[Roadsters] Alternative to Bimetallic Strip Gauge Regulator?

[Joe Russo]

Diodes in series is a good approach. The voltage dropped across them will not
vary with load current.  Just be sure they are connected in the correct
polarity, that is, higher potential to the side without the stripe. If you
connect backwards, they will block all current flow to the load.

Joe

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 2, 2012, at 11:24 AM, RWM <RWM at RWMann.com> wrote:

> Several 1N4001 silicon rectifier diodes in series as a voltage dropping
method makes more sense than a resistor.
>
> In addition, a little extra attention to the OEM bi-metallic got it working
as designed, so now I have two options.
>
>
> On 4/1/2012 5:40 PM, RWM wrote:
>> Verdict:  The Moss solid state gauge regulator works fine, but is a little
"hot"; I'll be tuning it with a dropping resistor.
>>
>>
>> On 3/28/2012 8:44 PM, RWM wrote:
>>> Now that you mention it, Charlie, I recall that.
>>>
>>> I'm betting there is ~2V of additional voltage drop in a 40-year old
electrical harness and connectors...
>>>
>>> - Bob
>>>
>>>
>>> On 3/28/2012 7:26 PM, Ken.Smart at csiro.au wrote:
>>>> For reference.
>>>>
>>>> Those with long memories may recall Tom Walter's solid state voltage
>>>> regulator. I built one many years ago based on his specs.
>>>>
>>>> A quick read of the Moss Motors PDF indicates that it drops the voltage
to 10v
>>>> (unless I missed something )
>>>>
>>>> Toms original post is copied below from the list archive indicates the
need
>>>> for a voltage lower than 10 somewhere around 7-8v:
>>>>
>>>> > From Tom Walter:
>>>> I am working on a solid state replacement but don't have a good unit to
>>>> compare with.
>>>>
>>>> Charlie,
>>>>
>>>> There have been a few versions of the solid state regulator made up.  I
>>>> posted the version below, to which Lou in Australia pointed out a LM7808
>>>> (fixed regulator) would have saved me a few resistors. ;-)
>>>>
>>>> Barrie reported his roadster "liked" 7.3 volts, someone else cameback
>>>> with 7.6 volts, and my
>>>> car seemed to prefer closer to 8.0 volts for a fixed voltage to replace
>>>> the mechanically instrument voltage regulator.
>>>>
>>>> Have fun!
>>>>
>>>> Cheers,
>>>>
>>>> Tom
>>>>
>>>> wrote this a while back:
>>>>
>>>>> For the voltage regulator, those electronic hobbyist
>>>>> on the list should be able to make a simple replacement.
>>>>>
>>>>> Parts list:
>>>>>
>>>>> LM317T (T0-220 package)
>>>>> R1 (out to adj pin)  220 Ohm
>>>>> R2 (adj to gnd)     1200 Ohm
>>>>> Diode (Voltage to in)  IN4007
>>>>> input cap           0.1ufd  (disc  60V is fine)
>>>>> output cap          1.0ufd  (tant. atleast 16V)
>>>>>
>>>>> For the circuit, look at a LM317 datasheet. Check the
>>>>> LINEAR Databook's (Motorola, National Semiconductor, etc).
>>>>> The diode just prevents reverse voltage spikes from damaging
>>>>> the regulator.
>>>>>
>>>>> Mount the heatsink tab with mica washers (pin 2 is connected
>>>>> to the tab). Output voltage is apprx 8V.
>>>>>
>>>> >  Note: I think the system, as a whole, was temperature
>>>>> compensated. The electronic regulator may cause the gauges
>>>>> to read a little higher when it is HOT outside (haven't
>>>>> investigated this).
>>>>>
>>>>> Everything should fit back inside the original case,
>>>>> keeping a stock appearance.
>>>>>
>>>>> For thosee who are NOT electronic hobbyist, it is still
>>>>> much simplier to replace the OEM unit with one from
>>>>> NISSAN (about $13).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: datsun-roadsters-bounces at autox.team.net
>>>> [mailto:datsun-roadsters-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Roy
Haslett
>>>> Sent: Thursday, 29 March 2012 7:14 AM
>>>> To: Walter.Peterson; 'RWM'; 'Datsun Roadster List'
>>>> Subject: Re: [Roadsters] Alternative to Bimetallic Strip Gauge
Regulator?
>>>>
>>>>      Thanks for the great info everyone, my fuel and temp gauges have
been
>>>> indicating a little low.  This part should do the trick.
>>>> Roy
>>>> 67 low 1600
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