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Old 05-13-2008, 02:37 AM   #69 (permalink)
Randy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jpgmtech View Post
Here is something for further testing: In order to test an alternator's minimum charging voltage point, we would install a 1/4 ohm resistor in the main charging lead to the battery to get the regulator to drop to minimum output. The 1/4 ohm resistor raised the batteries visible impedance to the regulator, causing it to drop to minimum output.
Nah, that would increase the output, not decrease it. There is a voltage sensor wire on the alternator (most of the time separate from the dash light wire). The main output will go as high as it needs to to maintain voltage on that wire. To decrease the output, you need to increase the voltage on that wire, but it would be unstable if you didn't have it related to the output voltage. Maybe connect a AA battery to it? The current should be quite low.

About the Honda regulator... it might be possible to retrofit it onto another type of alternator. Other than the control wire, it's the same sort of circuit as a normal alternator. And like I mentioned, the control wire is the most basic sort: just ground for 12v, let it go for the normal 14v.
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