I've been researching LOW-RPM alternators, and found a great site with a bunch of info on External Voltage Regulators, HD versions, adjustable, and ones with warning lamp driver circuits.

http://jnelectric.com

You want B-circuit, large frame, etc.

Look for P/Ns:

230-14004 REGULATOR - $68.00 Voltage: 12 volts, B-Circuit, Activation: Ignition, Diagram Number: 1-39, Alternator Family: Ford Externally Regulated Large Frame - Passenger, Unadjustable, Set Point: 14.3, Application: Ford Alternators

230-14010 for Extra Heavy Duty, Adjustable Version, with Dual 8A Power Transistors, Extra Heat Sinking.

230-14008 has 10A lamp driver

230-14000 is the standard one, with 14.5v setpoint

230- 14009 is Digital Dash Compatible, Fault Protection Against Shorted Rotors, etc.

Does anyone know what the A or B circuit thing is?

I understand the excitation issue a little, but do we care how it is accomplished?

Kevin

 

Just what I was looking for.........Thanks!

 

On an "A circuit", the regulator controls how much ground is applied to the fields for regulation.

On a "B circuit", the regulator controls how much battery is applied to the fields for regulation.

If you do not find the fields grounded to the housing, it is an A circuit. If the fields are grounded to housing, it is a B circuit, as a rule of thumb. jd

 

Voltage Regulators from the wine country:


NAPA, Mileage Plus Electrical MPE VR440SB, fits everything up to 90 Amp, Transistorized, Except High Temperature, Bucks15.42,


NAPA, Echlin, ECH VR440, no info, bucks45.52


NAPA, Echlin ECH VR428, 70 and 90 amp, Bigger box, Black, relay style?, Bucks29.32


NAPA, Echlin ECH VR424, 105 and 70 and 90 Amp Alternator, Bucks51.64, Rectangular black box unlike the stock ones.

Connector - Voltage Regulator with four wires
Echlin, ECH VRC428, Motorcraft Alternator

Note: The link up above is no longer a direct one. They make you get a customer number or some such thing.


Kevin

 

Bump. Bringing this back for the hot-battery discussion.
I believe voltage regulators are set too high for very hot-weather use, and for long distance trips.
Seasonal adjustability might be nice for those in extreme climates.

Prices above are from 2010. I don't know if those are still available.

Here are some current HD external voltage regulators. Not for 3G alternators ("A" Circuit).

F540XHD/AFD6018 Looks bulletproof. (Guessing that there is an adjustment under the black plug.)

AFD6028/V1200 This is really nice, with 13-16v adjustment. We might want 13.2 - 14.8v seasonally, depending on use.

Source: https://issuu.com/arrowheadep/docs/componentscatalog/44