I built an solid-state VR based on Tom's tips, I get the most accurate water
temp readings at about 8V. Fuel readings may suffer but I can live with
that. I haven't seen any ill effects from lack of temperature compensation,
but the climate is pretty mild here (98 today).
Todd Osborn
San Jose, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "John F Sandhoff" <sandhoff@csus.edu>
To: "Tom Duffy" <tomuo@pacbell.net>
Cc: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 4:05 PM
Subject: Gauge Voltage regulator
> It was written:
> > On an electrical note, I have refitted the guage voltage regulator
> > with a solid-state (electronic) regulator...
> > I never had a working one to find out what the average output
> > voltage is..
>
> I believe the average is around 6 volts. The VR provides a square wave
> output at about a 50% duty cycle alternating between zero and battery
> voltage.
>
> An interesting note is that the original bimetallic mechanism also acts
> as a temperature compensator. The gauges work by bimetallic strips
> as well; internal coils heat a metal strip and move the pointer. In colder
> weather it takes more power to get the same movement. Thus, in colder
> weather the mechanical regulator, itself being heat-sensitive,
automatically
> provides more power (longer 'on' time) when cold and less when hot.
>
> At least, that's what I've read...
>
> -- John
> John F Sandhoff sandhoff@csus.edu Sacramento, CA
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