Solid State Instrument Voltage Regulator Build, Version 2.0

[devo]

Since selling the last of my converted Instrument Voltage Regulators V2.0, I've had a few requests to build more and/or give a "How To" for those that want to have their own. It is very simple and inexpensive to do with a few things and tools you can get off the internet. This is how I did it. First, use a pair of electrical cutters to peel back the metal tabs on the top and sides of the VR. Then just pull the circuit board with terminals off of the can. Next, turn the circuit board over and break off the long metal tab with the old regulator attached so that you are only left with what looks like rivets holding the terminals to the board. Take the 3 pin computer fan extension, strip the wires and solder the black wire to the "IGN" terminal rivet, the yellow wire to the remaining terminal rivet, and the red wire to an additional ring terminal that you can secure to the VR can, or solder to the VR can itself for the "ground." In my example, Black wire is 12V supply in. Yellow wire is 8V out. Red is ground. VERIFY this by using a Multimeter on the new regulator so that you don't push it into the wire clip upside down getting the black and yellow wires backwards. Drill a small hole in the lower corner of the can. Slide the solid state regulator into the wire clip, ensuring you have the black and yellow wires in the correct orientation . Secure the regulator and ring terminal with red wire to the can case with a small screw. Grind the portion of the screw sticking out the back of the can. Reattach/re-secure the circuit board by bending the metal tabs back into position, and Viola!
The parts I purchased are similar to these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-3-Pin-Conne ... 2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10PCS-L7808-LM ... SwhEtd3-Ck

https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Kit-Te ... 233&sr=8-8

[Linda]

Good info for this VR.
Is there a little box that you have found to use with this mod? I would like to keep my current VR intact and not risk breaking tabs etc. If I could find a suitable box I could make the solid state VR as an upgrade.
thx

Linda

[Curtis]

Drawing for terminals.

lm7808.jpg

[S Allen]

So, is the one in the wiki version 1? Do we need to update the wiki?

Voltage Regulator Fix

Steve

[devo]

So, is the one in the wiki version 1? Do we need to update the wiki?

Voltage Regulator Fix

Steve

Yes, the one in the wiki is V1.0. Both versions use the same parts but V2.0 keeps everything internal to the original can and stock looking. Feel free to update the wiki with the new version info if you like.

[devo]

Drawing for terminals.


lm7808.jpg

Very nice. Looks correct.

[devo]

Good info for this VR.
Is there a little box that you have found to use with this mod? I would like to keep my current VR intact and not risk breaking tabs etc. If I could find a suitable box I could make the solid state VR as an upgrade.
thx

Linda

I haven’t used anything other than the original VR cans. I used some extras that didn’t work and came with the car when I purchased it. I made 4 or 5 of these and have never had any tabs break off. Nissanman used some type of container using these same parts. But you’ll have to do a search for his original write up.

[S Allen]

Both versions are in the wiki now. Thanks.

S

[Solex68]

I'd suggest the plug be inserted flipped over so that the black would go to ground and not the red wire. It will make it more clear to the next guy who cracks it open.
Job well done. Does it get hot?

[devo]

I'd suggest the plug be inserted flipped over so that the black would go to ground and not the red wire. It will make it more clear to the next guy who cracks it open.
Job well done. Does it get hot?

Flipping the plug would only swap the black and yellow wires, as red is in the middle. Ground is the middle prong on the regulator as well. Maybe you can pull the wires out of the plug end and swap them. I never tried. It does not get hot or even warm. Works like a champ.

[Solex68]

Good to know as I have all the parts and my current replacement won't fit in the original case, so I will change to this one.
I had a hard time following the wire positions/sequence to the LM7808 from the photos.

[Linda]

Are these the same parts that will fit in the can? Trying to find a US supplier. MyVR is not staying fixed so I need to try this approach.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/L7808CV-4-pcs- ... 101224.m-1
Linda

[Curtis]

Any 7808 should work.