Modification: LED lighting for helm switches

[Gin]

One problem I have when boating at night is that the helm switches don't have lighting in them. I can find the switches I am likely to use pretty well. I'm likely to use the horn, and it is on the far right, so I can find it well enough. I also sometimes use the wipers, and they are the four that are on the left end. But having a bit of light on them would be nice too. A fellow Ranger Tugger (Mike Braet of Odysea) gave me a few lengths of red LED tape lighting from a long length he bought (he was kind enough to solder wire pigtails on to each length so that all I have to do is connect it to ground and power). I decided to take one 5 inch length to create a LED bar light mounted above the top of the helm switches.

I used some U-shapped teak trim and glued the LED tape to the inside. I closed the ends of the teak with some small teak pieces. I found it challenging to figure out how to mount it. After some trial and error, I decided to just put screws through the teak directly into the helm wall, which resulted in mounting the light right under the engine and autopilot instrument panels, and just above the helm switches. To get those screws in, I drilled two larger holes on the front of the teak, which let me drive the screws in through the backside. I then put teak plugs in the holes that I can pop out if I ever need to remove the light. I wired it by dropping the wires in behind the helm switch panel (there is enough give in the upholstery that the wires just go in behind the panel without damage). I hooked the wires up to the wiring for the nav lights. When I turn the nav lights on, the red LED lights for the helm switches come on as well.

I'm not sure my explanation for how I did the teak "bar" for the lighting is very good, but here is a photo, in case that helps. This was taken in the daylight. In the dark, the red lighting is unintrusive, but make the switches easily readable.



- Gini

 

[jkurlanski]

This is a great idea!

We had a problem with seeing the switches a couple of times this season during evening hours on our R21. One problem of note is that if you slide in your seat (or have an overly large tookus) you may inadvertently turn off your nav lights and not know it! Having them wired to the Nav lights is an awesome idea.

 

[Gin]

Glad you found the idea helpful Joe. I found this modification hard to describe. If you have any questions about it, just let me know. I'll be happy to try to clarify.

GIni

 

[jkurlanski]

I'm working through how to adapt this idea to the R21. The switch panel is on the starboard side, next to the pilot seat (hence the tookus problem). I started researching lighted rocker switches in addition to the LED light bar, which I think is a good visual cue of nav light status, especially at dusk when its difficult to verify light status.

Has anyone replaced the rocker switches on their R21-EC? Any specifications out there?

 

[Rkay412]

Nice job I have the same issue on a cut water 30 and I haven't quite figured it out but that looks good. I was looking for some kind of light with a hood. Thanks

 

[Navigator's Son]

I found the same problem. The breaker switches are lit up, but only if you have the Nav lights on. Sometimes it's not dark enough to have the Nav lights on, or just in general when you want to turn on the microwave or v berth lights, but don't want to turn on the bright overhead puck lights.

I had a similar issue on my 265. None of the helm switches were lit. Luckily the panel was etched. I strung led strip lights to the back and had a nice back lit effect.