Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

[DrEvil]

So I bought all new switches and decided on the contura 2 with independent illumination. I figured I would hook the lights for the switches to my nav lights so I can access them in the dark.

Well, in bench testing, The Red from the actuator completely overpowers the white screen print. I have one switch in white and that looks fine. Does anyone else run these? What do I do? I have tried dropping the power down (5v) still hard to read. I tried putting a piece of paper, no go. Tried it folded 4 times... better, but still cant read in the dark all that well.

I want to be able to read my switches in the dark! What are my options? I just spent almost $180 in switches and don't want to lose out on having to buy anything else.

Thoughts?

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Disconnect the LED wire to the switch.

 

[DrEvil]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

I would however the whole point of them having independent lighting is so you can read the labels in the dark. If I disconnect the LED, I still wont be able to read them as now they wont be illuminated at all.

For reference this is what they look like off:

and on:

 

[DrEvil]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Here is a separate example (in a different color) of what I expected:

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Different setup than what I had pictured.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Sorry, with the Contura switches, that's all you get...

 

[seabob4]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

There is hope. Check out this thread on THT...http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/431618-new-panel-finally-coming-together-pics.html

 

[wingless]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Nice looking switches!

Here is the data sheet for that switch. Examine page 10 and later, it shows the part number breakdown, including information for the lamp. What does the switch part number say about what lamp is used on your switches and the wiring configuration?


The "easy" way to quickly arrive at a solution is to use an adjustable DC power supply.

Connect the DC output from that power supply to one lamp. Adjust the voltage until the desired light intensity is attained. Measure the lamp voltage to discover the appropriate voltage.

There are many options for driving the indicator lamps with another voltage.

Is a constant voltage / intensity acceptable, or does it need to dim with other night indicators? If it needs to dim, then will it share an existing control or will there be multiple dimmer controls? If it shares an existing control, what is that existing control?

 

[DrEvil]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

I did try and drop the voltage down using my adjustable power supply. I can take it down to 3ish volts and it is still not very readable. I'm not opposed to just dropping in a voltage regulator and being done with it, but I think its the contrast between the white and the red that is the problem. The red is just too transparent and is allowing too much light to be dispersed across the entire window that has the screen print on it.

I am working on getting in touch with the OTRATTW guys to see if they can help. I don't want to have to change all my actuators but I will if it makes everything readable.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

you can buy the lenses separately if you want to change the color. contact your carling representative. the other thing you can try is to put some scotch tape on the inside of the lenses. this will act as a diffuser. not sure how effective it will be

Carling does offer a dimmer control.

http://www.carlingtech.com/illumination
http://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/App-Solution-107.pdf

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

My idea is window tint film.

Gila used to send free, or nearly free (you pay shipping) samples. A sample pack would be perfect to make some inserts.

 

[wingless]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

I did try and drop the voltage down using my adjustable power supply. I can take it down to 3ish volts and it is still not very readable. I'm not opposed to just dropping in a voltage regulator and being done with it, but I think its the contrast between the white and the red that is the problem. The red is just too transparent and is allowing too much light to be dispersed across the entire window that has the screen print on it.

The reduced voltage will permit adjustment of the lamp intensity.

IMO, the indicator lamps are way too bright and the intensity should be decreased.

My guess is that there is a low intensity that will permit reading the legend.

The diffuser suggested by Scott is a very good suggestion. The images show that the lens facets are very visible, detracting from reading the legend. A diffuser would help w/ both the intensity and decreasing the lens facet effect.

What does the switch part number say about the lamps used on your switches?

 

[wingless]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

Also, the inability to read that legend isn't horrible.

For example, when pressing the horn button, the sound from the horn provides feedback about the switch that is being actuated.

A similar effect exists with the cockpit lights, the windshield wipers and the blowers.

The switches for the bilge, the nav / anchor lights and the cabin lights might not have sufficient supplemental feedback.

 

[DrEvil]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

After talking to Jim over at OTR It seems this is a common problem with the Contura 2's. So, I plan on returning all my actuators and running all new ones from OTR. I had to splurge and get the Zombie lights and beer actuators. heh they are cheaper than what I paid for stock Carling actuators!

I don't think that I should have to add a diffuser due to poor design. I'm all for a DIY solution however, it seems that the $65 will be a well spent modification as I can return all of my actuators already purchased and still come out with a credit.

In short, if you are reading this thread trying to decide on marine switches from Carling... steer clear of ebay and call Jim at OTRATTW.com

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

I don't think that I should have to add a diffuser due to poor design.

Very true.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Cant read my Carling contura 2 switches in the dark???

So I got the P/Ns of the Carling switches that have the function illuminated when the Nav lghts are on, a sparate lower lit bar when the switch is on.

SPST (on/off)- V1D1FCTB-00000-000
DPDT (on/off/on)- VJD2UCTB-00000-000