Alternator windings

[George 350]

Hi All,

Not often I get stumped for an answer, but does anyone out there know what the actual benefit is of having the "centre tapped" stator instead of a conventionally wound, series connected stator is? Also is there any benefit in getting it rewound into a normal one?
Secondly, does centre tapping mean you are stuck with using a unique voltage regulator box?

Thanks in advance,
George.

[EVguru]

The centre tapping meant they could use a simpler half wave rectifier/regulator.

The later bikes used a more complex full wave regulator with a single alternator winding and had a higher output as a result.

Morini were unusual in employing a 'switching' regulator rather than the more common 'shunt' type. They function more like the mechanical cutout box that was used with car dynamos and as a result produce much less heat.

[George 350]

Thanks for that Paul. Makes more sense now. If I get no charge, then it is rewind to same spec as electric start 350/500 and use of a 'normal' regulator.
George.