Lucas Rita power consumption

baz

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #1

Can someone tell me what the power consumption is for a power hungry Lucas Rita please?

 

Peter R

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #2

If my memory serves me well, I measured approx. 4.5 amps.

 

marinatlas

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Nov 4, 2007

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #3

Dyno dave said 3 amp cold and 2.7 amp hot

dynodave/AGTS NHT ignition research

 

kommando

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May 7, 2005

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #4

I think the difference is duty cycle ie in a running state with the current switching on and off ie dwell vs static where the engine is not running. Duty cycle is the one to use for charging requirements, static for fuse and wire capacity rating.

 

Peter R

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #5

I checked the current draw in static (cold) situation, and the Rita is the earlier AB5 type, can this explain my readings ?

 

kommando

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May 7, 2005

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #6

Peter R said:

I checked the current draw in static (cold) situation, and the Rita is the earlier AB5 type, can this explain my readings ?

Click to expand...

Yes, see my post above yours, DC measured the duty cycle ie engine running with the dwell included.

 

Nortoniggy

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• Aug 17, 2021

• #7

I replaced my 40+ years old, ultra reliable, RITA after I got the Alton kit as charging at lower speeds with headlight on wasn't great and assumed that RITA was taking too much power. I bought a Wassel VAPE which is very nicely made and works fine but it didn't make that much difference to low speed charging. Biggest benefit was using an LED headlamp bulb.

 

Triton Thrasher

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Feb 10, 2009

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3,166

• Aug 17, 2021

• #8

My Wassell/Vape kit appears to use 2 A.