Adding a 12V power outlet to a sled with no battery

[Jack_Shaft]

Hi guys,

I have a question that doesn't really involve any particular sled, but it is one that I have encountered several times.

On some of the smaller and sometimes older (mid to late 90's) sleds that I have worked on from time to time, I have often had the need or the request to install a 12V power outlet on a sled that has no DC circuitry or battery to do a direct-connect from.

What I do usually have is a non-12V AC signal (sometimes 90V, sometimes 120V AC) that I want to convert to 12V DC. I have purchased a Full Bridge Rectifier (that can handle up to 600V input) and that brings the signal to the DC realm, but how do I get the voltage down to where I need it? Do I need to install a 10:1 transformer under the hood?!? That sounds ridiculous.

I have always found that TY4stroke has the best electrical minds on it. Maybe they can help shed a little light on how to do this properly. I cannot be the only one trying to tackle this.

 

[Len Todd]

My 1971 Arctic Cat Lynx had a voltage regulator that converted the AC to 12 VDC., if I recall correctly. It was designed to work w/o a battery. Maybe one of these little 2" x 2" x 3/4" gizmos would work.

 

[terret725]

most sleds ive worked on have had 12 v goin to the lights. had to hook up alot of shield plugs. but thoes were all polaris when i worked at the dealer. havent done any electrical on any of my yamahas.

 

[Sled Dog]

My 1971 Arctic Cat Lynx had a voltage regulator that converted the AC to 12 VDC., if I recall correctly. It was designed to work w/o a battery. Maybe one of these little 2" x 2" x 3/4" gizmos would work.

I agree your basically building an alternator. You have the AC generator and the one way diode bridge you need the third piece the regulator.

 

[apltx08]

most sleds ive worked on have had 12 v goin to the lights.

x2 You must have a light, either on the front or rear tail light?

 

[Len Todd]

Many of the older sleds had AC going to the lights. If you had a battery for a starter, then there was a converter to charge the battery.

 

[Sled Dog]

Did you get it figured out Relic? LOL

 

[chasedan]

In order to regulate the dc voltage purchase a zener diode with the desired reverse bias breakdown voltage. Connect it to your full wave rectifier (diode bridge) so that the rectfier reverse biases the zener. Make sure to select a full wave rectifier large enough to handle the current requirements of your load. If your load is sensitive to voltage ripple, install a large capacitor (about 100 micofarad) in parallel with the zener.