Scooterotica

Hello all my 1st proper post and it’s regarding the fitting of Lucas Pathfinders.
I’ve searched previous post but require a bit more information.
My main dilemma is whether my Lambretta is AC or DC powered. It has electronic ignition and the system looks the 1st diagram here labelled “wiring diagram for standard non battery electronic –

Do I need DC or can AC be used for Pathfinders? I have a replacement “xenon” bulb in my headlight and an LED taillight, both of which work fine.
So the whole AC/DC thing stumps me.

Secondly, I understand the mounting bolts need to be longer. Will a hollow threaded bar suffice with nuts either end? Is the size M10 or similar?
I've come across this which may be of help to others.

Are there LED replacement bulbs available for Pathfinders to reduce the power consumption?
I have my lights wired through the Series 3 lighting switch, but I also have the key ignition switch. Only the cut out is used and I was going to use the other positions for controlling the Pathfinders. Is this feasible?

Any wiring and mounting information regarding Lucas Pathfinders will be gratefully received. And I thank you in advance.

The whole AC / DC thing baffles me. I'm used to DC current on cars and I'm fairly clued up on this. But AC ???
I'll ask questions about this on another post to keep thing separate.

Shaun

Hi Shaun, I replied to your other thread to but to explain the Ac thing.....I'll have a go. The output from the stator
Is AC and feeds into a regulator which limits the output to around 13.5 volts AC which is used to power the lights and horn. The output is very limited and is barely enough to power a decent headlight without the use of an led rear lamp as is fitted to yours. Even with the led you will notice the headlight dim when you apply the rear brake or sound the horn. The Vespa px uses a similar regulator but has a half wave rectifier built in which allows a trickle feed to charge a battery. You can use one on yours but I would strongly recommend that you consider a full DC conversion (see separate post on 'definative DC conversion'). Doing it that way will convert your stator lighting output to DC and with a battery fitted, the lights will still work if the engine cuts out.

use the second "on" position on the key to turn the standard lights on, then use the last click to bring in the Pathfinders.
then rewire the handlebar switch to have either one or both of the lamps on.

i think Soulsurfer may have fitted LEDs to his Pathfinders ?
if you don't you should use relays to avoid the switch being overloaded

just do the DC conversion...

Thanks all, I guess full DC is the way forward, just seems a bit daunting all this taking apart and putting back together

vRSG60 wrote:Thanks all, I guess full DC is the way forward, just seems a bit daunting all this taking apart and putting back together

Get yourself a sticky book and dont be afraid to post questions on here

They are much more fun when you know how they fit together and work

Angry Bloke wrote: Get yourself a sticky book and dont be afraid to post questions on here

Got one.

Angry Bloke wrote:They are much more fun when you know how they fit together and work

Yeah I know, same with cars.