tach signal characteristics

jrs151

Seaman
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
52
Re: tach signal characteristics

I understand the advantages SCR offer in regards to the spike issues you mentioned, however my original intent is to avoid the poor voltage-drop characteristics of SCR's - specifically the anode to cathode path during the triggered state. Although more complex, I'll just use fundemental Ohms Law ( P = I * E ) to illustrate my point:
For example, look at the NTE5390 datasheet. This SCR is most likely similar to what exists in these OEM rectifiers. And notice the forward voltage drop rated at 1.1V which is during the triggered state of the SCR, aka allowing full current to circulate through the corresponding stator coil. Consider the coil is capable of circulating a full 25 amps, we have 1.1v * 25 = 27.5 watts of power (heat) being consumed by the SCR.

Alternatively, MOSFET?s can have as little as 0.2v in total drop, thus 0.2v * 25 = 5 watts. That?s about an 82% reduction in wasted power, heat, and magnetic drag on the motor.

Again, just theoretical simplistic math here, yet this highlights that the component with the lesser voltage drop will draw less Power from the stator, and thus less electrical stress of the system. Yet to put this into perspective, I admit there is no REAL substantial or noticeable savings here. It's just a point of running things more efficiently and perhaps extending some life and reliability from your stator and rectifier.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: tach signal characteristics

Remember the old saying, "mountains out of mole hills". I guess I ain't edacatted enough to understtood it all.
 
Last edited:

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Re: tach signal characteristics

Well, I only have ONE engine that I can possibly get a scope picture from. It is a '96 200 looper. The connections for the stator alternator coil is under the pack. Ain't lifting the pack unless I have to.

However, the grey tach signal wire is "gettable", and I will try tomorrow to get the pic of that signal. It will be from that grey wire to engine block ground.

Sorry for the delay.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: tach signal characteristics

The OMC/BRP water-cooled regulator-rectifiers have electronics that generate a square pulse signal of around 9 volts using a DVA meter. The unregulated rectifier only charging systems use a sine wave AC signal for the tach.
 

jrs151

Seaman
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
52
Re: tach signal characteristics

Well, I only have ONE engine that I can possibly get a scope picture from. It is a '96 200 looper. The connections for the stator alternator coil is under the pack. Ain't lifting the pack unless I have to.

However, the grey tach signal wire is "gettable", and I will try tomorrow to get the pic of that signal. It will be from that grey wire to engine block ground.

Sorry for the delay.

Daselbee - Very good, I would be very interested in your findings. But don't cause yourself too much work ... simply scope the grey wire relative to battery ground would be more than sufficient, thus this could be measured at the tach gauge terminals instead of the OB. Might want to take two measurements: with the tack connected and one without to see if the tach might change the signal characteristics at all ? as I?m thinking some tachs might have a pull-down resistor.


Getting a real-life scope on the grey wire so we all would know what the rectifier is actually emitting would be very helpful. My main questions are: ac or dc pulses, voltage range (peak), RMS duty-cycle (is it 50/50), then finally the wave form (square or sine). As far as the signal being square or sine, or somewhere mixed, I?m willing to bet that it is not as important as the change in voltages (the pulses). Many thanks.
 

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Re: tach signal characteristics

I'll get it....been raining, don't want to get scope wet....
Plus, now the engine is wanting to act up......ain't it always the way it goes....
 
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