Bluewater 22mm Momentary Signal Switch #516-9059-2118:

The Bluewater Signal Switch is named for its specific purpose: managing extremely low current signals (below 240mA). It's important to use it appropriately and avoid treating it as a standard switch.

This switch is primarily designed to interface with digital switching systems such as POCO’s S8, C-Zone, Garmin EmpirBus, Marlin, and others. These systems don't draw load current; instead, they detect high/low signals required for their control modules.

For this reason, these switches are momentary only. Currently, there is no latching version of the signal switch available. This aligns with the typical operation of most digital switching systems, which rely on pulse signals. A latching switch could cause mismatches, such as the physical switch being on while the virtual switch is off—similar to the issue with a rocker switch.

These switches are an excellent solution for adding remote physical controls to a digital switching system's frequently used loads. This allows you to operate devices without tying up your MFD, which can be a common frustration.

The switch is equipped with DayBright LEDs, matching the brightness of the 9059 and 9060 series switches.

This is a dry contact switch—not solid-state—which means it can work with virtually any DC operating voltage (up to 30Vdc) or a negative signal. The LEDs (with two emitters) have a voltage input range of 3Vdc–24Vdc, making the switch highly versatile and compatible with nearly all known digital switching systems.

Keep in mind, this is only the switch body. To complete it, you’ll need to order a laser-etched or stainless 22mm switch face and a dual-output connector plug separately.

The pin layout differs from other Bluewater switches because it has two independent LEDs with a common cathode (negative pin). The LEDs won’t illuminate unless pin 4 or pin 2 is connected (refer to product photos or the spec sheet for details). A common configuration involves wiring pin 4 to your panel backlights for blue illumination at night, matching the rest of the switch bank. Pin 2 (red) can then be connected to the digital switching system’s output, so the switch turns red when a virtual switch is activated on the MFD.

Please note that these switches lack a microcontroller. As a result, the blue LED does not turn off when the red LED is active. If both pin 4 (blue) and pin 2 (red) are energized, the lights combine to produce a purple glow. This color provides a visually appealing way to distinguish switches actively feeding current from those serving as remote digital controls.

Additionally, these switches have no built-in circuit protection. Accidental shorting of terminals (pins 1 and 3) can damage the switch instantly. Because of this, we cannot offer warranty replacements for switches identified as failing due to overcurrent. Please handle the wiring carefully to avoid issues.

You can purchase the 516-9059-2118 Bluewater 22mm Signal Switch here.