Voltage Stabiliser

[billlobban]

There is a good article in this months Practical Classics about replacing the voltage stabiliser with a solid state one from Maplins for 89p - might be worth a try

[mike.perry]

Might be worth a try, I can't get my Traveller fuel gauge to work properly or my MM elec. temp gauge to work.

[bmcecosse]

Never had any problems with em ! You've great faith in Pratical Classics Bill!!!!!!

[billlobban]

The nice pictures give me something to do while I wait for the snow to melt Roy. But mine was in fact duff and the 1st spare I replaced it with made my infamous temperature gauge flick like an indicator needle did make my fuel gauge read correctly for the first time though. Cured with the 2nd replacement. Havent tried the electrickery version but at 89p its worth considering note that my interest is nothing to do with being Scots
(also like The Automobile by the way)

[bmcecosse]

Didn't notice a handy Maplins in Aviemore - when I toured it in the autumn! Maybe hiding away in a far corner of that lovely MacDonald Centre ??

[Masher]

PC have pushed their luck a bit. If you do use an IC regulator, make sure you put a capacitor across i/p to gnd and o/p to gnd to avoid oscillation
Martin

[bmcecosse]

Oh dear- it's getting all complicated now! The original 'mechanical' stabiliser should be fine - if connected up right way round!

[billlobban]

PC have pushed their luck a bit. If you do use an IC regulator, make sure you put a capacitor across i/p to gnd and o/p to gnd to avoid oscillation
Martin

Oh dear- it's getting all complicated now

I'm inclined to agree Roy what seemed quite simple is getting more complicated by the minute but isnt that always the case with electrickery. Just as a matter of interest isnt that how the 'mechanical' stabiliser works? oscillation? so why would you need to prevent it in the electronic version - but then again I'm a simple mechanical engineer so what tha heck do I know about the price of fish.
(for information purposes only Maplins have a branch in Inverness near to large store operated by the great and omnipotant 'god' Tesco)

[bmcecosse]

It's a long way to go - to spend 89p. Unless you 'hobo' it - on a freight train - if they are running again!

[billlobban]

The superior being worships at the annointed place of the afore mentioned great god Tesco and can occasionally be coaxed to deviate from her normal devotions to go to Maplins or Halfords. But only if I grovell

[bmcecosse]

Perfectly good Tesco in Aviemore as I remember! Slightly restricted range - but all the essentials - biscuits, chocolate biscuits, more biscuits - and coffee!

[billlobban]

Why would you want to use the small local shop when there is a perfectly good alternative 30 miles away? Suppose they dont sell the right kind of toothpaste or cat food or something. Greater minds than mine have failed to fathom the workings of the female brain when shopping is involved

[katy]

One of my previous vehicles (1980 Ford F-150) had a mechanical type voltage stabilizer for instruments that always caused the fuel and temp gauges to flucuate. After several replacements and still the same problem I replaced it with an inexpensive electronic one that cured the problem.

[bmcecosse]

Think of it as a little pulse -gently beating - to tell you she is alive!

[billlobban]

If anyone is thinking of trying it the negative earth part number in the article is wrong. Part No is N38CA / TS7810CZ