I�ve pondered this myself. Took it so far as to discuss the feasibility of designing a solid-state voltage regulator with a couple different electrical engineers and circuit designers. Here�s what I learned:
1 - The cutout relay function can easily be replaced by a suitable diode. In fact the �solid state cutouts� sold to replace OEM style cutout relays are exactly that: A diode of the proper current and peak reverse voltage rating packaged inside a tin can or potted in epoxy. Only downside is a there's small voltage drop (about 1 volt or so) that occurs across the diode when current is flowing. Fortunately this is not really an issue for a generator/cutout system.
2 - The voltage and current regulation function is a bit more complicated. But it too can accomplished using an integrated circuit voltage regulator, a few resistors/capacitors and a power transistor. Problem is designing/testing a circuit robust enough to stand up to the transient voltage/current surges, temperature extremes, vibration, moisture, possible reverse polarity connection, stray currents from welding, etc. that must be endured by a regulator in tractor generator charging system service. Also the good regulator design would be so its failure doesn�t cause it - or another system component (generator) - and connecting wiring to overheat and start a fire. (Product liability!)
3 - Now factor in the relatively tiny market for a 6 volt, solid state voltage regulator.
Bottom line is recovering the development cost to design/build/test/sell a handful of regulators is probably simply not worth it. Otherwise someone would already have done it.
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Today's Featured Article - Converting from 6 Volt to 12 Volt - by Chris Pratt. It's a common problem for old machines especially when the weather starts to dip below 40 and the tractor isn't fired up as often. You are probably used to the 12 volt Diehard, charged with 200 amp alternator of your 3/4 ton that always is ready and always starts. It's this type of experience that brings about the many queries we get for 12-volt conversion kits. Since only a few kits are available (we sell kits for the
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