Powerdynamo AC or DC, well that is a question

DC or AC, things you might want to know

AC and DC are different types of voltage or current. DC is constant and moves in one direction, whereas the flow of AC on a graph makes a sinusoid or wave-like pattern. AC stands for alternating current and DC for direct current.

Both are good to iluminate light bulbs (your home grid is AC), but only DC can charge a battery.

In hardware terms the difference between the 2 systems is the regulator.
* there is the standard DC regulator/rectifier
* there is the alternative (smaller) DC regulator/rectifier with inbuilt condenser
* and there is the tiny AC regulator

more detail see below

In practical terms the differences are
* weight and space required
* battery or no battery possible
* normal horn and turn indicators or special solutions for them

In legal terms it might be that (depending on local regulations) you might be driving in breach of regulations with the AC system. This might concern
* driving without battery
* side indicators (turn signals)
* horn

We offer some interesting solution for very old motorcycle or older small moped where you do not need 70 or 100w lighting and have little or no space for the regulator.
This is a system 6V/18W AC that works fine without any regulator. Information here.

Regulator 70 36 799 50 AC	AC regulator 12V/70W for use with Powerdynamo Systems in really old motorcycles and off roads having as stock situation AC systems.


dimensions: 60x35x25 weight: 50gr in the picture encircled in red next to standard regulator
click pictures to enlarge
Basically, the standard DC regulator (actually regulator and rectifier in one) is the much better solution. It withstands more load and has universal use in Powerdynamo systems The advantage of the AC regulator is in his smallness and that is integrates well into an AC environment

Those advantages go however hand in hand with certain disadvantages you can not use a battery you can not use side indicators (save for the use of a special AC flasher unit which has some percularities to observe. you can not use a standard electric horn (it would not sound at all with AC) unless you use a special AC horn, which has certain percularities to observe the small regulator will withstand only up to 70 Watts and would need to have lights on all the time (strange, but true, see here)

	typical PD wire diagram showing the use of this regulator.

Regulator 95 22 699 06 DC	Powerdynamo Standard Regulator/rectifier 12V/max 200W May be used with or without battery, But please, for driving without battery consult our information on this.

Dimensions 98x55x40 Weight 250gr Powerdynamo Standard		more information here
click pictures to enlarge

Regulator 73 00 799 50 DC	Alternative PD regulator/rectifier with built in smooting condenser Specially made for use in Powerdynamo systems running without battery, but can also be used with battery. Does not offer a charge constrol facility as the 12V standard regulator

Dimensions 91x40x25 weight 140gr		more Info here
click pictures to enlarge




	Powerdynamo brings new ignition & light to your vintage motorcycle