Model B battery and generator output.

[BenW]

Hello from the foggy east coast of Yorkshire,
Could I ask you learned Arielologists for your opinion on the electrical charging circuit fitted to a Model B. I am intending to use a HAWKER ENERGY CYCLON 6V 5Ah Battery (0809-0012) because wet batteries never last for long when not used regularly.

“The Hawker cyclon range is designed for use in applications where high rate, high temperature and fast charge is required. Charging for single cells and monoblocs - 2.35 to 2.5V/cell cyclic, 2.27 to 2.35V/cell float charge voltage. Ultra-fast recharge, up to 95% charged in less than one hour (no current limit) ”

With the machine running fast and all lights on I am seeing about 8Volts on a DVM and 3Amps flowing into the battery, which I think might be too much.

So should I convert the regulator to electronical?
If so what would you recommend?
Or just wrap some rags around the battery to stop shrapnel and risk it for a biscuit? (My preferred strategy on most thing)

Best regards,
BW

[paul.jameson]

From what I can see in your photo, you don't have a regulator, just a 3 brush dynamo with its integral cutout. Somewhere, originally in the headlamp by the light switch there should be a wire resistor which is there to give you a reduced charge when it is switched in. These old systems do not work well which is why the original voltage regulator, introduced for the 1937 model year, was such a vast improvement.

It is possible to remove the third brush, cutout, resistor, etc and fit an electronic regulator. I think your charging will be made much more reliable if you do this.

[nevhunter]

Give it a go with the 3rd brush set at the lowest charge rate or remove the armature and leave all other bits there for looks and charge the battery when needed to look after it. Nev

[MGriffin]

Hello, I bought one of these regulators to convert my MDB Magdyno to a convential 2 brush set up.
https://www.motorenparts.com/regulator- ... -rim-e5329

[Chris Sealy]

The Hawker Cyclon battery is a lead/acid type, with the plates separated by an electrolyte soaked mat; and formed into a spiral. This results in a tube shaped cell. They are not known to produce shrapnel. However if persistently over charged they will vent to atmosphere. This will shorten its life span. Are you sure that you are getting a three amp charge with the lights on. This sound almost too good to be true. Don't rely on the bikes ammeter. As they age, the internal magnet weakens, resulting in an optimistic reading. If the reading proves to be true, you could try fitting higher wattage lamps to absorb the excess. Cheers, Chris.