Need some electrical advice
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
After consulting one of my grandsons, that's what we think they are saying too....
In any case, I'm certain it's dead, so needs replaced anyway. I figure adding the capacitor can't hurt anything, so I may add well give it a try.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
You kinda need a capacitor to smooth out that ripple. And I'm fairly certain that the regulator died because it wasn't designed to run with no battery. I think that after your discussion with CE, I would be confident in running what they make for you.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
I would ask CE if the CE-208NB has internal capacitor, thus eliminating the need for one in your last drawing.
Last edited by Hackd; Oct 6, 2018 at 03:39 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
Hey man, How you making out?
Quick question, from the get go..... Was this an issue? Or did it work for a while then go south at higher RPM's. Have you tried a battery just to see what happens...?
Quick question, from the get go..... Was this an issue? Or did it work for a while then go south at higher RPM's. Have you tried a battery just to see what happens...?
Why are you guys so bound and determined to talk me into mounting a battery? I can see a clear disadvantage (having to have some sort of on-off switch), but what's the advantage? I feel like I'm missing something.
Edit: To answer your question, I can't really say if it was working 100% initially, but I think it was. I do know that after a period of time the dimming at speed problem got progressively worse, until it finally more or less died.
Last edited by 0maha; Oct 8, 2018 at 04:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,197
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
I think it's cool without the battery. You just need the right regulator. Maybe a capacitor, but definitely the right regulator.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
Not trying to push you into anything. Just a process of elimination is all... Have you done an AC rest on the alternator. 1000 RPM = 16-20 vac and 2000 RPM= 32-40vac.. just to confirm proper operation....
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Oct 9, 2018 at 11:07 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
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From: Canton, Michigan
The capacitor in your last drawing acts like a battery in the circuit. It also smooths out the voltage/power requirements from your lighting.
I'm with Dr. Hess: You don't need a battery, just the correct VR.
I'm with Dr. Hess: You don't need a battery, just the correct VR.