Hello,
This is probably a simple to fix but unusual problem. I have an old car, it’s almost 90-year-old and is very basic. It has a generator, which through the use of ancient magic allegedly manages to provide approximately 6 volts and round 10 amps max. There is no voltage regulator as is common on later cars, instead using a movable extra third pickup brush in the generator to control how much current it produces, just how it does this is a complete mystery. There is no other control circuity in the car.
In order to see where I was going at night, I fitted a pair of LED headlight bulbs which are many times brighter. But my issue is that even at higher engine speeds they occasionally flicker very noticeably, especially on high beam. As the ammeter is showing a positive value, I’m assuming the LED’s are either picking up RF interference from the ignition as that is just copper wires or more likely the supply from the generator is in fact very choppy, something probably hidden by the old filament bulbs.
Also, when I connect my digital meter to the battery to read the voltage, the reading is all over the place and I may fit an analogue voltmeter to the dashboard next month but I’m assuming this is a product of the choppy supply.
To solve my problem, I was thinking of fitting a smoothing capacitor to the LED’s but do not know how to calculate what value of capacitor or diode to get. All I know is there is about 6 volts, and the LED is possibly around 3 amps (estimate). I have no idea of the frequency of the choppiness which would be changing anyway with engine speed.
I this enough information to suggest a value or do I need more?
Thanks, Scott.