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 - Fabrication (Who Me? Make it myself?) - by Chris Pratt. First of all, what are the reasons for not fabricatin your own parts? Most judgements on what should be purchased rather than fabricated stem from: Originality - If the tractor restoration is to be 100% original, it is likely that you should spend the time and money to locate the component in the used or New-old-stock market. Since this can be extremely difficult, you may want to fabricate the item or purchase a modern replacement temporarily, but eventually, you s
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