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Alternator Improver |
Scott Moody - smoody@redstone.army.mil
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Introduction |
Here is a low-cost way to increase the output of your GN's alternator. You can set the output voltage to whatever you desire within reason and have it operate via a switch. It requires some parts that are available at Radio Shack or other electronics parts outlets. The basic operating principle is that this scheme utilizes the "sense" terminal of the alternator's regulator. The function of this "sense" is to do just that; to sense actual battery voltage and adjust alternator output accordingly. In stock configuration it is connected internally and regulates the voltage at the alternator output. What we want to do is to ratio the sensed voltage to some lower number, in effect "fooling" the regulator to perceive a decrease in voltage. The corrective action taken will then be to increase output voltage. This may or may not increase your performance. |
Circuit Diagram |
Circuit Operation |
The circuit operation is pretty simple following the potentiometer rule. Vbat is the open-circuit (no-load) voltage, the actual system voltage will be lower. The design equation:
Vbat = Vs x (R1 + R2)/R2 Vs is the alternator regulated voltage, i.e. the voltage at the stock alternator bat terminal, usually around 13.6 volts. For the 0.25 watt resistors R1 and R2, keep the sum of R1 + R2 to 2500 or greater. |
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