Solid State Voltage Regulator
- Thread starter Ken/Alabama
- Start date
KGS
Well-known member
Old thread but there seems to be a need for a solid state VR.
Had a discussion at the cruise night yesterday with a guy that
has gone through two "chinese built, not to be confused with
good old American built", voltage regulators. So the question;
is anyone making solid state components that can be installed
in an original VR case like Ken/Alabama is looking for in this post?
This would be specific for 6 volt positive ground applications for
our Fords.
Had a discussion at the cruise night yesterday with a guy that
has gone through two "chinese built, not to be confused with
good old American built", voltage regulators. So the question;
is anyone making solid state components that can be installed
in an original VR case like Ken/Alabama is looking for in this post?
This would be specific for 6 volt positive ground applications for
our Fords.
tubman
Well-known member
My partner and I are making several 6 volt positive ground devices. So far, we have made a "black box" that allows you to run any 12 volt negative ground device (iPod, GPS, backup camera, etc.) on a 6 volt positive ground system. We also make a similar device that allows you to run a 12 volt negative ground tachometer on 6 volts positive ground, (a much more complicated task). If this looks like something that is needed, we could look into developing such a device (this is assuming that such a device of sufficient quality doesn't currently exist).
Attachments
Frank Miller
Well-known member
There was aguy in NH I thhink his name was Bob Jeffers. He died a few years ago but I've been running one of his units in my 49 for 4 years now at least. One little glitch is that it occasionally stops charging at idle, which is normal but won't start charging again until I restart the car.
Rustynutz52
Member
James Peterson did my 39 voltage regulator. I have run it for three years without a hitch. He did a super nice job. My car only has 50k on it so we did not re-plate it. Looks perfect!!
rotorwrench
Well-known member
I've used regulators from a company that makes bullet proof ones for the airplanes and helicopters. They are a small company and always seamed willing to take on projects and especially ones that may have a value to them in the power generation field. The company name is Zephtronics. The voltage controllers they make for the old Prestolite alternator design in 12 and 24 volts are the best units I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Put them on and forget about them. I haven't had one fail yet. Generators are a whole different animal compared to alternators but they aren't so different that they can share some design features. It certainly wouldn't hurt to call them and ask. They have always been friendly to me. https://www.zeftronics.com/
KGS
Well-known member
flatheadmurre
Well-known member
Building a solid state regulator that would bolt right into the old housing isn´t to difficult...
The thing is you need a big diode to act as cutout..2 fairly sized power transistors and and enough heatsinking to make it last...that cost money...so does making it survive voltage spikes...
Could make them 6 or 12 v selectable by a jumper but only positive or negative ground...can´t switch that ( takes Positive or negative transistors in the setup)
An estimate is that a good unit buillt to last ends up at around $200...and there everyone goes and buys the cheap chines units...lol
The thing is you need a big diode to act as cutout..2 fairly sized power transistors and and enough heatsinking to make it last...that cost money...so does making it survive voltage spikes...
Could make them 6 or 12 v selectable by a jumper but only positive or negative ground...can´t switch that ( takes Positive or negative transistors in the setup)
An estimate is that a good unit buillt to last ends up at around $200...and there everyone goes and buys the cheap chines units...lol
supereal
Well-known member
The original voltage regulators operate by pulsing the points, except for the cutout relay. If you buy a good quality unit, it should last a very long time. Mine came from C&G years ago for about $50, One tip: Be sure your voltage regulator is properly grounded. Most good units have separate connection lug for that purpose. Others depended upon one of the mounting screws, which often do not make good contact, and many ended up in the trash for that reason, even though they were OK.