Color code on diode

[Ian074]

Radio Shack Diode 276-1141 One end is color coded white the other red.
Which end is cathode?
Thanks

 

[souNdguy]

That's a 3a barrel diode... hmm.. red? must be a new supplier.. mine are all black/silver stripe..



White stripe is almost always cathode end.

They -should- mark a diagram on the back of the package.. at least they used to.

You can always use an ohm meter or volt meter or test lamp to comfirm it though, if in doubt.

put stripe to bat positive, and hook test lamp clp to negative, and probe free leg.. if lamp lights.. it's bakards'

volt meter.. same test.. if you read volts.. .. it's bakards

ohm meter.. if you have a diode function.. use that.

soundguy

according to radioshack.. it should look like this:

radioshack product description

 

[old]

I my self use the 276-1661 diodes because they are 6amp and a good bit heavier duty. AS for what you have so far I have never seen one like you have but the silver band should be the cathode and if using on an alternator system should go towards the alternator

 

[Anonymous-0]

I gernerally wrap the diodes with linesman-type tape to keep the diods hidded. Moisture proof.

John,PA

Or, shrink stuff.

 

[Ian074]

(quoted from post at 20:17:53 04/15/09)
White stripe is almost always cathode end.

Okay, thanks. I am following your text version of wiring a 3 wire, 12 volt to an NAA.
The alternator pulley is 2.5 inch. Is this enough to excite a lower RPM or should I also wire in a push switch to excite alternator at lower RPMs. If it is needed or useful how would I connect it Thanks

 

[440roadrunner]

(quoted from post at 09:33:51 04/15/09)

(quoted from post at 20:17:53 04/15/09)
White stripe is almost always cathode end.

Okay, thanks. I am following your text version of wiring a 3 wire, 12 volt to an NAA.
The alternator pulley is 2.5 inch. Is this enough to excite a lower RPM or should I also wire in a push switch to excite alternator at lower RPMs. If it is needed or useful how would I connect it Thanks

Hook no2 plug connection directly to battery stud

Hook no1 in series with the diode to an ignition source. You want the banded end of the diode hooked to the ignition switch, the other end hooked to no1.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Ian........you ask....."should I also wire in a push switch to excite alternator at lower RPMs. If it is needed or useful how would I connect it"......NO PUSH SWITCH is needed. The 3-wire alternator excites at 600rpms. Yer ignition ON switch thru the diode excites the alternator. The diode prevents the alternator from back-feeding power to the ignition coil that is also connected to the ignition ON switch. Without the diode, you'd NEVER beable to turn yer engine OFF. Understand??? ......Dell, a 12v advocate for the right reasons

 

[old]

The band goes to the alternator not to the switch. If hooked as you say the alternator will never get excited

 

[souNdguy]

Ditto what old said.. stripe/cathode to alternator #1.

soundguy

 

[Dave Sherburne NY]

I just put one on my MF 35 this morning. the stripe goes towards the Alternator. Charges better than it has in a long time. Thank you BOB

12 volt conversion

 

[Dunk]

(quoted from post at 12:33:51 04/15/09)

(quoted from post at 20:17:53 04/15/09)
White stripe is almost always cathode end.

Okay, thanks. I am following your text version of wiring a 3 wire, 12 volt to an NAA.
The alternator pulley is 2.5 inch. Is this enough to excite a lower RPM or should I also wire in a push switch to excite alternator at lower RPMs. If it is needed or useful how would I connect it Thanks

20 something years ago I got tired of buying generators that only lasted me 2 years at the most, from the local tractor place.

I took my once again non-working generator that time to the local genny/alternator shop, and had a long talk with the feller that ran it.

After that talk I took him a Chevy alternator, that I had on hand, and for $65 (back then) he made me a 6v, positive ground, one wire, alternator.

Same price as the gennys were costing me every couple of years.

I couldn't afford a tractor back then having to pay that every year or two.

That alternator is still running.

I don't know if he did anything special to it to make it git excited, but it gets excited every time I crank it, no revving or nothing.

He is no longer in business at the location he was then, but I hear he still is in another town, but haven't placed that one yet.

Here is a supplier that I have saved if it ever fails, and I don't care to make the 12v jump.

http://store.alternatorparts.com/alternators6voltpositiveground.aspx

It seems that somewhere at some time, I have ran across easy excite regulators for them, but don't hold me to that.

I will go the long run and say that once in a while right when I crank it, it may not be charging right then, but even if I just let it sit, or if I go on about my business in a very few minutes it will be charging.

It has served me well for over 20 years.

Best thing i ever done for my tractor.

And, I used the pulley off my old genny on it, I did have to remove the alternator fan to make the pulley work.

My tractor does not sit out in the weather though.

 

[440roadrunner]

(quoted from post at 10:08:28 04/15/09) The band goes to the alternator not to the switch. If hooked as you say the alternator will never get excited

I can't believe I made that mistake. I DO know better.