"Intermittent"wiper switches; input, experience et

I built and installed an "intermittent wiper" circuit two years ago which is virtually identical to the one proposed by Dave Mason. It's been the best modification I have made on the boat and I use it all the time.

I tweaked some of the resistor values so my delay varies from 1.5 seconds to 60 seconds over the range of the 3/4 turn potentiometer. I used a 4PDT switch because you need one NO (normally open) and one NC (normally closed) switch contacts for each wiper. I used a single timing circuit (like Dave's) however a slight limitation with only one is the intermittent action works on: 1) both wipers at the same time, or 2) only the driver's wiper. In other words I can't have intermittent action on the port wiper without the starboard wiper on as well. In my opinion that's a slight inconvenience and not worthy of building two separate timing circuits.

The cost for parts was about $60-70 with the most expensive parts being the switch, the two relays, and the potentiometer.

The photo of the console show the potentionmeter and the switch. If the switch is "down", the wipers operate as before, when the switch is "up" the timing circuit is active with the delay determined by the position of the potentiometer- works great.


Arrrgh... it's been such a long time since I've posted a photo, I forgot how. I'll add that in a bit along with second photos showing the circut assembly.[/img]
 
neilc":19z0k11t said:
Any one out there using rainX? I'm using it and it works great for heavy spray but not sure about our PNW mist.

Neil

I like RainX but takes time to apply. What I discovered last year was RainX window cleaner, it’s a glass cleaner and water repellant in one; great stuff!
 
Chris that looks very impressive and too technical for a cop like me to accomplish. I don't even know what a "potentiometer" is or where one get one. :lol:
 
Nice post Chris. When I build mine I will use some of your ideas.

Localboy - all of the parts can be bought at your local Radio Shack. Get a high school teen age boy to build one for you.
 
Mark,
A potentiometer is a resistor that you can change the value linearily by turning a knob. In my case I used one that varies from zero to 500K ohm in just 3/4 of a turn.

It wasn't an easy thing to build however still well worth the effort. I commend Dave Mason for his desire to build one and document it for the brats. Maybe I could help him out some if he wants it. I've been so busy these last couple of years I'm not able to find much free time.

That said, this would be a great project to mass produce for the brats.
 
If I had Chris's skill sets to modify or build electrics I’d have duel intermittent wiper switches on Triple J; nice job BTW Chris. I searched wide and far for an off the shelve switch that would easily be installed and came up empty; so went back to basics. Ever since the inventor of the intermittent wiper switch won his day in court his original device has virtually disappeared.
 
Don't give up on finding an off the shelf item. Here's one on EBAY for $40 bucks. Have not researched any more than finding it but it's under boat stuff and lists AFI motors which most of our boats have.

I've done a lot of home brew stuff (electronics) and built about everything Heathkit offered including color TVs but don't think I could duplicate this for the price.

Take a look at it Chris, do you think it would work OK? Hope so, just bought one of the three they had.

Charlie[/b]
 
Charlie,
If this operates as described, it may be a good way to go. Not much detail to go on (from the information) however certainly a lot less effort than I went through for about the same price.

I'm very interested to see how it works out. Please keep us posted.
 
This e-bay switch would operate only one wiper, correct?

May be an option for my windshield although The Admiral will wonder "Where's mine?" :lol:
 
localboy":301padtq said:
This e-bay switch would operate only one wiper, correct?

May be an option for my windshield although The Admiral will wonder "Where's mine?" :lol:

Hey Mark, she's an Admiral, you (like I) are only a Captain. If you only buy one, it's HERS! :wink: :love

And it cost about half of what Chris spent to buy parts for his. I'll try it and see if it works (on her side) and order another one if it looks useful..

Charlie
 
localboy":36uf4m2i said:
This e-bay switch would operate only one wiper, correct?

May be an option for my windshield although The Admiral will wonder "Where's mine?" :lol:

From the listing:

" Operates one motor, up to 16 amps."

On Edit: Although a person might try to parallel two motors, but if you did, they would always operate together in tandem.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Hi Chris,

Saw you Intermittent Wiper s/w on C-Brats. looks like a great idea! Wouldn't mind building one myself for our 25'. Do you have a Schematic of the layout and parts list by any chance?

Thanks, Duane Sheehan "CanDu"
 
I have been thinking I might like to do something like this too. But was thinking along the line of a toggle switch, 3 position: Push forward to lock on, center Off, and pull back for a single swipe, intermittent function. So the switch would have a forward lock, a center lock and a rear spring position. Don't know about the wiring, if that could work or not. Just curious if it would be possible and relatively easy :roll:

Thanks, I'm with Mark about potentiometer's etc.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Harvey,
You are certainly not "all wet" on the 3 position switch. We have 3 wipers (all the better to see you with) and each has a 3 position switch which is center "off", "down" is spring loaded to center and gives wipe as long as you hold it and "up" is "on" until you switch it off.

There is a 4th switch at the Admiral's station which operates the same way and is called the "Wouldya" switch, as in "Honey, wouldya..." (So christened by Les)

Merv
 
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