Why You Should Upgrade To A Podtronics Regulator / Rectifier

The old rumor has it that Lucas components are not reliable nor should they be trusted - this goes all the way back to the 1940's through the 1980's on vintage British motorcycles and automobiles that where equipped with Lucas electrical components.

I have found over the years that the problem with Lucas is that the quality was not up standards back then.

Today's blog post is on the new Podtronics regulator / rectifier for 12 volt motorcycles with points in the side casing with an AC alternator .

Alright - lets get to it.

What is Podtronics?

Podtronics is a company based out of Middleborough, Massachusetts specializing in economical replacement parts for your Lucas rectifier and zener diode.

Podtronics units are developed specifically for the use of vintage British motorcycles such as Triumph, BSA, Norton, and many others.

What products and features does Podtronics offer?

• Water proof and vibration resistant.
• Die cast finned aluminum heat sink.
• Available in both single phase and three phase.
• Will work with either 2-wire or 3-wire AC alternator.
• Can be used to convert older 6 volt alternators to 12 volts.
• Can be used with either negative ground or positive ground.

Podtronics offers "all-in-one" units that will replace your current Lucas rectifier and Lucas zener diode.

Podtronics power boxes have a rectifier and zener diode built internally which means a single box can take the place of 2 Lucas parts - diode and rectifier. Upgrading to such a system will make your wiring harness simplified and also make your electrical system even more reliable.

Some Podtronics units have a built in capacitor which allows you to run either with a battery or without a battery - very similar to the E.T. battery-less system.

Weather you have a standard Lucas stator or a hi-output stator by EMGO there is a Podtronics regulator for you and for your application.

Below is a chart which displays some of the regulator power boxes that Podtronics has to offer today (2017). All units will work (as stated above) with Triumph, BSA, and Norton models that are equipped with a 12 volt AC alternator and points in the side casing as found on most "unit construction models" and later Norton Commando models.

AC models

The chart below lists all Podtronic regulators suited for models that are equipped with Lucas AC generators (dynamo), 6 volt system, positive or negative ground as found on many early Triumph, BSA, Norton, and Royal Enfield models.

 DC models

Why should I upgrade to a Podtronics unit?

Upgrading to a Podtronics unit should be a no brainier - period

The problem with the original Lucas zener diodes and Lucas rectifiers is that they are prone to wear from vibration and being exposed to harsh elements.

Over time a zener diode can fail which could damage your entire electrical system by overcharging and not regulating the voltage. A rectifier can also fail allowing AC to leak past the terminals.

The fix is to install a Podtronics regulator / rectifier unit which is close to "bullet proof" and also "fool proof". To this day I have not heard or seen a failed Podtronics unit.

For those that want to ride there vintage British motorcycle and make your electrical system "bullet proof" a Podtronics unit will do just that. It's robust design allows you to mount the unit anywhere you choose to.

Find you Podtronics unit today...

If your ready to simplify your vintage British motorcycles wiring today while making it "bullet proof" consider installing a Podtronics unit. 

My personal 1969 BSA A65 Lightning has a 3-phase Podtronics regulator and the instillation was quick and easy. I feel more confident on my bike especially on longer trips as I know my Podtronics unit will get me to my destination!