Podtronics question:

I am in the process of installing both a Trispark and a Podtronics with a Lucas three phase alternator. For the sake of not wanting extra loose wires hanging around next to the battery, can I leave both the rectifier and Zener connected? I thought if the new system did not work out it would be an easy conversion back to the old single phase system if all the wiring and stuff were left in place.

you can use spade terminals on the pod and connect all the wires from the rectifier to the pod, than disconnect the brown blue wire at the zener and tape it off. you cannot use both systems at once.

What Windy said! I ran my Commando exactly as he described for several years. Finally removed the Zeners/rectifier a few months ago.

Only reason I removed the components is because I installed a CNW rearset which does not have a hole for the zeners and I couldn't deal with the thought of drilling a hole in those great-looking parts!

FWIW, the Podtronics doesn't work any better than the OEM parts. In fact, the max charge voltage was a couple of tenths higher with the OEM than with the Pod - around 15.2 with OEM, 14.9-15 with the Pod.

My question is then is 15v too high? My little LED voltage warning light is often flashing red and green to indicate too much voltage even with
the head lamp on.

SORRY - serious memory lapse and I should have realized it as I posted
I posted a volt to high! I just went back and looked at the notes I made at the time: OEM - 14.2/Pod 13.9-14.

My understanding is that upto circa 15.4 is a good charging voltage that will cover all the different battery types (older lead acid through to newer lithium based)

Anything over that is cause for concern, and would indicate an issue with the reg/rec or zener.