Misc: Charging Systems Which PODtronics for my Alton

TouringGodet

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My Godet Egli was built in 2006, and it has a Boyer Brandsen Power Box model PBOX00106 regulator, which is a three phase version. I assume, therefore, that I can replace it with the PODtronics model POD-3P? Can anyone confirm that?
 

TouringGodet

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My main concern is fixing the battery-drain-while-the-bike-sits issue, but now that I see I may have the 3 phase version, I better pull it off, I think Bill Easter has a test rig.
 

bmetcalf

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I have a disconnect for my battery like this and unplug after each ride*: https://www.amazon.com/connector-Di...+pole+trailer+connector&qid=1609373766&sr=8-8

What gauge wire do you need for the starter current draw? There are probably heavier gauge connectors to use.

* And hope to remember to reconnect before the next ride. I haven't checked to see if my 1999 vintage Alton to see if it really does drain the battery.
 

vibrac

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I have a disconnect for my battery like this and unplug after each ride*: https://www.amazon.com/connector-Di...+pole+trailer+connector&qid=1609373766&sr=8-8

What gauge wire do you need for the starter current draw? There are probably heavier gauge connectors to use.

* And hope to remember to reconnect before the next ride. I haven't checked to see if my 1999 vintage Alton to see if it really does drain the battery.
As I understand it its the regulators vintage that dictates if the battery drains not the Alton
 

SteveF

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Correct, the source of electrons (dynamo, alternator, flux-capacitor) doesn't matter - it's the regulator which typically causes any leaking.
If you have a multimeter you can measure it.
  • Set the meter to measure current,
  • Switch off anything on the bike which might draw current - might seem obvious but...
  • Remove the wire(s) from one side of the battery so that the battery pole has no other connections,
  • Connect one side of the meter to the wire(s) you just removed from the battery and the pole on the battery which now has no wires on it,
  • You are now measuring the total leakage of your electrical system,
  • If the current is more than a couple of milli-amps something is leaky, if not then everything is good and you don't need any magical extra switchery.
If it's more than a few milli-amps it may be the regulator. On the other hand, you might have other stuff on the bike which leaks depending upon what state your bike is.
I have an Alton and Podtronics regulator and the battery never leaked away. OTOH, I don't use automotive batteries on the bike as I don't have electric start so don't need a massive battery.
All batteries self-discharge to some extent typically getting much worse as they get old.

Hope this is clear, let me know if it's not and I'll try again.

Cheers - Steve
 

TouringGodet

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The battery has a heavy gauge cable that goes to a solenoid for the starter, that does not apparently contribute to the power leak. The other wire coming off the battery has a fuse, which I usually disconnect when parking the bike. The battery will hold a charge when I disconnect that fuse. There is also a keyed switch, for at least the ignition, but apparently not for everything. From many comments on the internet, many others with a battery drain problem change nothing else but the regulator, to a PODtronics, and the drain is gone. I will trace the wiring, to see if I can use the keyed switch to fully isolate the battery, but I am interested in the PODtronics if indeed my current regulator contributes to the problem.

I like old school connectors similar to this 4 prong one. I have a round 2 prong one on my other Vincent’s, my father had put one on the Shadow back in the day. At least they are period correct.

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vibrac

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There is nothing wrong with the regulayor that comes with the current Alton but the one they used earlier did leak here is the current one from spares
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