"Intermittent"wiper switches; input, experience et

[localboy]

I noted some of you have round switches on your dash that control the wipers, making them somewhat "intermittent" by your input. I have a list of spring projects and this is one.

How do your setups work? I am looking at this switch or similar.
http://www.fisheriessupply.com/product/Cole-Hersee-Co.-M485-MOMENTARY-PUSH-BUTTON-SWITCH.aspx?cid=6896

It is normally "off" and momentarily "on" only when pushed, then spring loaded back to "off". Is this how most are done? I assume you leave the main wiper rockers "on" when needed and this provides power to them only when pressed which actuates the wipers.

Any input, as usual, is appreciated!

[potter water]

I had that very switch on the electric macerator marine head in my old mini-houseboat. It is very heavy duty and heavy to push. If you are going to do your own intermittent wiper by hitting that switch, you will have a sore finger or two quickly. I just hit the panel rocker switch if I need a quick wipe. ( Ummm...that comment refers to the window wipers, not the marine head). Yes, I have to rocker it back to off, but no big deal. Otherwise if I have enough rain or spray to do intermittent regularly, I just leave them on.

In any case, if you are set on doing a manual intermittent, look for a lighter duty, easier to press switch than that one. If you have to have a lot of current, then you may need a light duty switch with a heavy duty DC relay.

[TyBoo]

Mark - that's a good plan. Put one for the port window where both passenger and skipper can reach it. The starboard switch works great down by the floor where you can push it with your foot. I stuck mine there and it is great. You need it the most when in splashing seas that usually require one hand on the helm and one on the throttle. I'll see if I can find the switch I used for you. It is a NAPA starter PB switch. Just a few bucks.

[Sea Wolf]

Mark-

Mine have two switches to each wiper. They're wired in parallel to the wiper motor:

1. A toggle switch for continuous wiper operation when put into the "On" position.

2. A Momentary switch that is spring loaded. Pressing it starts the wiper, which runs until the switch is released. However, on some motors, once the button is pushed, the wiper takes over and stays on until it returns to the "Park" position, where it shuts itself off.

The first switch alone will do the job if you have self-parking wipers. Just switch it momentarily to the "On" position to start the wiper motor, and the wiper is wired in such a manner that it will run until the wiper blade returns to the park position. (This is really done by a cam operated switch inside the motor itself, but produces the same result.) (The motor has a separate hot lead independent of the operator's switch to allow this.)

So if you have self-parking wiper motors, you really only need an on-off switch.

One can also put a second switch in another convenient position for the passenger, such as one for the port window. Again, it's wired in parallel with the primary switch for the helmsman (person).

One could have a complete second set of switches for all the windows, if needed. However, with the on-off continuous switch, the wiper will operate continuously if either switch is left in the "On" position.

Dual control systems like this are necessary for other control functions than windshield wipers where larger boats have both flying bridges and interior helm stations.

Hope this is clear, if not, ask for clarification as needed.

Joe.

[TyBoo]

The NAPA part number for the switches I used is ECH STB6301. They are several bucks rather than a few. It is similar to the one you picked but more compact and comes with a rubber bonnet to facilitate kicking without getting wet or dirty inside.

The button is stiff to push but remember you do not have to hold it down. Just bump it to get the wiper moving and the park circuit will give it one sweep.

[localboy]

Joe your description is how I'd like them to operate. That way I can use it as Mike described, for splashing seas AND in the event it really rains, they can still stay on full time. I think ours self park. I'd like to have one for starboard and one for port ideally. I'll have to do some wire tracing and see if I can wire it correctly.

[Sea Wolf]

[thataway]

Cole Hersee makes a number of wiper switches, including momentary, intermittent and push to wash--similar to car units which can be used in boats.

[damason]

I have AFI wiper motors on my CD-25. When you push the rocker switch momentairly the wiper moves across the windshield and back to the park position. The wiper system needs a moment of 12 vdc to start and then the wiper system takes control and completes the cycle.

My next project is to build a true intermittant wiper control system. You would turn on the wipers with your rocker switch and then adjust the delay timing by a potentionometer. I am showing the circuit that I plan to use. The complete system will be posted in a few months with parts list and pictures to show the whole deal in detail.

Here is the schematic. It should be plug and play with two holes drilled in the fire wall for the potentionometer shafts to stick out below the switch panel.

[Sea Angel]

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1119&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

I used the above simple approach to wiper control. Here on the Lower Ches. Bay we either have rain all the time or only 'bow spray'. This installation for Sea Angel allows the mate to control the port side; else, the helm can do either or both to clear the spray.

The windshield washer is a bonus I really appreciate when heading west while returning to the marina traveling on a narrow creek with traffic. This helps to clear any dried salt spray.

These are borrowed ideas from the folks here.

Art

[breausaw]

What I plan on doing in the next week is installing a push-pull switch starboard and port within easy reach tied into the rocker switches. So when the rocker switch is on each wiper motor can be individually controlled by passenger or skipper. I like the push-pull switch because it’s less likely to get broken and requires a small hole for installation.

As always my motto - KISS

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=109446&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50523&subdeptNum=50549&classNum=50557

[localboy]

[Sea Angel]

If I may suggest that a push-pull switch, unless it spring loaded to a position, will do the same function as the rocker switch that is on the control panel. Both switches will act as a "master" switch to the wiper motor so you will have to make sure both are OFF to have the wipe arm properly positioned.

If you were to lose a wiper blade you could have 2 switches to contend with before the windshield is scratched. This is why I recommend to only use a normal OFF,spring loaded - momentary ON, switch at each position with the helm being the master controling switch. ( After all, this is where the responsibility falls to keep that lookout.) Oh, that sounds more harsh than I want it.

Since I have a separate switch for each wiper motor, I can set one on all the time and use the momentary switch only when needed for the opposite side; which would be that case of heavy spray coming off the bow at an angle.

Just an opinion. I hope you find the solution that gives you the confidence and satisfaction that you deserve. I'm looking forward to hearing how you plans work.

Art

[breausaw]

[localboy]

breausaw PM sent to you.