The Knowledge - Velocette Owners Club

when turned by hand. It's a shame that the Works couldn't get mags by the late 60's - I read
somewhere that toward the end they would send a runner with cash for one or two at a time. A coil
system is relatively "cheap and cheerful." The problems I have seen with coil and B-B type systems
have usually resulted not from faulty product but with the installation and maintenance. Bad
connections, batteries shorted from vibration, and not installing proper fuses result in being stranded.
Obviously this is not a concern with a mag. Most roads where I ride are very lonely, often lack mobile
phone coverage, and vultures circle overhead. And I am not eager to win VOCNA's booby prize - the
highly non-coveted Crock of S!#t Trophy awarded to the Chase Truck Queen on our Summer Ride. I
should point out that, unlike some areas, daytime lighting for old bikes is not a requirement in my home
state (California). All you need is a brake light. Also, I have several bikes and am constantly charging
flat batteries. Being able to hop on the Venom and ride off regardless is a real pleasure. As long as the
battery doesn't fall off onto my foot, as happened with a mate's Velo once! Also, the added current draw
from a coil or B-B will raise the rpm required for a dynamo to produce a charge. This could be marginal
on a 36W Miller on a slow revver like a MAC.
#115 I ride the MACt three times a week, for at least 20-50 miles per trip. The Miller is converted to 12V
so in effect it now puts out 72 volts, though that is a technical rating. It seems to charge up quite well
between 4-6 volts cruising along, but I will always keep an eye on it,.
L #337 Having had some mildly worrying times on dark country lanes due to fading Miller glimmer,
I have been wondering if the grass would be greener with uprated electrics. I have enough bits to
change to a Lucas 6 volt late model 60W dynamo and appropriate regulator as the BMS book suggests
Or.... The JG unit has been around for a long time but am I being over cautious in mistrusting electronic
boxes on vibrating British bikes? I am not keen on the Criterion alternator conversion, preferring the
appearance of the dynamo, so is the Alton unit the (expensive) answer? Is its accompanying regulator
just another electronic box? I have been a VOC member for two years so I haven't got the relevant
fishtail articles on Alton and 2CV alternator conversions. Can anybody give me their real life opinions of
these conversions and their reliability on wet winter nights.
#338 Re alternators etc. These comments are based on my own experience. I ran my Thruxton for
many years with a J.G. conversation with no reliability problems. The drawback was despite a first
class dynamo, with the headlights on the battery would eventually drain and the lights. (output
checked by suppliers of dynamo) I decided during a bike rebuild to convert to electronic ignition,
(Boyer). I had used it in the past and was impressed with its performance and advantages. Since the
slow running problems with the J>G> an alternator conversation was I thought necessary. I was
impressed with the unobtrusive looks of the Alton but thought the Criterion was a known, proven and
made in Britain. I ventured on the side of looks, but was unable to make contact with the manufactures
of the Alton so the Criterion was purchased and fitted some years ago. Initially I used a Zener diode
and rectifier with no problems. I later fitted a Boyer power box with does away with the Zener and
other ancillaries, this was several years ago and to date has given no problems. Electrics are not my
strong point but find wiring a electronic ignition system and the control box as simple as wiring a three
pin plug.
L #1120 The Miller DVR dynamo on my 67 Velo is shot. Is there a recommended source for
rewinding in the US or UK?
#1121 In the past I have used FTW in the UK 0114 233 6269, but perhaps the most knowledgeable
person I have come across so far is a Mr P Dunn, on UK 01782 856839. I have had good results with
both. But this sounds like a good time to buy an Alton to me......all my dynamos now sit on the shelf !
details from Paul Hamon in France, BP49, 29480 Le Relecq Kerhuon, Brittany FRANCE 00 33 298
283575. Paul speaks good English. Alton comes with 2 year warranty and looks very neat and
unobtrusive, and very much like a dynamo - and so doesn’t spoil the bikes appearance My only
criticism (so far) of the Alton is that it really needs a toothed belt rather than the std V-belt Toothed belt
is available from the UK VOC - a very simple machining job is needed to get it to fit. It would be
interesting to hear of anyone else’s experience with the Alton - mine has done over 10000 miles with no
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