Switching Regulator

[mercurymang]

I'm curious to see if anyone has replaced their standard linear voltage regulator with a switching regulator. I'm thinking about doing it but would like to scope out the feasibility and availability. My thought is that one could possibly extend the life of their stator by not generating near as much heat. So anybody done it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Switching Regulator

What kind of motor? Year?

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Switching Regulator

Sorry. It's a '75 Merc 650 (3 cyl). I did a bunch of work this weekend on it and realized that one one my stator legs was out. So now I have to shell out quite a bit for a stator. Additionally I have added a few electronic gadgets and I like tinkering with electronics so I was thinking about doing something different than the standard linear regulator.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Switching Regulator

Worth a try -- but the original has worked for 38 years. Will you be around in 38 years and more importantly, will the engine itself be around in 38 more years. Not certain that engine actually had a regulator. May have only had a rectifier.

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Switching Regulator

Agreed. Yes, this motor does not have a stock regulator, only a rectifier. I was only interested in it from an academic perspective. I installed a Garmin depth/fish finder. It states it can operate at up to 20v. Usually a non regulated rectifier can put out 16-17v at wot so I think that part should be ok. I also just installed some gauges and I don't know how they will react to that kind of voltage.
I don't know that I even need one. I was just throwing that out there to see if anyone had ever tried it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Switching Regulator

My thought is that any regulation is better than no regulation. The only gauge that might not like really high voltage would be the tach since it is the only "electronic" device in the bunch. A voltmeter is a voltmeter and for marine use is typically pegged at 18 volts. Fuel gauge is a non-issue as well. As for the speedometer, the most damage you can do is pop the back light bulb.

 

[gm280]

Re: Switching Regulator

Not sure of your setup, but If your output from the rectifier is going to the battery (as most do), I think the battery will keep those higher voltage spikes in check... The battery is working as a capacitor in that respect. But design and build anything you want. It is your boat/motor after all... You could easily apply the AC/DC output voltage from the three phase rectifier to a variable voltage regulator circuit (something like an LM317, or LM723) and adjust it for around 14.2 volts to help charge the battery and forget about everything else then... While I too enjoy designing and building unique circuits, I don’t like building things for null usage...