99.99% of electronic alternator regulators pulse-width modulate the field current, making the power dissipation in the transistor moot. Linear regulators are never used by oems; only in a few after-market specialized regulators, like Leece-Neville.

However, I have some experience replacing vibrating-point electromechanical regulators with more modern over-the-counter electronic ones in boats, aircraft, and tractors. The electronic ones are much more reliable, regulate the battery charging voltage better, and are less noisy than the electromechanical ones. You can get a generic electronic regulator at an auto-parts store for about ~$20.

 

99.99% of electronic alternator regulators pulse-width modulate the field current, making the power dissipation in the transistor moot. Linear regulators are never used by oems; only in a few after-market specialized regulators, like Leece-Neville.

However, I have some experience replacing vibrating-point electromechanical regulators with more modern over-the-counter electronic ones in boats, aircraft, and tractors. The electronic ones are much more reliable, regulate the battery charging voltage better, and are less noisy than the electromechanical ones. You can get a generic electronic regulator at an auto-parts store for about ~$20.

Linear field control has been pretty much ubiquitous in DIY builds, and dates back to early germanium power transistors.

I think PWM has started to make inroads into the DIY side of things - but there are far less electromechanical units around that need upgrading.

There is also the aspect of keeping a vintage vehicle as original as possible, a solid state regulator would only be fitted if there was no possibility of getting the original part.

 

...There is also the aspect of keeping a vintage vehicle as original as possible, a solid state regulator would only be fitted if there was no possibility of getting the original part.

You can buy electronic regulators that hide inside the same can as the oem electromechanical regulator; e.g. Lucas for the British Car Nuts. You would have to remove the cover to discover that there are no relays inside.

Reminds me of a joke: Why do the Brits drink warm beer?

Answer:Lucas makes their refrigerators.

 

You can buy electronic regulators that hide inside the same can as the oem electromechanical regulator; e.g. Lucas for the British Car Nuts. You would have to remove the cover to discover that there are no relays inside.

Reminds me of a joke: Why do the Brits drink warm beer?

Answer:Lucas makes their refrigerators.

We were putting all our resources into beating Hitler, while certain other people were making sure everyone had a fridge and waiting for the film units to get to Europe.

 

We were putting all our resources into beating Hitler, while certain other people were making sure everyone had a fridge and waiting for the film units to get to Europe.

Not as I remember history. The US was building ships, tanks, B17s, and sending them to England at the same time as fighting in the Pacific...

btw-I was born in Prague during the Nazi occupation. My grandfather died at the hands of the Nazis (for helping Jewish folks escape).

 

Not as I remember history. The US was building ships, tanks, B17s, and sending them to England at the same time as fighting in the Pacific...

btw-I was born in Prague during the Nazi occupation. My grandfather died at the hands of the Nazis (for helping Jewish folks escape).

Most of America was isolationist, but a significant contingent wanted to join the Axis side, apparently they didn't realise America was just a little way further down Hitler's hit list. At least 3 German aircraft manufacturers had been contracted to start work on the "Amerikabomber" and Hitler had ordered his rocket scientists to start work on a V2 long range booster stage that could reach the US - and the Germans were actually a lot closer to a viable nuke than they realised!

At the very start, America was selling strategic materials to anyone who waved money under their nose - as I understand the documentaries, the event that changed that was the loss of American civilians on a passenger liner that was deemed to be a troop ship by an over eager U-boat captain.

America didn't join the war to do us any favours, they were isolationist right up to the Japanese attack on pearl harbour. Before the war started anywhere, Hitler had signed a treaty with Japan - that obliged him to issue a formal declaration of war on America one week later.

In the final tally - Russia did most of the heavy lifting and paid the highest price in casualties, while America had the lowest casualties and made the most profit.

 

... as I understand the documentaries, the event that changed that was the loss of American civilians on a passenger liner that was deemed to be a troop ship by an over eager U-boat captain.

You are mixing up WW1 and WW2.

 

You are mixing up WW1 and WW2.

The Germans had U-boats and over zealous captains in both wars - with similar results.

And in both wars, the American foreign policy was; profit profit profit.............