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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NMPete on April 08, 2015, 11:09:36 AM

Title: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: NMPete on April 08, 2015, 11:09:36 AM

Hi - I am upgrading a Bosch 240W alternator system from the diode board and mechanical regulator to an electronic one from Euro MotoElectrics.

It has wires for everything except the wire to the dash charging indicator light ("idiot light").

Does anyone know how to install a diode or something to make the "idiot light" work?

Thanks

Pete

Title: Re: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on April 08, 2015, 12:43:15 PM

Did you buy an Endurolast EDL?
Which bike?
You could try wiring the light to the alternator DF that way it would indicate the difference between battery + and field. It would sort of work backwards becoming brighter as the battery charged up and less field is applied.
You could also remove the +12 from the lamp and run it to ground, it would work the other way, I suggest you just try it with a spare lamp first.

Title: Re: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: rbm on April 10, 2015, 08:09:53 PM

Bosch charging systems on BMW motorcycles have the charge indicator wired between switched +12V and D+ on the alternator.  This provides power to excite the field windings and create the initial conditions for the alternator to work. Check out these two works:

http://www.buchanan1.net/charge.html

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzitech.dk/pdf/charging-around-the-circuit-john-noble.pdf

There should be a connection labelled D+ to which you can connect the light.  As for the "light", BMWs have successfully been modified to use:
- incandescent bulb of about 3-6W
- 12V LED
- two series connected 56 Ohm 2Watt resistors

Title: Re: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: Moto Fugazzi on April 10, 2015, 11:17:52 PM

I would just add a volt meter and be done with it.
Ken

Title: Re: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: NMPete on April 11, 2015, 09:22:26 AM

Hi - Thanks for the comments.
Yes, I have an Endurolast rectifier/regulator - they recommend just adding a voltage monitor as Ken said.  This system uses both the DF and the D- terminals for regulation, so not sure if adding the light circuit will change anything.
Thanks

Pete

Title: Re: Charging Indicator Light
Post by: Moto Fugazzi on April 11, 2015, 07:46:35 PM

I have the Electrosport 510 on my 2001 V11S, and when the fuse melted, the charge light went on. That left me stranded for a bit. I have since added a volt meter in a very conspicuous place.
If the endurolast has a cheap looking fuse holder, you should think about replacing it.
Ken