The Ford Barn

johnbuckley · 09-19-2019, 02:41 PM

How can you tell the difference between 1) a simple mechanical cutout 2) an electronic regulator and 3) a cutout that's got a diode in it . Is there any simple way of checking what's inside them without taking the top off or watching the ammeter to see how they perform?

Kurt in NJ · 09-19-2019, 03:37 PM

With a meter on regular cutout "B" terminal should be open to the case, and other terminal
The "A"should have resistance to the case, open to B

A diode cutout should be open to the case from either terminal, and should test like a diode between A,B, --- the direction of flow depends on pos--- neg ground

Never tested or took apart a fun project regulator, but I suspect some reading in all directions

Gary WA · 09-19-2019, 09:32 PM

No can't see it

w.michael · 09-19-2019, 10:49 PM

My units from Fun Projects have a sticker on the bottom side. Take the "cutout" off the generator and see if it is marked or stickered on the bottom.

W. Michael

johnbuckley · 09-20-2019, 03:17 AM

Thank you all.

tmiller6 · 09-20-2019, 07:32 AM

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If it is a Fun Projects voltage regulator, John Regan the manufacturer said this in 2011 on the MTFCA forum.:

“All of our voltage regulators are easily discernible as to 6,8, or 12V as follows:

On the underside of the base the 8V units are stamped with a letter "A" while 12V units are stamped with a letter "B". No stamp at all and it is then a 6V unit. Positive ground Voltage Regulators have a steel washer in place of one of the center insulating washers. As pointed out - a rivet in one of the center locations designates that it is a cutout. Hope this helps.”

Look for a steel washer and no rivets in the center.

John Dayhuff · 09-21-2019, 02:59 PM

When I recently replaced my original cut out with a new diode one I used the old cover on the new cut out and painted the legs of it black. You can't tell the difference that it's been changed.

redmodelt · 09-21-2019, 08:34 PM

If there is no letter (I have a 6V positive ground diode type with no letter) on the bottom what I have picked up; (funprojects) there is a laser cut "V" on the bottom, if it is bent up it is a regulator, if left flat with bottom it is a diode type. If it out of warranty, take the cover off and look. They didn't make a lot of "CUTOUT" types as they were meant for cars that got driven much (more show then go).

09-19-2019, 02:41 PM	#1
johnbuckley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,441	Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? How can you tell the difference between 1) a simple mechanical cutout 2) an electronic regulator and 3) a cutout that's got a diode in it . Is there any simple way of checking what's inside them without taking the top off or watching the ammeter to see how they perform?

09-19-2019, 03:37 PM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? With a meter on regular cutout "B" terminal should be open to the case, and other terminal The "A"should have resistance to the case, open to B A diode cutout should be open to the case from either terminal, and should test like a diode between A,B, --- the direction of flow depends on pos--- neg ground Never tested or took apart a fun project regulator, but I suspect some reading in all directions

09-19-2019, 09:32 PM	#3
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,101	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? No can't see it __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

09-19-2019, 10:49 PM	#4
w.michael Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 418	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? My units from Fun Projects have a sticker on the bottom side. Take the "cutout" off the generator and see if it is marked or stickered on the bottom. W. Michael

09-20-2019, 03:17 AM	#5
johnbuckley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,441	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? Thank you all.

09-20-2019, 07:32 AM	#6
tmiller6 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 197	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it is a Fun Projects voltage regulator, John Regan the manufacturer said this in 2011 on the MTFCA forum.: “All of our voltage regulators are easily discernible as to 6,8, or 12V as follows: On the underside of the base the 8V units are stamped with a letter "A" while 12V units are stamped with a letter "B". No stamp at all and it is then a 6V unit. Positive ground Voltage Regulators have a steel washer in place of one of the center insulating washers. As pointed out - a rivet in one of the center locations designates that it is a cutout. Hope this helps.” Look for a steel washer and no rivets in the center.

09-21-2019, 02:59 PM	#7
John Dayhuff Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Battle Creek, Michigan Posts: 164	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? When I recently replaced my original cut out with a new diode one I used the old cover on the new cut out and painted the legs of it black. You can't tell the difference that it's been changed. __________________ John

09-21-2019, 08:34 PM	#8
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator? If there is no letter (I have a 6V positive ground diode type with no letter) on the bottom what I have picked up; (funprojects) there is a laser cut "V" on the bottom, if it is bent up it is a regulator, if left flat with bottom it is a diode type. If it out of warranty, take the cover off and look. They didn't make a lot of "CUTOUT" types as they were meant for cars that got driven much (more show then go). __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!