DPDT switch for LED lighting

diggin2day1

      I installed 4 ITC tri-color LED cockpit lights(highly recommended by the one and only Michael T) and 6 stainless LED(blue) cup holders. I had them all connected to one switch and was very pleased with the effect. My only problem was that if I just wanted to have the ITC lights on without the cup holders, I couldn't do it without adding another switch to my dash panel. Well I don't have room for another switch... And that's where the DPDT switch came to mind. It acts the same as the NAV/ANCHOR switch does... When toggled to ANCHOR, just the anchor light illuminates. When toggled to NAV, both the anchor lights AND the navigation lights illuminate.
     So now I have one switch controlling the ITCs AND the cupholders. When the switch is toggled down, just the ITC lights illuminate(toggle them off/on to change red/white/blue)... When the switch is toggled up, BOTH the ITC and cup holders are illuminated. 
Here is the wiring diagram for the DPDT switch(I changed where it said NAV/ANCHOR to ITC/Cup Holders):

Cableguy Greg

Great idea!!! I don't have LED cup holders, but I do have LED lights under my jump seat and in my engine vents. I currently have them connected to the cockpit light switch. I like the idea of being able to run the outside only or both. I need to invest in a DPDT switch...

skennelly

Looks nice.  Looks similar to my setup except no cup holders for me.

06Rinker270

Looks great guys and cool set up diggin.  @skennelly and @diggin2day1 is the manufacture ITC?  Mind sharing a link to where you bought them?  

skennelly

I just replaced the cockpit light bulbs.  I didn't know what to expect and it turned out perfect for my liking.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/boat-miniature-wedge-bulbs/

06Rinker270

@skennelly Yea thats all I want.  Mine are super dim and your turn out is exact what I want.  I see a lot on that link, which ones did you get that worked for you?  Thanks for sharing. 

Is the swim platform the same bulb as well?

skennelly

I didn't touch my swim platform light so I don't know about that.

This is the exact bulb's I ordered.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/rv-miniature-wedge-bulbs/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-tower-miniature-wedge-retrofit-rvb/2480/#/attributes/14

06Rinker270

@skennelly you are the man thank you sir.

skennelly

@06Rinker270 - Glad to help

skennelly

@06Rinker270 Post some pictures when you get them installed.

06Rinker270

Oh I will, stoked to see them in action.  Appreciate it.

diggin2day1

My cockpit lights are the ITC (tri-color) and my radar arch lights are Lumitec(white/blue - dimmable). When I was looking into installing my LEDs in my radar arch, I was given a suggestion by the legendary Michael T. He said to make sure that the lights are either dimmable or not TOO bright. His reasoning was that if you just wanted to hang out and sip a few cocktails or if someone needed lights on while cruising at night... You don't want a blairing/blinding light in your eyes. His suggestion was the Tri-color ITC LEDs.... Not super bright and definitely not too dim(plus the red color causes less distraction if needed while cruising). Well, I didn't listen and originally bought the Lumitec full spectrum LEDs. The white portion was dimmable but the colored was not... And HOLY MOSES was it bright!!! I returned them and installed the white/blue (both dimmable) into the arch... Extremely happy with their performance. As for the cockpit lighting, I put (4) ITC tri-color LEDs throughout and 6 blue LED cupholders. My whole reason for putting in the DPDT switch was to be able to separate the lights and just have the nice glow of the ITCs or light that sucker up if I wanted. Michael was right and if I had listened to the voice of reason/experience, it would've saved me time and money!!! 

06Rinker270

Good advice passed along @diggin2day1.  I too am worried about being too bright but we will see.

How did you make them dimmable? 

Also mind sharing a link to the ones you bought?

diggin2day1

The arch lights are Lumitec Mirage (white dimming/blue dimming) West Marine part# 113191. They are controlled by a normal on/off switch. When you turn them on they start out dim and slowly brighten up. When they reach your desired brightness, just quickly toggle the switch off then back on again... They'll remain at that brightness setting. Extremely simple and user friendly. 

The ITC lights are non-dimmable, but they are a perfect cockpit light(in my opinion). The red/blue gives off a great colored light and the white portion lights up the cabin with ease. Just toggle the on/off switch to changer colors. Got them here http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=773104

Michael T

....am I blushing? Yes! Thank you for the compliment.... Anyway @diggin2day1, I'm very glad it worked-out as you wanted. Gold star to you for insisting on getting it the way YOU wanted it.

Red lighting greatly reduces night vision loss!

BTW I used to get double pole double throw switches at Radio Shack for real decent priceses, but bet there are a ton on the internet.

Love your mods. I am so glad to see more and more "mod" lighting of cruisers at marinas. It looks so awesome at night......and we - on this forum - got a LOT of that started. I know a bunch of SRs, Chaparrals and Cruisers started adding them after seeing my RINKERS years ago....... BUT, lately....You guys have taken it to a WHOLE new level!!!!!WOW!

06Rinker270

So my lights are different, anyone have these or know what they are called? Or do I just remove these lights and rewire with ITC.

Cableguy Greg

They are made by ITC. Here is the link. I replaced mine with the blue ones.

http://www.itc-marine.com/product/led-baitwell-courtesy-light/

06Rinker270

There you go thank you!  Are those OEM for Rinker or were they added?  Mine have a white blue now but it's super dim.  Do you have a picture of yours on?

Cableguy Greg

Unfortunately I do not. I will try to get you a pic when I am out Tuesday evening with her.

06Rinker270

Wonder if I can just get the bulb.

Dream_Inn

Wow, over $16 each is a bit steep.  I have several I'd like to replace or just get new plastic covers for, but not that important.

06Rinker270

Yea a little steep which is why I hope I can just get the bulbs which can just be swapped out.

frenchship

You can get your type of bulb even led type on eBay any color you want.

06Rinker270

Think these will fit?  I want to make sure they are bright enough.  Ones I have now are very dim

frenchship

Those could be too long what about those 

06Rinker270

Such a small bulb I just don't know. I should have pulled one out. ITC doesn't give specs of the bulb. @frenchship can you send me a link for those please? Appreciate it

frenchship

I have those in my boat just thr right intensity. From eBay 

ORDER DATEAug 13, 2015

ORDER TOTAL US $3.26 See description Order 10X Car Blue 8 LED 1206 SMD T10 W5W Wedge Side Light Interior Bulb Lamp A037View similar itemsView seller's other items More actions

1 item sold by 3c-made-in-china

10X Car Blue 8 LED 1206 SMD T10 W5W Wedge Side Light Interior Bulb Lamp A037 ( 310928062129 ) Add note

06Rinker270

You have the ITC lighting set up like this?  Sorry for 20 questions

frenchship

No, just the stock Rinker lights 

Cableguy Greg

You can't replace just the bulb. It is soldered to a circuit board that is held in by a nylon nut from the rear. When I am at my boat later, I will snap a picture of the assembly and the light.

frenchship

Yes you can just a small mod to fit the new ones, you do need to remove the circuit board that was taking the 12 volts down to 1.2 volts