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2001 56 Ocean SS

Discussion in 'Ocean Yacht' started by jlresq, Oct 30, 2017.

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  1. jlresq, Dec 16, 2017
    #41
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Not sure. Thinking 12vDC but can't get meter reading properly.
  2. Capt J, Dec 16, 2017
    #42
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    What voltage are the bulbs that are on that string?
  3. jlresq, Dec 16, 2017
    #43
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    I tried to read them but they are illegible. I think the dimmer is connected to a buck puck but cannot gain access to that either. Sorry for the poor info but the guts are buried inside a drawer next to the master bed. My guess is the wiper or buck puck is bad.
  4. JeffH, Dec 16, 2017
    #44
    JeffH

    JeffH Member

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  5. jlresq, Dec 16, 2017
    #45
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    It does. I guess I'll have to get a mirror and take some readings off the buck puck. Thanks for the help.
  6. Capt Fred, Dec 17, 2017
    #46
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    Turn the pot over and take a picture of the back or wherever the printing is located. I have one more trick if there is no printing on the pot.
  7. jlresq, Dec 17, 2017
    #47
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    I will try to get to it tomorrow. Thanks.
  8. jlresq, Dec 18, 2017
    #48
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Found out it is a DRSA 20 amp dimmer buck puck. They no longer carry them. Their largest is 12 amp and cost about $150. I now need to figure out whether the problem is the pot or the dimmer. Also, if it is the dimmer, it is buried deep inside the drawer next to the master bed. Getting access to replace it does not look easy at all. At least now I know it is DC and where I can get a replacement if need be. I am finding more and more places to be inaccessible to work on on this new to me boat. Quite surprised by that. Maybe I am missing something.
  9. Capt Fred, Dec 18, 2017
    #49
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    The pot is easy to check out if you have a multimeter. If so turn off the power to the circuit. put the meter in ohms, 10 kohm scale, put the leads across the out side leads and the multimeter should read the resistance of the pot 5, 10 or whatever. Assuming it is a 5 or 10 k pot the reading should be close. If so then put the multimeter lead across one outer lead and the center lead. While holding these connections move the knob of the pot from side to side. The multimeter should read from near zero to full value. Since the pot is still connected to the circuit these values may be off due to a parallel resistance in the puck. also inspect the solder connect to the leads to make sure they are making a good connection. For safety, after you turn off the power test the circuit for both ac and dc voltage. Also have the multimeter in volts before you apply the leads to measure voltage and have it set for ohms when reading ohms, the multimeter may be destroyed if you apply voltage to the meter when it is set for ohms.

    You probably could take to pot to a electronics shop and have them check it for you. My 2 cents worth of info, hope it helps.
  10. jlresq, Dec 18, 2017
    #50
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Verified that pot is bad. Made by Vimar, I believe, and have several I need to replace. Any ideas where to find them would be great. They appear to have five connectors on them. Thanks.
  11. PacBlue, Dec 18, 2017
    #51
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    IMTRA handles the Vimar line, they are very helpful.
  12. justold, Dec 18, 2017
    #52
    justold

    justold Member

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    I think I purchased them from mouser electronics , it was about ten years ago .
  13. Capt Fred, Dec 18, 2017
    #53
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    I bet you can find a replacement pot on-line from Digikey.com
  14. jlresq, Dec 19, 2017
    #54
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Thanks to all. Will report back when I have found the source.
  15. jlresq, Dec 19, 2017
    #55
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Does anyone know whey there are five terminals on the pot rather than the traditional three? There are only three wires going to it. Can I use a three terminal pot instead of trying to find the five terminal one?
  16. Capt Fred, Dec 19, 2017
    #56
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    My guess is that you can. The 4 and 5 terminals are probably for turning the puck on and off. How is that accomplished? A picture of those terminals may be helpful.
  17. jlresq, Dec 19, 2017
    #57
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Thanks so much for sticking with me on this. I do not have a better picture than previously posted (and deleted by the admin). I can tell you that I do know that some of the terminals were jumped to either 4 or 5 or both. Not sure why. As far as I know, the puck is likely on the whole time or at least I am unaware of any way to turn it off other than perhaps as you suggest with the jumped wire. Leaving it on all the time would not be a problem for me, I don't suppose. Just looking for an easy replacement for a simple busted pot.
  18. Capt Fred, Dec 20, 2017
    #58
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    It is your boat, I would not leave halogens bulbs in a quasi-off state. I have seen one boat burn up from a halogen bulb. One picture of the back would tell us a lot. All you need to do is reduce the pixels to about 600 by 400 and then post it. The modulator is OK with pictures but needs them to be at a manageable pixel size. You probably have all the info you need to at least try a 3 terminal pot.
  19. jlresq, Dec 20, 2017
    #59
    jlresq

    jlresq New Member

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    Thanks. I hope to give the 3 terminal pot a try assuming Vernon from Canyon does not have any original 5 terminal pots left. I do not have picture of the back of the pot but will try to post again whatever pictures I do have. Appreciate the help.
  20. bobhorn, Dec 20, 2017
    #60
    bobhorn

    bobhorn Member

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    Might be a switch on the back of the pot.
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