Add an alternator charge indicator

[theflyer]

Hi,
My name is Joseph and I live in Italy

This is a simple circuit that I made to add to my 2000 GZ250 an alternator charge indicator.

(All new alert indicators are placed on a small additional panel with three high-brightness 3mm red LEDs, see image).

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by theflyer

This is a simple circuit that I made to add to my 2000 GZ250 an alternator charge indicator

Alas, a little too simple, I think.

Since the windings of the stator are not grounded (unless there is a fault), you don't have a complete circuit to cause any current to flow through the three diodes.

I think the only thing that it might "indicate" is a grounded stator......which doesn't necessarily drop the output below a useable level. It certainly would NOT indicate a fault in the rectifier/regulator.

What kind of testing did you put it through ??

[alantf]

I don't think it requires any more earths. The 3 phase output of the alternator is converted to single phase d.c. which is what is feeding the indicator circuit. As the indicator circuit is earthed, it is at the same potential as the 12v d.c. circuit. I think that the diagram is somewhat confusing, & what it is doing is monitoring that the alternator is throwing out sufficient power to charge the 12v d.c. circuit. :??:

[theflyer]

Sorry for my bad English

Inside regulator three diodes connected between phases and ground realize negative pole (GND), the three diodes in my circuit (when the alternator charge) realize a positive pole independent from the battery (+D) that polarize the base of PNP transistor and cause the LED shutoff.
I made this circuit on a piece of multi holes board and it works on my bike than one year.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by theflyer

Inside regulator three diodes connected between phases and the mass reconstruct the earth,

three diodes in my circuit (when the alternator charge) realize a positive pole independent from the battery (+D) that polarize the base of PNP transistor and cause the LED shutdown.

OK, I think you are saying that other components inside the regulator supplys a ground for the circuit. I can see how that might be true.

Your circuit, however, will only detect power coming out of the alternator (stator) and will not be measuring what is really going to the battery........is that correct?

Or to say it another way, if the diodes IN the regulator fail or the regulator fails for another reason and sends no power to the battery, your circuit would still be happy as long as power was coming out of the stator.

[5th_bike]

Joseph, benvenuto alla tribuna della moto GZ250 ! :2tup:

Your circuit looks good, to indicate that the alternator works.

[theflyer]

Exactly, this circuit testing the efficiency of the alternator also provides a useful visual alert in case you forget on the ignition key and the engine is off



Simplified schematic of the regulator

[theflyer]

Hi,

Watch the new post (Easy Costruction and Installation of a FUEL GAUGE) in the section "How To's" for the second LED function description, the third LED is used for indication of oil pressure and will be described in the next post.