Zener x 2?

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Snakepit

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I am using a 192 Watt alternator along with a solid state rectifier on my 73 commando. Just wondering if I should run an extra zener diode in parallel to the one zener to regulate the voltage. thoughts?
 
Nature always takes the path of least resistance....vitually all the current will go thru one...the other will do little or nothing. The same principle applies to trying to run 10 amps thru two 5 amp relays....one hogs all the current, the other idles. Trying to fire two plugs off the same coil circuit....same thing, one fires, the other stands by.
 
Snakepit said:
Did some reading on it....apparently not.
Click to expand...

You can, if you connect the zeners as shown (RM23 alternator, JPN/850 MkIII).
http://www.nortonownersclub.org/support ... alternator
Zener x 2?
 
I am using twin Zeners with the RM23 Alternator as per what LAB says,but also using twin Bridge rectifiers,works for me.
Brett
 
Don't pretend to know electrics , but i remember being told by a leccy guru that you need the two to be a matched pair or you are wasting your time .

Not much more expensive to put modern replacement kit on that does the job is it ?
 
I agree with the circuit given by LAB.....not the usual parallel arrangement I and others objected to.

As far as doing a parallel arrangement with "matched" zeners, It is doubtful such a perfect match could be obtained in practice, and the comments of my first post applies. Better to follow Chillys suggestion and go with a modern rectifier/regulator. I am thinking of using the Boyer Powerbox.
 
chilly said:
Don't pretend to know electrics , but i remember being told by a leccy guru that you need the two to be a matched pair or you are wasting your time .
Click to expand...

It's only necessary to have a matched pair of zeners when they are connected to the DC side of the rectifier.
 
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