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Hi,

I am a little confused with the morini alternator wiring. It seems according to the wiring diagram that a red and 2 yellow wires come from the alternator. The red goes straight to the battery, the yellow feed the regulator, and then the regulator output will also connect to the battery??. I am just puzzled as it seems the battery will receive two outputs, the red wire from the alternator ( AC unregulated) and the output from the regulator ( DC, regulated). Can anyone explain please, or is it just me??

Regards

Robin

Yes, it confuses many.

The alternator is single phase with a centre tap (split phase), not two phase as is often said, although some would call it bi-phase. The input to the regulator is on the two yellow wires and the output is on the red. The return path is through the frame. The regulator works by using controlled rectifiers (SCRs or Thyristors). These are diodes that can be turned on/off and the regulator simply dissconects the alternator output from the battery at the regulation voltage.

A peculiarity of the Morini regulator is that it will not charge if the battery is too low. This could be seen as a desirable feature as it won't destroy the alternator/regulator trying to charge a battery with a failed cell. It can lead people to think that their regulator has failed. Having you light switch half way, so you're running both dip and main is a good way of running the battery down to this point.

Paul

Thanks for the reply, so the next question is can I use the morini alternator with a non-morini single phase regulator?. I am essentially rewinding my Kanguro alternator as per a standard 350, I assume with a standard regulator I should use only the yellow wires and not the red?.

Regards

Robin

Standard 350 (like my 77) is the same split phase, later 350's used a full bridge regulator (same principal though) and used just the yellow wires.

You can use another regulator with just the yellow wires. Some people have used Honda Superdream units I believe.

Paul

Many thanks I am now enlightened, as I hope my lighting system will be after my rewinding attempt.

Regards

Robin