Batteries...

[David S]

Folks, Two good news stories regarding Batteries and Rectifier/Regulator Units.

First the R&R:-
Being a prototype my bike was originally fitted with the 1970s type system which comprised just a three phase bridge rectifier and two Zener diodes in parallel. To prevent battery overcharge I always needed to run with lights (no great problem, of course) but battery management was non-optimal and when it packed up I decided a modern replacement would be appropriate.

After a bit of internet research and discovering a plethora of options I chose the A-Reg Three 3 phase regulator/rectifier (for up to 200W) designed and produced by NanoControls, Dereham and sold by A.O.Services, Thetford for £35.00. Al Osbourn was most helpful with checking out installed performance (voltages : currents : rpm) via email in the upgrade process. See http://aoservices.co.uk

And finally the battery:-
Dave K brought some Fullriver HGL20-12 'half size' 20Ah batteries into the UK 10 or more years ago and I opted to try one. . It was certainly man enough for the job and was much easier to fit being only l x w x h = 181mm x 77mm x 167mm. These were AGM sealed lead acid batteries. I think Dave K charged £50. The terminals are M5 screws so adaptors need to be made up. I recently decided to renew but the UK distributor wanted £150 so I turned to the European distributor in Belgium; Long story short: about £50 delivered. See http://fullrivereurope.com. Plus a small bonus: the battery has 10% more capacity than the original for the same form factor: the part number is now HGL22-12

DWS