[Roadsters] Alternative to Bimetallic Strip Gauge Regulator?

[RWM]

Now that you mention it, Charlie, I recall that.

I'm betting there is ~2V of additional voltage drop in a 40-year old 
electrical harness and connectors...

- Bob


On 3/28/2012 7:26 PM, Ken.Smart at csiro.au wrote:
> For reference.
>
> Those with long memories may recall Tom Walter's solid state voltage
> regulator. I built one many years ago based on his specs.
>
> A quick read of the Moss Motors PDF indicates that it drops the voltage to 10v
> (unless I missed something )
>
> Toms original post is copied below from the list archive indicates the need
> for a voltage lower than 10 somewhere around 7-8v:
>
> > From Tom Walter:
> I am working on a solid state replacement but don't have a good unit to
> compare with.
>
> Charlie,
>
> There have been a few versions of the solid state regulator made up.  I
> posted the version below, to which Lou in Australia pointed out a LM7808
> (fixed regulator) would have saved me a few resistors. ;-)
>
> Barrie reported his roadster "liked" 7.3 volts, someone else cameback
> with 7.6 volts, and my
> car seemed to prefer closer to 8.0 volts for a fixed voltage to replace
> the mechanically instrument voltage regulator.
>
> Have fun!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tom
>
> wrote this a while back:
>
>> For the voltage regulator, those electronic hobbyist
>> on the list should be able to make a simple replacement.
>>
>> Parts list:
>>
>> LM317T (T0-220 package)
>> R1 (out to adj pin)  220 Ohm
>> R2 (adj to gnd)     1200 Ohm
>> Diode (Voltage to in)  IN4007
>> input cap           0.1ufd  (disc  60V is fine)
>> output cap          1.0ufd  (tant. atleast 16V)
>>
>> For the circuit, look at a LM317 datasheet. Check the
>> LINEAR Databook's (Motorola, National Semiconductor, etc).
>> The diode just prevents reverse voltage spikes from damaging
>> the regulator.
>>
>> Mount the heatsink tab with mica washers (pin 2 is connected
>> to the tab). Output voltage is apprx 8V.
>>
>   >  Note: I think the system, as a whole, was temperature
>> compensated. The electronic regulator may cause the gauges
>> to read a little higher when it is HOT outside (haven't
>> investigated this).
>>
>> Everything should fit back inside the original case,
>> keeping a stock appearance.
>>
>> For thosee who are NOT electronic hobbyist, it is still
>> much simplier to replace the OEM unit with one from
>> NISSAN (about $13).
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: datsun-roadsters-bounces at autox.team.net
> [mailto:datsun-roadsters-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Roy Haslett
> Sent: Thursday, 29 March 2012 7:14 AM
> To: Walter.Peterson; 'RWM'; 'Datsun Roadster List'
> Subject: Re: [Roadsters] Alternative to Bimetallic Strip Gauge Regulator?
>
>       Thanks for the great info everyone, my fuel and temp gauges have been
> indicating a little low.  This part should do the trick.
> Roy
> 67 low 1600