Power Take Off Socket?

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PhiloMcGiffin

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Feb 13, 2010
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Here's a picture... I can't find it in the Parts Book, but the Mk III Work Shop Manual shows it on page 173

Power Take Off Socket?


I have a late '74 (built 8/74) 850 Commando which has some Mk III stuff on it... does anyone know what this Power Take Off Socket is for? And how is it used?

Thank you for your assistance.
 
You can charge your battery through it but it is intended for any 12 volt accessory you may want to add. I'm not sure where you can find the male connectors that came with the new bike.
 
I use it to check batt voltage with a multimeter, to plug in a batt charger, and to plug in the power wires for a timing light. It's pretty handy as far as I am concerned. I have made up suitable connectors for those items so they can plug right in.
 
Now adays we have heated gloves, grips and clothing as well as communication devices and radar detectors so there are more uses than ever. Does anyone have a good source for the male connectors?
 
I just run an SAE connector wired directly (with a fuse on the hot side) to my battery. Use it for the battery tender and with an adapter could use it for heated clothing although I'm not sure a 220W alternator is really up to that given H4 headlight and other drains.
 
Isn't it a bit optimistic, or did you mean 120W?
I thought the upgraded version will just deliver 200W?
 
The male part is unavailable and does not conform to any US or European standard. I replaced the female part with a marine 12v accessory recepticle. See the thread below:

auxillary-electrical-outlet-plug-t4702.html

The new plug accepts a standard 12v automotive plug. Pay attention to the grounding disclaimer in the referenced thread.
 
Sparx 3-phase supposed to be good for 220W. If that's optimistic, it's Sparx's optimism, not mine!

Plenty to run the bike and nice bright headlight, not enough for heated clothing. That's okay, got other bikes for that.
 
I removed mine, as I was afraid the purpose was to short out and leave me stranded on the side of the road!
 
I find it really handy too. I got a replacement female socket (it comes with a male plug) about 12 years ago. I understand they're no longer available. However, I've heard they were also used on old Land Rovers. You might want to check a Land Rover parts dealer.

I did find this, it's similar, but I'm not sure if it will work.

http://www.thexmod.com/item_detail.asp?id=4487

-Eric
 
On the alternator claims by Sparx, they use the W=A x V formula but use 14.5V instead of the Lucas 12V. Their logic being 14.5V is the actual voltage, so they can claim a higher wattage for the same ampage output.
 
ha, I removed mine also. Think it went in the trash. No plug though so it was basically useless.
 
Ah, but if you enter your bike in a show and don't have the accessory socket, your bike won't be "complete" and you may lose points and not win a trophy! :wink:

I have the socket on my 750 (but don't have the plug). It did win an award at last year's INOA rally. I'm sure the socket had something to do with that. :)

As for running accessories, I don't know. I have the Sparx three phase alternator, electronic ignition, and H4 headlight on my 850. The alternator does not put out enough current below 2500 rpm to keep the battery charged with the lights on. I have to turn the lights off when I'm riding around town. I have a voltage monitor and at stoplights I watch the voltage sink lower and lower. On the highway it's ok. WIth lights off it's ok. I have an SAE plug on that bike but I mainly use it for charging the battery.

By way of comparison, over in the Ducati community, people complain about their 500 watt alternators being underpowered. Crybabies! :lol:

Debby
 
The 21-watt halogen pilot bulb from Walridge's is bright enough to satisfy the gendarmerie and doesn't overload my standard RM21 setup. I rarely run over 2500 rpm with ultra-tall gearing, and my ancient Sears battery almost never needs recharging. I do run a rotor-stator air gap of around .003"-.004". The PTO socket is great for charging or checking system voltage--I gently thread a drywall screw into the hot side for conveniently attaching alligator clips.


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
Three Commandos
 
debby said:
Ah, but if you enter your bike in a show and don't have the accessory socket, your bike won't be "complete" and you may lose points and not win a trophy! :wink:

I have the socket on my 750 (but don't have the plug). It did win an award at last year's INOA rally. I'm sure the socket had something to do with that. :)

As for running accessories, I don't know. I have the Sparx three phase alternator, electronic ignition, and H4 headlight on my 850. The alternator does not put out enough current below 2500 rpm to keep the battery charged with the lights on. I have to turn the lights off when I'm riding around town. I have a voltage monitor and at stoplights I watch the voltage sink lower and lower. On the highway it's ok. WIth lights off it's ok. I have an SAE plug on that bike but I mainly use it for charging the battery.

By way of comparison, over in the Ducati community, people complain about their 500 watt alternators being underpowered. Crybabies! :lol:

Debby
Click to expand...

To H*ll with shows. I entered my freshly restored '61 ES2 at the All Brit Clubman's one year got nothing. Later that year sold it and the new owner put it in the show the following year...won a trophy without doing anything to it. :?
 
illf8ed said:
To H*ll with shows. I entered my freshly restored '61 ES2 at the All Brit Clubman's one year got nothing. Later that year sold it and the new owner put it in the show the following year...won a trophy without doing anything to it. :?
Click to expand...

David,

You sold your ES2? Tell me it's not true! I've wanted one for a long time. That's what lead to me buying a Bullet (now sold). More recently, a couple of deals for a Model 19 and then an ES2 that were for sale locally evaporated on me. Maybe it's not meant to be.

Did you not like the bike, felt it wasn't practical, or just wanted something different?

Debby
(sorry for the thread jack!)
 
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