Up only Maxwell Nilsson

[petdoc4u]

I have a model 3000 or 3500 late 80s vintage windlass. It functions in up only mode due to the motor being wound in such a way that it is not capable of operating in a down (opposite) mode.
2 questions;
1) has anyone replaced their one way motor with a two way motor and if so please provide details.
2) the Maxwell control I have is an "up" only control which I would like to replace as its on its last leg. Has anyone replaced their "up" only control and what/how did you do it. (mute if I can somehow get my windlass to turn both ways.
Thank you.

 

[rochepoint]

Went to their website and they talk about a new motor, see the third item down here.....

 

[Xsbank]

They also talk about installing a reversing solenoid for old installations. I don't see why a 12 volt motor is not reversible? I did that for an old Ideal windlass with a second set of solenoids. Put the switches far enough apart that you can't step on both.

 

[Nomad Willy]

My capstan is reversable. Just swap the wires. I've done it several times to change the rotation direction and I just did it again today.

 

[janice142]

It was my understanding that all 12-volt motors can be run in reverse. You'll want to swap the polarity to make it go backwards. It's not hard.

Question for the experts: do all 12-volt motors work both ways? I thought so, but maybe not...?!? (just wondering)

Last month I wired a Fan-tastic fan I bought. It came with a one-direction fan and I wanted pull AND push. A switch on/off/on with six attachment screws and voila: my fan does both. Is it universal or was I fortunate?

 

[petdoc4u]

Thank you for your replies. Thank you for the lead, Rochepoint.
I also thought all 12v motors would run in both directions depending on polarity. I tried it and it didnt work. Further research revealed that it depends on how a motor is "wound" which determines if it can run in both directions. WHY? anyone would build a windlass motor in this way escapes me, especially when a 2 way model was also available. Cost? perhaps.

 

[Ex Sailor]

All DC motors should / will reverse if you reverse the polarity.

The only thing that I can think of is .... if there is something mechanical ie, gearbox design etc. that would prevent it from running in opposite direction.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Thank you for your replies. Thank you for the lead, Rochepoint.
I also thought all 12v motors would run in both directions depending on polarity. I tried it and it didnt work. Further research revealed that it depends on how a motor is "wound" which determines if it can run in both directions. WHY? anyone would build a windlass motor in this way escapes me, especially when a 2 way model was also available. Cost? perhaps.

Petdoc4u,
One very good reason. One can change the direction of the wrap on the drum. I just did that yesterday (by switching polarities) but I really don't know if it works better one way or the other .. yet. It may depend on how the line was woven.
I always lower my anchors wearing rubber gloves as a brake but I seem to remember reading about "powering down" on winch adds so it may have to do w that too. I know fishermen "power down" w hydraulic reel winches but that's w a hydraulic motor. And there may be other reasons too.

 

[Ex Sailor]

Thank you for your replies. Thank you for the lead, Rochepoint.
I also thought all 12v motors would run in both directions depending on polarity. I tried it and it didnt work. Further research revealed that it depends on how a motor is "wound" which determines if it can run in both directions. WHY? anyone would build a windlass motor in this way escapes me, especially when a 2 way model was also available. Cost? perhaps.

The risk with power down is that if the chain bunches up at the pipe, one could do a bit of damage to the deck or windlass unless it's clutched. My old Lefrans Tigress had the clutch on down. As to WHY ?, I have never seen a DC motor that could not run in both directions. A winding is a winding ! in a DC motor ..... ( AC is different btw )

 

[jleonard]

Went to their website and they talk about a new motor, see the third item down here.....

Wow, thanks so much for this website link. Not interested in adding a down capability, but I have rebuilt mine once and wondered if spare parts were available.