Re: Voltage Regulation, Re: 1959 Starflite

[rvpapasso]

An “A” generator has the field internally connected the armature output. The “B” generator has the field connected internally to ground. The voltage regulator for an “A” generator controls the generator output by bringing the field to ground or letting it float. The regulator for the “B” generator controls the generator output by connecting the field to the battery or letting it float. Most solid state voltage regulators are designed for an “A” type generator.

With regards to the ’54 Duo-glide…….

I thought the Duo-Glide did not come out until 1958. Wasn’t the ’54 the “hydra-glide”?

I have a 1943 WLA that uses a 3 Brush 32E. I added extra bullet lights to the rear and spots up front. The 32E as a 3 brush can’t keep up with the load since it is an unregulated generator with a very narrow peak range, falls off on either side with only one RPM producing max output. The 32E as a 3 brush is really an unregulated current generator that depends on the health of the battery to regulate the voltage. The battery must be able to handle excess current when it is fully charged which in turn becomes heat and boils the electrolyte in the battery. Hence never use a sealed battery with a 3 brush generator! One a good day at peak it is maybe a 10A generator over the narrow RPM range. Very hard on batteries since it is unregulated but in its day for the minimal job it was designed to do it worked.

I came up with a trick sh*t way of converting it to a regulated 2 brush without changing any of the field wires. This will gaurentee a stable output of ~7.2V across all RPM ranges and loads. Plus it will not cook a battery due to overcharging as the 3 brush 32E will do.

Let me know if you are interested. After the simple conversion you must still treat it as a stock 32E and not try to charge a dead battery and limit your load to 10A. If you exceed 10A whether it is left as a 3 brush or converted to 2 brush operation it will overheat and throw solder off the armature wires.