Has anyone tried one of these regulators?

[nj-boatbuilder57]

I know that this is a forum for antique engine enthusiasts, so I don’t mean to intentionally introduce "modern warfare" into the equation….but:

…has anyone used one of these MOSFET regulators?

web info here: http://cloversystems.com/products/other … lator/drm/

Instructions here: http://cloversystems.com/wp-content/upl … ctions.pdf

Old-style mechanical (relay) regulators are obsolete, hard to find as NOS, and just about impossible to rebuild. This MOSFET-based device has better voltage regulation than a relay unit could EVER have, is small enough to fit under most cowls, and is reasonably priced at $104 (30A model).

To my eye, it’s a win-win.

Anyone tried one yet?

[amuller]

No, but this is good information. If one can judge from the website they know what they are doing.

[frankr]

Very interesting, for sure. I read through all the instructions with a doubtful attitude, and must say it sounds good. The price isn’t particularly great, as other options are available at lower cost. But the versatility and adjustability (and repairability?) are good features. It would appear it is made in California, USA. Gotta love that. I’d go for it, if I needed one.

[crosbyman]

I am no expert on regulators but it seems the Internet is full of these animals for a multitude of applications inputs and outputs and prices

https://www.amazon.com/Rectifier-Regula … HJWNSWKEP2

With some marine parts priced it seems at whatever the buyer can bear (bare), some parts applicable to a bigger buyer market (vs outboards) do seem to come at a much cheaper price and could probably do an excellent job replacing extravagantly priced " marine" components ex: Radio shack full wave 25A rectifiers can do a good job converting AC to DC

jmho

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[outbdnut2]

I haven’t tried one of those, and you didn’t mention the make/model of motor you want to put it on, but if it’s a 1957 and newer 12 volt OMC’s with generators, not alternators; the generator only puts out about 10 Amps, but this is same as old Harley motorcycles and there are many options made for them that I’m told will work on the outboards. I bought one of the cheap mechanical regulators made for a Harley for my 1961 40 HP Lark, and it works but was slightly too big to fit in the solenoid box enclosure, so had to mount it outside the box. Some of the HArley mechanical regulators may fit, but dimensions are generally not in online ads.

Here is a link to solid state and mechanical options made for old Harleys:
Dave

https://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_item … 4099.l9146

[nj-boatbuilder57]

quote crosbyman:

I am no expert on regulators but it seems the Internet is full of these animals for a multitude of applications inputs and outputs and prices

https://www.amazon.com/Rectifier-Regula … HJWNSWKEP2

With some marine parts priced it seems at whatever the buyer can bear (bare), some parts applicable to a bigger buyer market (vs outboards) do seem to come at a much cheaper price and could probably do an excellent job replacing extravagantly priced ” marine” components ex: Radio shack full wave 25A rectifiers can do a good job converting AC to DC

jmho

I COMPLETELY agree about things being cheaper when the words "Marine" and "Boat" are removed…..

That said, the link you provided (and similar such items) are called "regulators", but they’re really only rectifiers (diodes) and they’re meant for alternators, not generators. That’s why I was excited to find the MOSFET device; it’s a ‘real’ regulator for DC generators…..albeit at a much higher price.

[crosbyman]

True there exist various types dc to dc ac to dc

voltage wise I added 3 radio shack chips hooked up in parallel a few years ago to calm down high voltage spikes from my charging Merc Classic 50

My humminbird Wide was shutting down at around 16volts when my Merc was reving up

those little chips from RS handled anything from +12 to + 35 and put out a piss flat 12V at 1 amp each totalling 3 amps. MY depth sounder never failed after.

I guess what I am saying is that if one searches the Net you can "probably" find something a lot cheaper than OEM stuff… by using the proper terms..

I have left the dark side with my ETEC in 2005 …. I only have a 3.9 hp Merc on the garage floor and don’t use it. it is oldies for me now 🙂

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[outbdnut2]

quote NJ-boatbuilder57:

quote crosbyman:

That said, the link you provided (and similar such items) are called “regulators”, but they’re really only rectifiers (diodes) and they’re meant for alternators, not generators. That’s why I was excited to find the MOSFET device; it’s a ‘real’ regulator for DC generators…..albeit at a much higher price.

Very true, you have to watch what you are buying – on the link I posted a couple of posts back for the Harley regulators on E-Bay, the ones for the newer Harleys are for alternators, while the mechanical ones and anything else that is for 1977 and earlier (and a couple 1978 models) is for a generator.

Dave

[amuller]

I have not had much trouble with the traditional 3 unit relay type electromechanical regulators for generators. If they are not smashed or badly corroded they can generally be made to work.

As far as I know all the OMC DC generators are properly regulated. On the other hand, many of the flywheel alternators are not, and essentially count on the battery to absorb excess charging power.

It does seem that modern sealed or semi-sealed batteries are more sensitive to charging voltage, and perhaps are less effective at absorbing overvoltages. Plus, of course, modern marine electronics often seem to work only within a rather narrow voltage input range. FET type (series) regulators made for bikes and scooters may be a good bet for these alternators, compared to no regulation or the original shunt-type regulators.

[nj-boatbuilder57]

quote amuller:

As far as I know all the OMC DC generators are properly regulated.

Not at all. The faster you spin them, the higher the voltage produced….thus the requirement for a stand-alone regulator.

I thought about paralleling some LM317 regulators, but even with a TO-3 package, the current is limited below the generator’s capability….which is why I’m excited about finding this MOSFET device. Added bonus that it allows for a trimming of voltage AND current…..can feed the battery what it wants without worrying about cooking the generator.

Mechanical regulators are OK, I suppose, but they’re bulky and I’m hoping to keep everything underneath the cowl.

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