SH775 question

[jsandidge]

Will an SH775 be a good fit for an alternator? I don't know the difference between an alternator and a stator.

Here's the scenario. I've got an old Ironhead Sportster. It originally had a generator and voltage regulator. I converted it to an alternator kit that came with a different regulator. After 2 years, I'm having charging problems. I know how reliable the SH775 is. I'd like to run one with the alternator if possible.

[bitzz]

The stator is the stationary part of the alternator... or generator
... and as long as you have at least two phases of AC power (you do) a SH775 will work

[Who Dat?]

I'm not so sure it will work with a true alternator. A stator-based system like a GS uses windings and a permanent magnet. The R/R will rectify the AC to a pulsed DC and regulate the voltage in the process. An alternator uses two sets of windings. One is engergized to create a magnetic field, the other then converts the magnetism back to an AC voltage that is then rectified to DC. The output voltage is modulated by controlling the strength of the magnetic coils. This has the advantage of being able to boost output at low engine speeds and actually limiting the output, rather than cutting it off or shunting the excess, as in the case of a stator.

[Grimly]

Will an SH775 be a good fit for an alternator? I don't know the difference between an alternator and a stator.

Here's the scenario. I've got an old Ironhead Sportster. It originally had a generator and voltage regulator. I converted it to an alternator kit that came with a different regulator. After 2 years, I'm having charging problems. I know how reliable the SH775 is. I'd like to run one with the alternator if possible.

Does your generator have permanent magnets in the rotor? If so, the 775 will probably work fine.
Hint - they're ALL generators, but some are DC, some are AC, and AC alternators can be field-coil energised OR permanent magnet energised.
For that matter, so can DC dynamos.
Terminology is important here - some more info on your conversion kit would be useful.