I have a CASE trencher (CT ) and the regulator=20 failed. The CT has a 12V battery to start the engine. There are two leads coming from the flywheel. I believe they are attached to a coil that is=20 activated by a passing permanent magnet. I have connected a full wave diode bridge to the leads and put a cap across it. I measure 33VDC ( no load ). I put together a circuit where a resistor drives=20 a 14V zener to ground. A 2N3055 transistor has it's base connected to the 14V. The collector goes to the fullwave bridge. The emitter goes to the battery. This circuit worked fine when I tested on the bench. The output at the emitter ( under load ) was 13.4 V. When I connected it to the CT , the zener burned up. I have not yet investigated what may have happened. I can think of many ways I might proceed. I would invite comments on whether I should stick with a linear regulator approach or do some sort of switching regulator ? ( Olin does not have to explain to me that I am a=20 congenital idiot .... I concede the point ) Best Gus in Denver 99gus --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .