[MRCA] Hercules ZXB generator pt.2

[Ray Fantini]

Ok, so I have been having an issue with the generator being its voltage regulating system doesn’t work. Understand that frequency control is maintained by the mechanical governor and that’s right on at 60 cycles @ 1800 RPM but the issue is voltage control.

If I run the generator in manual voltage control can use the rheostat on the control panel to control output voltage but when I switch it to automatic the output drops way down to sixty volts.

I have mentioned before that the voltage control is thru some very strange looking device. Discovered today that the “thing “is a Ward Leonard 5660 voltage regulator. Removed its protective cover and inside is two huge multi tap ceramic resistors on each side and something that looks like a relay in the center that has a twisted bar that appears to vary a rolling carbon bar across a dual set of very strange looking coil contacts.

I did clean it all up and also cleaned the high wattage variable resistor in series with it but did not have time to put it all back together and test run it to see if it works.

Did a quick internet search and Ward Leonard is still in business and was a leader in developing motor speed and control systems from back as far as 1890

I am including a picture of this strange looking device in case there is someone out there who can explain how this thing works. And yes I know it varies the field voltage but just how dose it function?



Ray F/KA3EKH
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