200x 250r Trike Voltage AC or DC? Answered here finally

[DeePa]

attention all....we have a new teamgeek

[Mosh]

Guy sure is getting worked up about this.

But I will have to admit,I was a little confused about this as well.
I am going to do some tests this weekend at the bulbs....Satisfy my own curiousuty.

But I just got off the phone with Ricky Stator,and they say that the 86 R uses AC voltage at the bulbs.

[atctim]

My last comment on this subject is this - when I troubleshoot a trike - I check for AC current pre-regulator and DC current post regulator.

That is all. I sure didn't mean to make any enemies - but dang...............

FACT: this thread is useless thus far.


Oh just one more thing I found while doing some research - you can read all about it here:

http://www.atvconnection.com/Departm...ems-Page-2.cfm

ATVs have been equipped since their inception with “magneto”-based charging systems. Simply put, Magneto charging systems make use of permanent magnets imbedded into the flywheel assembly. The assembly is located on the “mag” end of the crankshaft. These magnets are passed next to coils of wire assembled into a “stator”. Alternating current is generated in the coils. This is converted into DC power that is usable by the ATV—more on this later.

Voltage regulators

Today’s voltage regulators, also known as rectifier/regulators, rectify the AC output from the stator portion of the magneto assembly to convert it to crude DC. Then they do their best to “level off” the voltage at the specified value so the power is suitable for electrical devices on the system “Bus” and to charge the battery. The operation of a voltage regulator is extremely fast. The regulator adapts to each waveform that is generated by the stator—which is operating at thousands of RPM and has multiple “poles” (usually 6) that each generate 1 sine wave per engine revolution. While operating, most ATVs should have a regulated voltage in the 14.1 to 14.8 volts range unless the voltage is measured in a condition below Break-Even RPM. If the charging system is overburdened, the “Bus” voltage will drop to the voltage level that the battery sustains—usually in the 12+ volt range.

Every ATV Manufacturer has learned through much trial and error about the significance of dealing with heat issues in regulators. The location of some regulators is critical because they use airflow to help them stay cool. Never move a regulator from the location that the OEM placed it in.

I could be wrong about all of this - but I doubt the author of the article linked and quoted above is. AC current is dirty - DC is clean - you use DC whenever you can - That is why ATV electrical systems are DC.

[leokendall]

lol i give up,

[Blown 331]

I say a 250R is DC at the head light.

[roger86200x]

I say a 250R is DC at the head light.

Lol, then go check it and prove yourSELF wrong! lol

The AC is dirty, yes... and the keyword in that article is TODAY... times have changed and almost every atv is DC and electric start or cigarette lighters or fancy digital speedometers.... DC voltage. AGAIN you kill yourself... ATV... ATV is NOT ATC.... ITS 2008, not 1988... times have changed, trikes were from 20 years ago man..... you gotta take what you read in context.

The fact remains that AC is used in ALL TRIKES without a battery/electric start. Im gonna go out on a limb and say that &

I challenge ANYONE who wants to argue this to bring forth proof that a non-electric start ATC (THREE WHEELER) was ever made (FROM THE FACTORY) with DC voltage at the headlights and NO accessories like CB, Digital Dash, cigarette lighter, etc.

I know for a FACT that the 86 200X, 84 250R, and 200S are all run on AC voltage with NO DC voltage on the trike whatsoever.

I am sick of people telling me the wrong sh!t, then b!tching when I ask again because no one actually answered with ANY proof. I have my proof. I measured it my self. Believe it or not I do not care.

This thread is for everyone else who does care - for the people that were confused by the incessant arguing and bickering of people who's @ss is out and argue with no logic or proof. Just becasue there is a light bulb does NOT mean its DC.... do some research. Small lights will run on either. IN FACT my 200s taillight bulb said 12v DC right on it!!! and the power going to it was AC. If you research it you will see that this is the case overall.

1973 Arctic Cat Puma 440 Snowmobile - AC voltage only... Pullstart -headlight, tail lights, brake lights.... NO DC voltage.

If people would backup their statements with evidence it would work out....

UNFORTUNATELY, when people spout off and do not know what they are talking about MANY other members get the wrong information and get confused.

Im done ranting now....

If someone dares challenge me you better bring your evidence and proof... or I'll send you packing with mine to read over.

FACT: 1984 250R, 1986 200X, and 1984 200S are run on entirely AC voltage.

Roger

[Blown 331]

I've got a Fluke 88 automotive meter which is a damn good tool. It was almost $500! Anyway I will check my 1985 ATC250R at the head light plug on AC and DC and report back with both readings. Then I will do the same on my 2003 TRX400EX and report back. According to you they should not read the same.

[roger86200x]

PLEASE do!

The TRX should be DC if it has electric start. If it does not then it could be either AC or DC - but I believe most of todays quads all run on DC.

The ATC 250R will have AC voltage at the headlight.

[tri-Z ripper]

As an electrician myself i found this thread to be an awesome debate!! who would of thought there would be an AC/DC battle on 3ww and not the rock band! awesome guys! and man just go to www.mikeholt.com if you wanna understand ac dc current in lamens terms if anyone didnt understand and would like to!!

p.s way to go roger!

[Dirtcrasher]

Quoting Roger here "I am a computer Netowrk Administrator with a HIGH level of knowledge in the electrical fields. I know how to run my volt meter and i know the difference between AC and DC - I do not need to be spoon fed."

Maybe not spoon fed but I remember not too long ago some difficulty in tightening some 4 clutch bolts..... At which point you whined that I treated you badly What was it that blew up? - The motor you built or didn't build or replaced or lasted years after you rebuilt it? Or the valve commited suicide into the head?? I'm confused as all hell!!

Oh well, we can't all have "high levels of knowledge" I guess....... What does a network administrator have to do with electrical fields or E=I x R or V x A=W??

Quick!! -somebody grab me an oscilloscope please :

[leokendall]

i just gotta add something agian, more like a repeat.

i'm pretty sure a 12v cordless drill has a dc motor. i'm not sure so this experment maybe a flaw, but if u belive *Edited**Edited* bike is a dc when in fact its a ac hook up a codreless drill to it and c if it works. there are some small electronics out there that can run either.

i do agree with roger 100% Why would they make a bike that do not need a battery to be dc? makes no sence.

and in another note. not 100% sure but in a dc bike a battery is there to help keep the voltage at a constant rate. i know on my 200es, which is a dc bike if you take the battery out, and at a very low idol the headlights will get brighter. give her a lil rev and the headlight dimms a lil. in a ac bike the lights are a lil dimmer at low idol and higher the rev the brighter it gets until it reaches the max alowable current.

[leokendall]

where is the rectifier?


o wait there it is in the 250es, a dc bike with a battery


if you bike has a reg with 2 wires, then your bike is AC
if you bike has a reg with 4 wires, then your bike is DC

[Blown 331]

PLEASE do!

The TRX should be DC if it has electric start. If it does not then it could be either AC or DC - but I believe most of todays quads all run on DC.

The ATC 250R will have AC voltage at the headlight.

The TRX is electric start. That's DC, no debate, I didn't check it.

So I went to the 250R. I unhooked the plug and checked it with a 12v DC test light. It lite up bright. So then I checked it with a DC meter- 0 volts! But it gets kinda weird. I then checked it with a AC meter and got 3 volts. WTF. And the head light is super bright like that.

[night4creeper]

has anyone put a o scope on a trike to see what the frequency is? you guys got me all curious now.. might have to borrow one from work..

[Daddio]

OMG!
WTFO!
I think I've found Romper Room!