ATC185S 200S DC Conversion for LED
Since I got my 185 going again, I got around to converting it to DC power. This should work on any of the 185/200 hardtails.
I bought a cheap reg/rec from Ebay, and a large capacitor. Yes, I now realize the capacitor may be to low a voltage and possibly fail. I've got a 16v one on the way. I realized this when I seen the reg/rec is keeping voltage near 15.
I made a harness, so this is completely plug and play. No modifications to the stock wiring and the entire system is now DC. Harness plugs directly into stator plug, runs AC to the reg/rec, then DC back to the harness that used to plug into the stator. The capacitor is tapped in between the reg/rec and harness. I need to install a fuse, but didn't have one today. Will pick one up and install near the capacitor positive.
The reg/rec and capacitor can be mounted in many locations, I chose the rear of the frame because I'm not using a stock exhaust, it's open to airflow, and I didn't have to run a single wire forward of the stator connector. No extra mess of wires near the headlight to deal with. It's a four wire reg/rec. Didn't need a five wire with sensing for this application.
I've just mounted the capacitor with a hose clamp for the time being. Wanted to get everything working before I buy or make some type of rubber mount, or isolator clamp.
With no lights on, it's regulated ~14.85v and stays there idle to top. With low power LEDs (like for tail light), it's stays there even at idle, no flickering. With the big daddy LED I plan to use for high, voltage drops at idle and the LED flickers. Just off idle, it's back to 14v again. Just not enough power at idle. I could easily manage that with a battery, but I don't want to use one. I don't want to add another switch or key and their extra wiring that would be a good idea to have if using a battery. No electric start either, so a battery is a bit too much and just something else to make sure stays charged.
Just have the LED hanging there for testing. Will make a bracket.
I have one of those LEDs on a motorcycle, it's bright, but has a very wide pattern. Perfect for woods riding at hardtail speeds.
Annnd about larger capacitors, they need to be discharged before handling or it can be shocking what they'll do. New one I have coming is about 100,000uf.
Last edited by ATC King; 06-15-2020 at 10:22 PM.
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