switch to turn it on.


I think the function is based on the principle that a boater will know
where
the bank of switches is located. After very little time with a boat,
one
will
know the general order in which the switches are arranged.
The illuminated switch will confirm that the
circuit completed is the one intended.

Around 12/29/2004 6:56 PM, Gary wrote:

Does anyone know of a source for these, or perhaps a better solution to the
problem?

Better late than never...

How about one of these?
http://tinyurl.com/4ooba

--
~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat"
"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats."
-Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows