[WetWilly]

Originally Posted by bdbyrnes

WetWilly-

Any luck ever finding a suitable rheostat? I have the light switch next to it working...

Thanks,

Brent

Hi Brent, I was starting to source the rheostat and the other parts when I got sidelined and then, I'm a little embarrassed to say, I forgot about it altogether...

I'll be taking it over to a electronic component shop not too far away from where I live to see if I can match the parts. I promise this time to let you know.

Is yours dimmer board not working because of the rheostat?

[bdbyrnes]

Yes, the dimmer is dead. Thanks to this thread I did replace the three way switch (Bow/Stern - Off - Bow/Stern/Gauges) Friday evening and it works great.

Thanks!

[WetWilly]

Hi Brent,

I visited one of my sources and they have been able to locate the equivalent components with the exception of the Pot (turns out it's a potentiometer and not a rheostat). They said matching the value isn't an issue, it's the bushing (threaded part of the shaft) that's the problem, they can't locate a Pot with the same bushing length that even comes close to the one on our boards. So that's where I'm at right now... still searching and since there isn't a manufacture's name or brand on the Pot, it's a challenge (where are those guys on CSI..they should be able to locate this Pot... ).

If you're sure your Dimmer Pot is bad, would you mind sending the dimmer assembly to me? I would like to examine a few options for the Pot which means I'll need to remove and possibly dissemble it. I would use mine but since it's working, I'd hate to put it out of commission if you know what I mean.

Let me know and if it's OK with you, I'll PM you.
WetWilly

[bdbyrnes]

Sure!

PM me your address.

Brent

[jkb944t]

I am having the same problem with the dash lights and have the same circuit board above my ignition switch. Any idea where to get this circuit board or what component needs fixed on it?

Jeff B

[jkb944t]

I was looking at the wiring last night and it looks like the circuit board may have two functions. One function is for dimming the instrument lights and the other function may be for the SOS function on the navigation light.

Jeff B

[WetWilly]

Hi Bret, did you ever send that dimmer unit yet?

WetWilly

[jkb944t]

I have since disconnected the dash lights from the circuit board and ran the power wire down to an accessory switch that was not being used.

After seeing the dash lights finally light up there appears to be no reason to have a dimmer on the dash lights since they are not that bright. They look great with full current so I am not going bother with adding a dimmer.

Jeff B

[grommett]

FYI: My lights didnt work so I dismantled the switch and found two corroded copper rods inside. A quick go with some wire wool and a little longer trying to get it all back together and now I have lights. Quicker than trying to track down a new switch!

[jkb944t]

I would have gone this route but my switch knobs are all glued on and I was afraid that I would break the switch getting it out. I am not sure if they are always glued on or if this is something a previous owner did.

Jeff B.