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Author: Subject: Classic voltage regualtor...what voltage?
tegwin

posted on 23/2/09 at 11:06 PM Reply With Quote
Classic voltage regualtor...what voltage?

I think the Voltage reglator that feeds my Smiths fuel and water temp guages has died on me...

But does anyone know what voltage it is supposed to give out?

Some sources suggest 10V, some suggest 5... anyone know?

Looks like this:







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trextr7monkey

posted on 24/2/09 at 07:24 AM Reply With Quote
Dunno but I think I have a couple in a box - off to work now but can check this evening if that helps
atb
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SeaBass

posted on 24/2/09 at 08:29 AM Reply With Quote
It's a bimetallic switching device that switches 12v on and off several times a second if you hook it up to an oscilloscope. Because the gauges are slow to react because they also work via deflection from a bimetallic strip they don't show any ripple.

The calculated average voltage is said to be 10.5V. Solid state equivalents are available on ebay and from classic suppliers.






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02GF74

posted on 24/2/09 at 08:35 AM Reply With Quote
^^^^ fishy is spot on.

it is mechanical so maybe worth taking apart to see what is going on - in theory it could be reparied, may be justthe contact need a clean.

there is a screw that sets the distancethe strip moves hence affects the frequency of opening/closing hence the final voltage.


.... but as ^^^^^ said, there are slid state regualtors avialable, even a replacment part is only gonna be acouple of quid, i'd thoight.






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Danozeman

posted on 24/2/09 at 09:18 AM Reply With Quote
I have a solid state one running my smiths gauges that runs about 10.5 IIRC so i would imagine your original would be the same.

Cost me about a fiver on the bay.





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tegwin

posted on 24/2/09 at 09:35 AM Reply With Quote
Agh thanks Looks like I will be ordering myself a 10V solid state voltage regulator and some diodes from RS later.....

Is there any way of telling which of the pins on the back of a smiths guage are +ve and which go to ground via the sensor? Its not atall clear!





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SeaBass

posted on 24/2/09 at 09:48 AM Reply With Quote
I thought there was a mark on the casing or the pin but shouldn't make any difference (apart from my OCD). As said they operate on a heat generation principle, so as long as current is passing should be fine...

Not saying you'd do it but make sure the gauge illumination is not wired through the regulator!

Great detailed views of the inside of a gauge here...

http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/fuel.htm

and further explanations here:

http://www.minimaniauk.co.uk/web/DisplayID/2142/SCatagory/ELECTRICAL/DisplayType/Technical%20Information/ArticleV.cfm

JC

[Edited on 24/2/09 by SeaBass]






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tegwin

posted on 24/2/09 at 10:00 AM Reply With Quote
Agh, that all makes sence...

Crazy to think that for years everything was done in such a weird "heath-robinson" style.. and it worked....Now everything is so god damn complicated..


Drove the Tiv for the first time last night up and down the drive... sounds good although the clutch is more of a switch rather than a progressive device LOL!





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