AquaSignal 40 series removal problems

[qtmspin]

Our light is blinking so we were going to remove it but we're having a difficult time removing the base of the fixture.

It is the older style 2008, with one ring release

Does anyone have any experience removing this fixture and would like to share some pointers, thank you!

[Ziggy]

It's a bayonet mount. All I can tell you is that I broke one trying to remove it. You could try to lubricate it with soapy water.

[qtmspin]

Thanks, we didn't know that, we thought it was 3 screws in the base

[qtmspin]

Thanks, we thought it was screwed into the base

[Blue Stocking]

Are you referring to removing one of the bulbs, or releasing and lifting off the cylindrical lens assembly ?

[GordMay]

Page 5 ➥ http://www.gandermountain.com/assets..._S40414250.pdf

[qtmspin]

Yes we're trying to remove the base, we have the bulbs out and the lense cover off. I've studied the manuals, can't find the way the base connects to the mast. I'll call today, see if u can get someone that knows

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Are you referring to removing one of the bulbs, or releasing and lifting off the cylindrical lens assembly ?

Here's an excerpt from the instructions:

Tricolor “quicfits”, comb. tricolor/anchor “quicfits” Series 40:

Remove light from “quicfits” base: New model after loosening the lower locking ring. Old model by compressing the two snap pins. Arrange electrical connection as described in the chapter ‚electrical installation‘. To simplify mounting use base to mark positions of drilling holes. Pay attention to right ahead direction when mounting. Fix the “quicfits” base with 3 screws dia. 5mm. The “quicfits” system allows quick removal of the light i.e. to prevent theft or damage when mast is down. The base remaining on the mast can be covered with the supplied cap.

Unfortunately the file I have is too big to attach to this message. It includes an exploded diagram. I can email it to you if you PM me your address.

The lens comes off in one piece. That's what I managed to break on mine.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by qtmspin

Yes we're trying to remove the base, we have the bulbs out and the lense cover off. I've studied the manuals, can't find the way the base connects to the mast. I'll call today, see if u can get someone that knows

Check around the outside of the base. If you see two small tabs then those depress to unlock the base. There are three screws that secure the inner piece of the base to the mast.

Why do you want to remove the base?

Most troubleshooting can be done with it in place since you have access to the wiring just by removing the lens. A few tests with a multimeter will likely tell you more than removing the base.

[qtmspin]

Diagnosing electrical 55 feet up in the air doesn't sound like fun, we would like to get it down, but will try again w/ meter.

I did read about the snap pins in the manual, couldn't tell what they were talking about, here are some more images. If you see snap pins, let me know. There is some flat head plastic screw fitting, don't know what that does either.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by qtmspin

Diagnosing electrical 55 feet up in the air doesn't sound like fun, we would like to get it down, but will try again w/ meter.

I did read about the snap pins in the manual, couldn't tell what they were talking about, here are some more images. If you see snap pins, let me know. There is some flat head plastic screw fitting, don't know what that does either.

Come on, where's your sense of adventure! 😆

The one pictured does not have the snaps...so its not a "quickfit" model. Looks like it just bolts to the mast head and electrical cable routes in the side of base.

Is that yours or a pic of a similar unit?

[qtmspin]

Same unit, not ours, unfortunately...

[belizesailor]

Which bulb is blinking?

Once you get it down wire it up to 12V, a few jumper wires with alligator clip ends are handy for this sort of thing, let it burn for a while and see if it flickers. If not, then the fixture is not the problem.

These fixtures are wired using a common negative wire and then a positive for each bulb. The metal posts holding up the upper bulb base are used as conductors.

While youre at it, replace those energy hog incandecent bulbs with LED. I recently installed a slick little LED bulb from Marine Beam which includes a photo sensor so it turns itself off/on at night/day automatically.

Keep the old incandecents as back up.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by qtmspin

Same unit, not ours, unfortunately...

On the quickfit models there is a terminal block inside where the wires connect to the fixture. Assuming this model is the same, you will need a small flat head screw driver to loosen (not remove!) the screws on the terminal block. These screws clamp the wires in place. Once loose you can disconnect the wires.

If you look inside the base you can see how the mounting screw holes are positioned.

So, to complete this job at the mast head you will need:

- A properly sized small slotted screw driver for the terminal block.

- Screwdriver for base scews (slotted? Phillips? Other?)

- A bit of small line to tie the fixture to your harness so you dont drop it when the screws are removed.

A small bag with a long line on it is handy to haul up those things you inevitably forgot. [emoji30]

[belizesailor]

These units are pretty solid so I suspect the problem is not with the fixture.

However, a number of the electrical connections in the fixture are held in place with small set screws...so verify those are tight.

Had intermittent problems with mine for years...short bulb life. Finally diagnosed as a mast wire run issue...one of the wires had been spot welded to the mast by a previous minor lightening stike!