Re: EV good stuff...

[Paul G <neong@gte.net>]

>Paul G wrote:
>> how about a 1st generation Rudman Reg with the ability to set for
>> voltages between 11 and 13 volts and with a SPDT relay on it instead
>> of any load? ...operate the 12v "alt" light if the voltage drops...

Lee Hart wrote:
>There's the germ of an idea here!
>
>First, people like Xicor <http://www.xicor.com> make ICs that are
>potentiometers with a serial input to adjust them electronically.
>Replace the pot on the Rudman regulator with a Xicor and an optocoupler.
>Now you can adjust all the pots (simultaneously or individually) with a
>BASIC Stamp, or even a couple up/down pushbuttons depending on which
>Xicor part you use.
>
>This lets you easily change the pots even if the regulators are potted.
[snip]

Yes, I like that. I was thinking about setting to 15v and potting up solid
(except loads). Then mount the reg between the battery posts without water
fear. The potting idea finally gave me a way to realize the need to reg my
Optimas. Your alteration of the idea has real value in this stituation.

While slick, I'm liking a Madman 3rd world charger and generation 2 regs
even more. Still, that will get me back to potting the regs. So your idea
may recycle into this well.

>Second, connect a relay coil to the regulator's external load terminals.
>Let's say the relay has DPDT contacts. Now you have two isolated outputs
>from the regulator. One set of contacts could be used to control the
>charger; when the first battery hits 15v for example, switch the charger
>to low current. The second set could all be connected to the dashboard
>ALT light. While driving, electronically set the regulator pots to 10v.
>Now the dash light turns on when the first battery falls under 10v,
>warning you to take it easy.

Yes, this is good. However, I was thinking of this as a way to use the
"alt" light for its original function (maximum transparency in use). So my
thought is to operate the alt light to indicate the DC>DC converter has
gone out, just as the light is supposed to work to tell you that your
alternator is no longer charging (only better, the alt light often doesn't
come on when the alternator reg fails).

My Buggy has no 12v accesory battery, I would find out *real* quick if I
ever didn't have the Todd working. My VW Pickup project will have a U-1
battery to assist the DC>DC (I will be able to exceed the 20 amp output of
my DC>DC). I could loose the DC>DC and not know until I was stranded during
the day (I'm sure at night the headlights will tell the story right away).
This is the foundation of my relay/reg/alt light plan.

Neon