I Let The Smoke Out Of My Electric Motor

[Davemmm]

As anyone with a bit of electrical knowledge knows the secret ingredient in all electronic components is smoke. When the smoke gets out the widget stops working.

Unfortunately a brief puff of smoke and a smell of electronic burning has left my Jarvis Walker Watersnake stuck on flat out. The motor runs fine, the foot control still rotates the motor it just doesnt stop or change speeds.

I have checked the cabling to and from the unit and all is well. The problem is with the drive unit. This is a sealed electronic card so no hope of repairing it.

I have trawled the internet and cant seem to find a replacement.

Does anyone know if these are available or do I have to replace the whole bloody thing.

Dave

[micksfishn]

pm sent

[Davemmm]

Finally got my finger out and did something about the leccy.

Phone call to Jarvis walker in SA had the part posted up.

Two screws, four solder connections and a bit of heatshrink.

$55 and it seems to be going like a beauty.

Now all I need is a change in the weather.

Dave

Edited April 1, 2009 by davemmm

[Wantingaboat]

Dave i am impressed. Good job on the DIY repair. I have a JW watersnake too and i am sure its only a matter of time till i need to contact you for some advice on repairs.

[Jewhunter]

G'day Dave. Glad to hear you got it sorted.

Have you got the 50amp circuit breaker on the + wire to the battery?

I'm just wondering as to why she fried in the first place. Is there any way to avoid it in mine?

Cheers,

Grant.

[Davemmm]

G'day Dave. Glad to hear you got it sorted.

Have you got the 50amp circuit breaker on the + wire to the battery?

I'm just wondering as to why she fried in the first place. Is there any way to avoid it in mine?

Cheers,

Grant.

After having a close look at it there has been a breakdown in the circuitry. There is no such thing as completely sealed electronics with things like connections and heatsinks having to be exposed. With it being on the bow it is bound to get a little water spray over it from time to time and some of that has to work it's way in.

The circuit breaker didnt trip as the motor was still working fine it was just stuck on fast even with the footpad disconnected. I am presuming that the blown up bits shorted the relay closed (or something or other).

What i will be doing though is getting a quick release bracket. This will mean I dont have out with me on every trip and will therefore reduce the exposure it gets

Dave

[Wantingaboat]

Dave if thats the case then i would also be interested in getting a quick release bracket too. Can you let us know where we can get one from???? Cheers Mike.