Radar System Engineering

566 PRIME POWER SUPPLIES FOR RADAR [SEC. 14.5
certain that satisfactory electronic regulators can be developed for stationary
ground generating equipment as well as for airborne equipment.
Mechanical Voltage Regulators.—All mechanical voltage regulators are
prone to improper operation in the presence of vibration since they are
sensitive devices that balance a spring against a magnetic force. A
mechanical voltage regulator consists of two principal elements: (I) a
variable resistance in series with the generator field, and (2) a control
device, operating from the generator output voltage, which alters the
and adjusting ‘Solenoid coil
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FIG. 14.9.—Cross section of carbon-pile voltage regulator.
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variable resistance to maintain constant output voltage. The two
types of regulators commonly used in aircraft are the carbon-pile and
the finger types.
Carbon-pile Regulator-s.-The carbon-pile regulator (Fig. 14.9) was
first developed in England, where it is known as the Newton regulator
after the inventor. The variable resistance element consists of a stack
of carbon disks or annular rings placed in a ceramic or tempered-glass
cylinder. The cylinder is mounted in a metal housing which serves to
dissipate the heat from the pile and gives structural support. One end
of the pile rests against a button held in place by radial leaf springs;