Topic: electronic/solid stat4e REG/REC

[cben750f0]

ok had a look round and really cant find a definite solid state Reg/Rec that ppl like, and i was going to build one but i can seem to find the right wattages, and voltages for the components, though could build it, i wouldnt know why it worked, so i am asking what ppl recommend/used/like/make/model and brand of after marked Reg/Recs, where to get them, and fitting.... go crazy guys, and tell me your opinions... peace

[CETME]

I just bought an Electrex RR....

It plugged right into where the rectifier plug goes, and uses the Black and White wires from the regulator....

[jbailey]

I installed an electronic voltage regulator on my 75 550.  It is working great.  I get a steady 14.2 volts now from about 1800 RPM up.  The old VR was all over the place.

What I did was to use a KEM KVR502 that I got from JC Whitney for $10.  It is originally for a 1976 Porsche 911 and fits many other cars of the era.  There are three wires which connect directly to the three from the old VR, however the colors are different.  I can look and see the colors if you are interested.  You can also buy the part locally from Autozone for $29.  It is a Wells VR650.  Same part, different manufacturer.  I got it from Whitney because I was ordering other stuff and it was way cheaper than from a local vendor.  Actually, if you order the part and pay the shipping it is still cheaper than local.

If you need the rectifier it can be made from radio shack parts for under $10 also.

Of course, this takes a little electrical know how.  The wire colors do not match.  It's not hard to do, but you have to connect it correctly.  If you want advice, just ask.  If you aren't sure you can do this, don't risk damaging your very expensive alternator.  Just buy the Electrex, it's easy but costs over $100.

[cben750f0]

mate as long as its explained, i can do it... so if you are willing to let me know what wire goes were, i have enough electronics experience to put it together... i printed out the diagram for the build yourself regulator, but couldnt find a value for the set on test resistor, and there was no value for the wattage of all the components, but if i can buy one and some one can tell me which wire goes were i can do that too... so J if you are up for it , run me though the fitting.. thanks mate..peace

[eldar]

Something like this would be good in the FAQs.

New R/Rs are pricey. So having something like this would be a boon to us.

Maybe some instructions and pics on building one may be in order.

Just a thought.

[jbailey]

No problem with the wiring.  I will look up the color's for you.  There are only three wires, so it's really not hard to do.  I had to move things around a little to mount the new VR which was the hardest part of the job.  Mine has been working great.  My battery is always fully charged now and it holds a steady 14.2 volts from about 2000 RPM and up.  It's the best $10 I spent on the bike so far.  My old VR was not bad, but I was frustrated with the poor regulation.  I am a electrical technician so stuff like that bothers me!  The battery never seemed to be charged before.  I was ready to replace the battery, but decided to try the VR first.

[cben750f0]

just did a search on JCwhitney, and couldnt find that VR.... any thoughts?

[jbailey]

On the left side click on "replacement parts" at the bottom of the list.  Enter Electrical parts, 1976 Porsche 911S, Voltage regulator, and it will take you to the part.  Or, just click here:

http://webepc.com/cgi-bin/sewse?/u/www/webepc.com/cmm/scripts/epc19.cmm+jcwhitney

The part is actually sent directly from KEM.  I checked the KEM website and you have to be a wholesaler to buy directly.  Since JCW sells it for $10.76 it makes you wonder what their price is!!  Oh well, even with the middle man and shipping it is WAY less expensive than any other alternative I've seen and available replacements are at any autoparts store in an emergency.  If you want to support the local autoparts place they have them in stock for $30 or so.

[cben750f0]

how did you go with the wireign?... you said you were going to have a look for me..peace

[jimbo]

Has anybody tried this guy's VR or Rec?

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

[jbailey]

Wiring for the KEM KVR502 or whatever brand (wire colors are the same) voltage regulator is as follows:


          Honda               VR               Purpose
          White               Green            DF  Supplies power to field.
          Black                 Red              D+  12V+ from ignition.
          Green               Brown           D-  Ground.

[jbailey]

The unit from oregonmotorcycleparts is basically an aftermarket VR mounted on a bracket that He made to make installation easier.  It's still way cheaper than electrex at $45 and He sells a rectifier unit for $45.50.

I got the idea to look for an aftermarket regulator after seeing this guys unit on Ebay.  The regulator he uses is a little smaller than the one I picked.  I wasn't able to identify exactly which VR he uses, but it really doesn't matter since the function of any of these regulators is very simple and exactly the same.  In fact there are diagrams on the net on how to build your own, but after figuring what it would cost to buy the parts and the time to build it, I decided to go with the KEM from JC Whitney for $10.  I think that that is about as inexpensive as you can possibly get to replace the VR.

[jbailey]

Sorry for the three posts in a row!

I just remembered that one nice feature is that when you install the VR you can cut down the plastic on the connector so that the female connectors from the honda will install directly onto the VR's male plugs.  This means you don't have to cut the wires if maintaining the bikes integrity is important or if you want to do a full authentic restoration someday.

[cben750f0]

thank you very much... will go and sort this out now... cheers