Alternator Help

[Elitepete]

Hi, it's a 1959 Italian Elite.

[ducwiz]

Please compare these wiring diagrams with your bike.

1.

Duc_Magneto_Booklet_3.jpg

2.

wd-ducati-100-125-175-2001.jpg

1 is for the 200 Elite, US version, 2 for the italian version. Seems that the alternator/rechtifier/switch subcircuit is identical.

Can you please post fotos of your 4wire R-R? There are different versions available, so yours has to be checked if it is applicable for the winding configuration of the Eleite alternator.

Hans

[Elitepete]

Hi Hans, thanks for the reply.

The stator wiring on the Elite is like your second image, mine does not have an earth connection, the wiring is as shown on my not very good attached image, the wires are green, black & blue.

I have photographed the Rectifier Regulator but the image is apparently too large to add here [?], it has 2 green wires for the stator connection and red & black wires for the DC output. It has no markings or identification on it but was bought as a 6 volt 140 watt item. My original rectifier is a yellow multi finned device.

Could I use just the 2 'lighting coils' wires from the generator, and will this provide just 40 watts output? Or alternatively would it be better to obtain a later stator for a narrowcase for a greater output?

Again, many thanks for your help.

[attachment=0http://www.motoscrubs.com/forum/download/file.php?mode=view&id=6185]IMG_0315.JPG[/attachment]

Later Generator.jpg

[veloduke]

Hi

Unless the alternator is changed, you will be stuck with 40W of power.

The alternator and electrical load are balanced (as you say) through the lighting switch by adding more alternator coils as required.
As you want to achieve better lighting, perhaps LED lighting may be the way to go. Of course, this will then unbalance the alternator/load, and the voltage regulation (such that it is) will potentially be lost.

For minimal change, you could fit LED lighting coupled with the 6V reg/rec to restore voltage control and leave the wiring unchanged. (This is what I would try first).

If you want more powerful filament bulbs, then I feel a different, more powerful alternator is required and some rewiring awaits.
Then you go down the route of '12V or 6V'.....

[ducwiz]

This is the corresponding page from the workshop manual:

Ducati_Motoleggere_Monoalbero_ManOff_28.jpg

Indeed, there is no ground connection of any winding. The task would be to find out, how to connect your 4wire chinese R-R to achieve maximum power from the alternator. But as long your R-R is not identified, I cannot give any recommendation.
Apart from that, I fully agree with veloduke - 40W is the maximum power you'll get from this alternator. If yo need more, you can go for the 60W alternator used in the Monza and Mach1 models, which can be easily converted to 12V operation. You additionally need a cheap chinese 12V R-R.
If you allow for a bigger budget, you can choose an Electrex STK-160 (12Volt!), or a STK-161 alternator-CDI combo.

cheers Hans

[Elitepete]

Hi Hans,

I've now acquired a Narrowcase 60 Watt stator and would like to couple this with the 4 wire Rectifier Regulator, but the problem is how to connect?

Do I disconnect the stator earth connection and isolate it, and connect the other 2 wires to the AC input wires of the Rectifier Regulator, or do I join the 2 wires from the stator and connect then to one of the R/R AC input wires and disconnect the stator earth and connect this to the other R/R AC input?

I'll stay with 6 Volts and use LED lights.

Peter.

60 Watt Stator.jpg

Later Generator Schematic.jpg

[ducwiz]

The AC voltages at the two stator wires are 180° out of phase. By joining the wire ends you'll produce a short circuit, hence no voltage will appear across the connection and the ground point, i. e. zero power output.
The correct way to proceed is indeed to disconnect and insulate the ground connection, and to clamp it somewhere. This will protect the wire connection against failure by vibrations.

cheers Hans

[Elitepete]

So if I understand you correctly I disconnect the two wires from the earth but keep them connected together and insulated, and use the 2 leads to connect to the Rectifier Regulator?

This will then give 60 watts [or thereabouts] DC output from the Rectifier Regulator which will maintain the battery charge, and any additional power is dissipated - Rectifier Regulator is rated for 160 watts. Also this avoids needing the original additional wiring to increase the charge when the lights are switched on.

Will I need to change the ignition coil from an AC version to a DC version?

Many thanks, Peter.

[Bevel bob]

Hi Pete. I have had this conversion on my 250 NC for many years. You will need a 12v dc coil and the advance/retard unit with its points cam from a battery ignition bike . The cam has a different dwell from the mag ignition system.

[ducwiz]

So if I understand you correctly I disconnect the two wires from the earth but keep them connected together and insulated, and use the 2 leads to connect to the Rectifier Regulator?

Yes, indeed.
Your second question was answered perfectly by bevelbob.

cheers Hans