Voltage regulator

Paul from Maine

Paul from Maine

Senior Member
How does the 6 volt, + ground voltage regulator offered by Fun Projects work? I was reading the installation instructions on their web site and they require you to turn on your headlights to adjust the third brush. I have sealed beam headlights that require a lot more than 7 amps. could I use this regulator with my sealed beams? Does the regulator truly regulate the generator or does it just protect the battery from overcharging while the generator puts out 15 amps whether there is any load or not?
 
Paul,
I have been using a Fun Projects voltage regulator on my '31 Tudor, 6 volt, positive ground with a generator for 3 or 4 years and it works just fine. I am not technically proficient about auto electronics so I can't discuss how it works from a technical standpoint.
I recall when I put it on that I adjusted the the charge rate with 3rd brush on the generator as per their instructions and it will charge to that rate when the battery needs it. When running with the standard (50/32 cp) headlights, the amp meter stays at about zero, then when I turn the lights off, the amp meter briefly charges to about 12 amps and then retreats to about 2 - 3 amps. Seems to work fine for me. I really like it.
Hope my experience is helpful to you.
Evan Lewis
 
There are other regulators that take the place of the 3rd brush, and ones that still use the 3rd brush.

I use the headlights for my regulator, I have Quartz Halogen headlights, my charge rate is set to +1 amp with the lights on-about 14 amps, when I go for a long drive after the car has been sitting I will turn the lights on after about 1 hour of driving ---it has worked for me for 20+ years, 14 years on the Optima battery, 12 years on the bulbs, never using a charger (except 1 time I left the ign on for a month --then 10 min on the charger--hand crank start) ---the "seat of the pants" regulator works for me, I have a regulator that fits in the cover band, but I am lazy and have been waiting for a problem that causes me to have to work on the generator--I have had that regulator for more than 10 years, and havn't touched the generator for 40 years except to adj 3rd brush. ---and a few drops of oil for the bushing.

For most people a regulator is probably a good idea,

It would be interesting to have a post on the methods and and operation of each type of regulator so the choice of the most suitable type could be made for each persons needs.
 
I've had one on my Powerhouse for 3+ years and it works great! Like the others have commented, when I first start my car it will go to about 12 amps and then slowly return to about 2 amps (after about 30 seconds) as the battery is topped off. Also, it continues to maintain about 2 amps when I drive with my headlights on.

They are available at www.funprojects.com or www.macsautoparts.com.
 
Paul from Maine said:
How does the 6 volt, + ground voltage regulator offered by Fun Projects work? I was reading the installation instructions on their web site and they require you to turn on your headlights to adjust the third brush. I have sealed beam headlights that require a lot more than 7 amps. could I use this regulator with my sealed beams? Does the regulator truly regulate the generator or does it just protect the battery from overcharging while the generator puts out 15 amps whether there is any load or not?
Click to expand...

The Fun Products regulator takes advantage of the fact that grounding the output causes the generator to stop producing current. They appear to use a chopping circuit that adjusts the percentage of time the generator puts out full charge. It switches at a very fast rate and the battery acts as a filter smoothing the output. As the load increases so does the on time until at full load the generator is always "on."
 
Paul, the max charge thru the Fun Projects regulator is 15 amps. The instructions state that if your amp meter shows a draw more than that, not to use the regulators. I have had them for a few years and love them. I also have one from Nu-Rex but it was a lot more work to install. You have to take the generator apart, and remove the third brush
 
I have tried 2 that are contained in the cut-out, they last about 7 seconds.. I've been using one of Tom W's regulators for several years, it works..
 
I have used the Fun Projects voltage regulators for years with NO problems.

I set the third brush for a 15 amp maximum charge for the 6 volt unit before installing the regulator. I use the 12 volt regulator on my roadster and set the third brush before installing the regulator for an 8 amp maximum charge . These regulators will charge at maximum setting until the battery is fully charged and then drop back to a 2 or 3 amp charge untill more charge is needed, like modern cars. There is no points to stick and the Fun Projects regulator is superior to the cut out.

I think that the halogen headlamp bulbs that fit the original sockets would be the best way to go, these bulbs draw a lot less amps and give better light. If you keep the sealed beam headlamps you really need a 60 amp alternator for best results. I really prefer the original generator and the Fun Projects regulator is the easiest way to go for regulated charge rate with the model A or B generator.
 
Patrick L. said:
I've been using one of Tom W's regulators for several years, it works..
Click to expand...

I also have been using a Tom W's regulator.

I like it because it actually regulates the current to the field. During daytime running when the battery is fully charged, there is little output required from the generator and the field current is very low. I feel this helps the longevity of the generator.

My Opinion,

Chris
 
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