The Beast!

Since the beginning, I have had a crude but effective regulator test machine. It has a Lucas C40, and runs at a constant (high) RPM. It works well, but is limited. A couple of years ago we were working on regulators suitable for Bosch and Delco dynamos. I got another C40 and rebuilt it. I added a switch that would change the field polarity so that it could function as either the equivalent of a Bosch or Lucas style.

Unfortunately it was still rated at 22A continuous output. For testing of a regulator, it can be pushed to 25A for short periods. But it absolutely will not go over 30A.

In late 2020 I decided to work on The Beast. It will have both a Delco generator and a Lucas dynamo. It is hard to find units designed for more than 35 amps. So, at this time I have 35 amp rated generators which should be able to manage well over that for limited durations. It will have a number of switches controlling things like 6 or 12 battery connection, Positive or negative ground, Lucas or Delco generator. Another switch is for safety interlock to prevent the battery from being switched into the circuit accidentally. Other switches are there to polarize each dynamo for when the ground polarity is changed. There are readouts for the voltage and current on the battery output, dynamo input and field drive at the regulator. There will be 16 high power resistors to provide the load. It will need up to 720 watts of load!

To make it all spin, I am using a 1.5HP 240V 3-phase motor with a Variable Frequency Drive. It is a little inconvenient that the VFD requires 240V supply, not 120V. But at 1.5HP, 120V would be barely up to the task. Fortunately my shop already had a 240V outlet (just one).

We are back!

We had an unfortunate break in our ability to fulfill orders, but we are back. All our merchandise is available, though we still are not converting customer’s own units.

During the hiatus, we were not completely out of action. Development of the Delco/Bosch style regulators proceeded, albeit slowly. We have prototypes undergoing field trials right now. Assuming they meet our expectations of performance and reliability, we will also develop a high-current version capable of 50 amps.

New production arrives!I

I have received the new RB-106 and RF-95 housings, as well as the negative ground AND POSITIVE GROUND regulator boards.  This means that I can begin assembly and burn-in testing of all SIX basic types of regulators:

  1. 5-terminal Quick Connect ("Lucar") regulators in positive and negative ground
  2. 5-Terminal Screw terminal regulators in positive and negative ground
  3. 9-terminal (screw terminal) regulators in positive and negative ground

I will list these regulators for sale once I have sufficient stock and take some beautiful photos of them. 

VTR THIS WEEK!

Tomorrow we leave for the VIntage Triumph Register national convention in Princeton, NJ.  We will have a leisurely drive over two days to get there.  But will come back home in one fell swoop.

Some of our wares will be available at a VTR Convention discount of 15% or slightly better (to avoid having to make change!).  We will be bringing some of the negative ground regulators in Lucar, 22A form.  I will also be bringing a prototype positive ground regulator in screw terminal, 22A form to be given FREE to a high annual mileage driver who has a C40 dynamo-equipped positive ground car.

We will also be bringing some carburetor mounts.  I will be attending the TWOA tech session on Wednesday and will show the mounts to the TR7 and TR7-Sprint owners.

See you there!

Gearing up for production of entirely new regulators!

We already have had delivery of new 5-terminal housings to our sister company in England (CDRC: Classic Dynamo & Regulator Conversions, LTD).  We are also about 6-8 weeeks from delivery of the first commercial run of the positive ground regulator circuit boards. 

This past week we prepared for these new regulator housings by fabricating drilling templates for mounting holes, access holes, and ports to pass the wires through the base to access the terminals on the bottom side of the bases.