Mike S is right. These voltage "stabilizers" are commonly referred to as three-pin regulators. There is an input pin, a ground pin, and an output pin. As Mike S says, the middle pin is also internally connected to the mounting/heatsinking tab that has the bolt going through it. It's not at all uncommon to make the ground connection with the tab. Once that's done there's no reason to wire to the middle "finger." And, as Mike S also says, these regulators will not provide regulated voltage unless all three connections have been made. If the ground pin (or tab) is not connected, you'll likely get the same voltage out as you're putting in - unregulated 12 to 14 volts, roughly. If the input pin is not connected, you'll get nothing out of the regulator. If the output pin is not connected -- well, sorting that out is left as an exercise for the student. I'll need everyone's answer on my desk before tomorrow morning if you expect a grade. -- Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana") 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano KG6RCR On 3/24/2008 10:37 AM Mike S wrote: > At 01:00 PM 3/24/2008, Mike Collum wrote... >> The voltage stabilizers on all three of my '84 models only use the >> outer >> pins. The middle pin is in the air (no female connector). All three >> have always been that way and work fine. > > The middle pin is internally connected to the tab, which should be > grounded to the printed circuit foil. Guaranteed, it won't work > correctly if it doesn't have 3 connections. > |
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