Thanks for all your help on this.

I flashed the dynamo and its is working a treat, though it seems to belt out 13 to 14 volts which seems a lot.

If I have a solid state voltage regulator, does this suggest a 12 v system?

All the bulbs are 6v but the rear light is very, very bright (I blew the brake light filament when I tried the brake).

Kind regards

Pat

email (option): sacombsashtrees@hotmail.com

Sounds as if your reg is set for 12 volts. Some units have a spare wire which when connected with another disconnected gives you 6 volt or there is a white link wire, looks like a small loop that when cut converts the unit to 12 volts if neither then you have a 12 volt reg. Cheapest option change the bulbs to 12 volt ones the horn will work alright on 12 volt the pitch will be higher but for the short time you ever use it it'll be ok.

Hi Patrick...The dynamo is capable of producing far more than 6 volts..it's why a '12 volt' regulator is possible and why you need a regulator in the first place! If you run the system at 12 volt the engine (and dynamo) need to run faster to 'balance' the system than they would at 6 volt.
Also the wattage rating of the bulbs should not be too high. The overall system load must still be within the capabilities of the dynamo.
People frequently think because they have 12 volts they can run, particularly, a massive headlamp bulb...this is not the case....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Hi Ian

So its probably best with 6v and say 10w bulbs?

Kind regards

Pat

email (option): sacombsashtrees@hotmail.com

My headlamp bulb is I think 24 watt and my tail-light used to be 3 watt but has now been replace with a wonderful low energy consuming LED bulb that gives as much light as a 10 watt bulb.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

Hi Patrick..First you have to decide which you want..12volt or 6volt. If you have a regulator that will do either then simply wire it to your chosen configuration. If you have one that will only do one or the other then perhaps your choice has been made for you.
Also there is the question of whether you have the early (45w) output dynamo or the later (60w) dynamo. That will govern the rating of the bulbs you can use at either voltage. At both 6 and 12 volts the tail light will be in the 3-5 watt range. Brake light (if fitted) and horn loads can effectively be ignored as they are intermittent..There are also 'losses in the system' which will vary depending on the quality of the wiring connections (particularly at 6 volt) and the condition of the battery. Not many people realise it but an old and/or badly performing battery can soak up most of the dynamos output...
Finally there is the headlamp bulb..this would be 24 watt at 6 volt on a WD M20, though I have run 30w bulbs on a nicely set up system without problems. At 12volt, on the later dynamo I have run a 35 watt halogen bulb with good results, though on a military bike there is the question of the bulb holder type to consider and what bulbs you can source to fit it....
I find 6 volt lights are quite adequate...particularly if the headlamp reflector has been resilvered (this makes a huge difference) and the focal length of the pre pre focus WD light is correctly set up...
Ultimately though, the arrival of LED clusters for the headlamp will be the thing that really makes a difference...I'm not sure of the current developements there....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Thanks Ian.

Unfortunately, two steps forward, one step back.

My dynamo, now flashed is belting out charge. Unfortunately, it seems not to be going to the battery (though the battery is past its best).

Will fit a new battery first, then seek advice re checking the voltage regulator.

Kind regards

Pat

email (option): sacombsashtrees@hotmail.com