In-dash Regulator for Gauges -- 6V or other?

[jfbrink]

Hello, all,

 

The in-dash regulator on my Bluebird is shot, so I am going to solder up a solid-state replacement.

 

But, I cannot find confirmation of what voltage it is supposed to produce.

 

I'm guessing 6V, as 6V directly to the gauges gets me just shy of the max, while 7.5V goes way over.

 

But, if anyone has the technical data at hand, I would appreciate it.

 

Best,

 

Jesse.

[MikeRL411]

Other posts have quoted 7.2 volts. Probly not too exact, but realistic. The dash gauges on the 410, 411 and early 510 are bimetal strips linked to a spring return that drive the needle position. Current flow heats the strip and it deviates from the cold flat position to a curved forn dependent on the temperature. The instrument regulator is a "chopper" that cuts the 12 volts into zero to 12 volt pulses and sends the more or less square wave to the temperature and oil pressure sensors. The thermal lag of the bimetal strip evens out the return current pulses and gives a consistent position indication.