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Technical Can a 12V electronic distributor be converted to 6V

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by F-ONE, Aug 1, 2024.

  1. F-ONE
    Joined: Mar 27, 2008
    Posts: 3,619

    F-ONE
    Member
    from Alabama

    There are a few electronic distributors available for a 8BA Flathead. All of these are 12V.
    It is possible to get a 12V unit and convert it to 6V, more specifically 6V positive ground?

    It’s most obvious that the 12 wiring is not compatible with what 6V requires.
    Is it a simple matter of gauge and connections?
    I’m just curious, is it possible and doable with basic tools, components and understanding?
     
  2. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,958

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I never thought about it, but I'd bet it could be done, but it would be complicated and expensive. My partner (the EE) and I went through almost the same process when we developed our "Tach Driver" that runs a 12 volt negative ground tachometer on a 6 volt positive ground car. Simply put, you need to boost the voltage and change the polarity, which really isn't too hard. But then we found you have to "clean up" the power (6 volt generators produce noticeably "dirty" power) which takes quite a bit of effort. You might also have to isolate the points and ground them back to the power supply, but I'm not sure; I'd have to check with my partner.

    I tell you from bitter experience that there are better ways to skin that particular cat.
     
    F-ONE likes this.
  3. thralldad
    Joined: Nov 23, 2007
    Posts: 6

    thralldad
    Member
    from Central TX

    You could try a 6 to 12v transformer. Cheap on Flebay or Cramazon.
     
    F-ONE likes this.
  4. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,958

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I will guarantee that it will not work with reversed polarity. When I first developed my "Tach Driver" (which works excellently, BTW), I was constantly getting "tips" like this that are utterly worthless. The "dirty power" from the generator will wipe out the Electronic module in a heartbeat, and the wrong polarity will probably start it on fire. Lord knows, they are delicate enough as is (must use this specific coil, these specific wires, etc.).
     
    pprather and F-ONE like this.

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