Wiring a Diode into a wiper circuit

Malia Kai

I'm in the process of installing electric wipers on my C-Dory. I'm using the AFI 1000 motors. The wiring schematic calls for a 5 amp diode to be wired into the circuit if one wishes to operate both motors from the same switch. Are there any Dory owners out there who have done this? How does one wire a diode designed to be soldered onto a circuit board into a wired circuit on a boat?

Thanks,

Bill

TyBoo · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:31 pm Post subject:

Can't help you with the diode question, but I strongly recommend you switch the wipers separately. Most of your wiper use will be the result of wind blown splash and depending on the wind direction one window will generally get much more spray than the other. Dragging a wiper blade across a dry window is hard on the rubber blade, harder on the motor and harder yet on the ears.

In addition to separate on/off switches, I installed a momentary switch the passenger can easily reach for the port wiper and a momentary switch for the starboard wiper down low on the helm bulkhead that I can push with my foot.

tsturm

breausaw · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:58 pm Post subject:

Have to agree with TyBoo Mike, install a separate switch for each. If you have company along it’s also nice to have a separate (3rd)switch opposite the helm. This would just be a single pole switch tied into the on/off power lead, not hard to install and gives your passenger the ability to control the Port wiper.

Almas Only · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 7:21 am Post subject:

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=64&highlight=wiper+parking

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=ElectricalandWiring&id=wiper_blade_parking_2_of_2&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

I've got some of the correct diodes in the garage. Send me a PM if you want one, and I'll send it along.

Malia Kai · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 2:49 pm Post subject: Thanks for the input!!

Thanks for all of the advice guys. We can get some pretty rough seas over here and I would say that a lot of the time I will need to use both wipers. I think that a good solution for me will be to install the diode along with the momentary switches to use when the spray is lighter and I only need to clear one windshield. The use of a crimp connector and heat shrink tubing for the diode also answered my question on how to wire something designed to go on a circuit board into a wired circuit. Again, thanks.

Bill