Topic: FAQ testing regulator wires

[cwchan]

The FAQ Electrics says:

"C.   Resistance testing of regulator wires. 
1.   While the bike is not running disconnect (-) battery lead and Black regulator wire.  Check for 0 resistance between (-) battery wire and Black regulator wire."

If i'm reading my multimeter correctly, i get 2 ohms.  So It appears something isn't being grounded entirely? 

From viewing the wiring diagram for my 1978 cb550k, the black wire is the ground for a number of switches.

Generally, this is coming up because i have a truck-lite led that is flickering.  The flicker varies as the engine revs up. The flicker is more obvious when the turn signals are flashing.  Tested the rectifier and it seems good

[TwoTired]

The black wires in an SOHC4 are distribution of 12 V switched (keyswitch)

System ground wires are green.

If i'm reading my multimeter correctly, i get 2 ohms.  So It appears something isn't being grounded entirely? 

If you touch the meter lead probe tips together, what is the reading?

[cwchan]

If you touch the meter lead probe tips together, what is the reading?

I get 0.000 ohms

[scottly]

Generally, this is coming up because i have a truck-lite led that is flickering.  The flicker varies as the engine revs up. The flicker is more obvious when the turn signals are flashing. 

Is this the stock mechanical regulator?

[cwchan]

Is this the stock mechanical regulator?

Yes the stock regulator

[scottly]

The flickering may be due to the way the stock reg switches from full power to half power and back again. It's not noticeable with an incandescent bulb, but it might be with an LED. It's not necessarily indicative of a problem.   

[cwchan]

That was one of the things i thought it might be as well. 

I was considering oregon motorcycle parts solid state regulator.  From what i've read, the solid state switches much quicker so the flicker is not noticeable

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/SOHCfours.html

[scottly]

A solid state regulator doesn't "switch" like the stock mechanical reg; it supplies a continuously variable current to the field coil, depending on the load.

[Bodi]

I haven't put a scope on one but i expect solid state regulators use PWM control, also switching on/off but at a much higher frequency than the electromechanical type. Doing a linear variable output voltage output causes MUCH more heat in the output device and would not improve regulation effectiveness.

[scottly]

Yes, I also suspect that the SS regs use PWM, but between the high frequency, the inductance of the field coil, and the capacitance of the battery the switching is smoothed out to the point it is DC for all practical purposes.  

[TwoTired]

If you touch the meter lead probe tips together, what is the reading?

I get 0.000 ohms

Impressive.  What is the brand and model of your meter?