Bill Seward
Well-Known Member
I replaced the toasted Chinese knock-off regulator in Godzilla with another unit. Actually, this one (total cost - $14.95!) works better than the first one. It still gets slightly warm, but seems to keep the charging voltage a bit closer to 14.4V at the battery. So far, so good.
I did a lot of investigating and reading about voltage regulators, and it seems Shindengen has come up with a better way to keep our batteries happy. This has been around for a while, but it's the first I've heard of it, so I'll post it just in case it's not common knowledge.
Many of us with older Gen1's have upgraded to MOSFET units. These replaced the old type shunt units - which sent any excess charging current directly to ground, getting very hot in the process. MOSFET units also do this, but use a different way to switch the electric current internally. They run cooler, and more efficiently, but still send the excess to ground, which will eventually shorten the life of the stator (or so I read).
Shindengen has a regulator unit called the SH775. It is described as a SERIES regulator, which means that instead of shunting the excess power to ground, it opens the coils in the stator - basically turning them off. No high current goes to ground, the unit stays cooler, and the stator lives a linger, more pleasant life.
These units are exactly the same size as the FH012, and FH020 units we use, and are a direct plug in with the Furukawa connectors used with the older units. Mounting screw holes are in exactly the same position, so they are a simple replacement.
MOSFET units work great, but the design leaves a bit to be desired, especially that there seems to be a better way to get the job done. The SH775's are sold at Polaris dealers as part number 4012941. They are used in the newer model ATV's. Looks like they go for about $85.00, about the same as a MOSFET unit.
I found a supplier on Ebay that has guaranteed units for $45.00 free shipping. Ask, and they may knock the price to $40.00/shipped. They did for me... Here's the contact info:
store.powersportnation.com
or phone: 402-371-4002
I will post updates. Meanwhile, the MOSFET unit I just bought will be moved over to my Roadstar, replacing the shunt unit that is in it now.
Hope this helps someone..
I did a lot of investigating and reading about voltage regulators, and it seems Shindengen has come up with a better way to keep our batteries happy. This has been around for a while, but it's the first I've heard of it, so I'll post it just in case it's not common knowledge.
Many of us with older Gen1's have upgraded to MOSFET units. These replaced the old type shunt units - which sent any excess charging current directly to ground, getting very hot in the process. MOSFET units also do this, but use a different way to switch the electric current internally. They run cooler, and more efficiently, but still send the excess to ground, which will eventually shorten the life of the stator (or so I read).
Shindengen has a regulator unit called the SH775. It is described as a SERIES regulator, which means that instead of shunting the excess power to ground, it opens the coils in the stator - basically turning them off. No high current goes to ground, the unit stays cooler, and the stator lives a linger, more pleasant life.
These units are exactly the same size as the FH012, and FH020 units we use, and are a direct plug in with the Furukawa connectors used with the older units. Mounting screw holes are in exactly the same position, so they are a simple replacement.
MOSFET units work great, but the design leaves a bit to be desired, especially that there seems to be a better way to get the job done. The SH775's are sold at Polaris dealers as part number 4012941. They are used in the newer model ATV's. Looks like they go for about $85.00, about the same as a MOSFET unit.
I found a supplier on Ebay that has guaranteed units for $45.00 free shipping. Ask, and they may knock the price to $40.00/shipped. They did for me... Here's the contact info:
store.powersportnation.com
or phone: 402-371-4002
I will post updates. Meanwhile, the MOSFET unit I just bought will be moved over to my Roadstar, replacing the shunt unit that is in it now.
Hope this helps someone..