Dual helm positions - is it right that both need to be switched on?

[sueshed]

Hi, we have recently bought a dual helm Birchwood 340AC with a flybridge and and internal helm.

It seems we have to have the ignition keys in both helms switched to the 'on' position to start the boat - I cant see anything about it anywhere in the manuals - does anyone know if this is normal and if it can be changed?

Thanks

 

[roffey]

I can't tell you but I would think it would be dangerous. What if your docking the boat and someone turns off the key just as your about to reverse it, ouch.

 

[Mischief Managed]

No idea if that's normal or not, but it would be easy to change. If both switches need to be on to work, the switches are in series. To make it work with either switch on, they need to be wired in parallel. Here's a website that shows how both wiring schemes work: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/electronics-projects-how-to-build-series-and-para0.html

 

[smokeonthewater]

Honestly that would be a matter of preference.... maybe the BEST solution would be a 3 way setup such that it could be turned on or off from either switch at any time.... obviously you would need separate start buttons and an ign on indicator of some sort


as for 'both' or either each system has it's merits..... example with the 'both' system, you change help positions and then need to kill the engine(s) ... no prob... BUT it would be annoying to have to hit both helms to start... the 'either" setup would be a problem for the first scenario but more convenient in the second

 

[Bondo]

No idea if that's normal or not, but it would be easy to change. If both switches need to be on to work, the switches are in series. To make it work with either switch on, they need to be wired in parallel. Here's a website that shows how both wiring schemes work: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/electronics-projects-how-to-build-series-and-para0.html

Ayuh,.... Agreed,.....

 

[bobdec]

If moving from series to parallel just keep in mind... you go from needing to turn "both switches to start engines and one switch to stop engines" TO "one switch to start engines and both switches to stop . As an example If running from the bridge, but have to move inside for any condition, first mate takes the helm while you move inside. You will not be able to stop the engines from the inside. .. Same for starting warmup inside at dock, then moving to bridge to bring it out, now you can't stop engines from bridge. Not a big thing as you have neutral except for emergency condition requiring engine stop.. Just things to be aware of..

 

[Bondo]

If moving from series to parallel just keep in mind... you go from needing to turn "both switches to start engines and one switch to stop engines" TO "one switch to start engines and both switches to stop . As an example If running from the bridge, but have to move inside for any condition, first mate takes the helm while you move inside. You will not be able to stop the engines from the inside. .. Same for starting warmup inside at dock, then moving to bridge to bring it out, now you can't stop engines from bridge. Not a big thing as you have neutral except for emergency condition requiring engine stop.. Just things to be aware of..

Ayuh,.... If the 1st mate turns the lower key to On, 'n the Captain turns the upper key Off, before goin' below, the Captain will still have complete control at the station he's operatin' from,....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Whereas with the 3 way setup I mentioned, turning any key at any time changes from current status on/off to the other off/on

 

[Illinoid]

Or...you could add relays and increase your options on what you want it to do.