New Semi-Conductor Cut-out

[fundytides]

Finally my old original, I think, cut-out gave up and the generator wasn't showing any charge on the ammeter. Luckily, I had purchased a new semi-condutor one several years ago "just in case". I have installed the new one and my ammeter is showing charge again. Is it normal to have to adjust the charging rate on the generator after making this change. Going by my ammeter it seems that the charging rate is a little lower than it was before it stopped charging with the old cut-out. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[old ugly]

what is a semi conductor? is it a diode converted cutout ?

 

[katy]

That's all it is.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiconductor

 

[Herb Concord Ca]

Yes, most of the diodes used for this purpose have a forward voltage drop. The generator output voltage (before the cutout) will be greater than the cutout output voltage. So, you will have to increase the third brush voltage to get the same charge rate as before.

 

[fundytides]

Sorry if I confused anybody. Snyder's catalog calls them semi-conductor so I assumed that is right. Herb, thanks for the info. That's what I was hoping was the case.

 

[ndnchf]

Keep in mind the ideal charge rate under normal driving conditions is 3-4 amps. Really just showing a slught posituve charge is all you need.

 

[fundytides]

Keep in mind the ideal charge rate under normal driving conditions is 3-4 amps. Really just showing a slught posituve charge is all you need.

Thanks. The law here in Canada is that all vehicles on the road must display "daytime running lights" and if the vehicle is not so equipped then front lights of some type must be turned on. On the Model A, turning on the park lights (which are inside the headlight assembly) seems to meet this requirement. Therefor I adjust the charging rate so that with the park lights on, the ammeter shows, as you suggested, a very slight charge at road speed. Seems to work out ok since I seldom, if ever drive the car after dark.

 

[old ugly]

Thanks. The law here in Canada is that all vehicles on the road must display "daytime running lights"

I've never heard that law.

probably not in Alberta.

 

[katy]

Thanks. The law here in Canada is that all vehicles on the road must display "daytime running lights" and if the vehicle is not so equipped then front lights of some type must be turned on.

Daytime running lights are required by federal law on all vehicles manufactured or imported into Canada since January 1, 1990, but older vintage or classic vehicles built before that date are exempt.

Provincial laws may or may not be be more strict.