Voltage Stabilisers

[Sundowner]

On another thread you'll probably be fed up with my questions about low gauge readings. But I feel this is a question that is sufficiently separate to warrant a separate thread.
When testing the output from the "new" voltage stabiliser, it read a solid 9.7 volts. Later I decided to clean up the old (not sure its the original, though) VS and see what volts it put out, only to find I couldn't read it, because it was pulsing. However, it gave a slight gain in the gauge readings, which is a good thing. (I assume it's more than 9.7v)
Because of this difference, I did a little research (yes, I know a little knowledge is dangerous) and found that Smiths VS's were a bi-metalic set up and were designed to pulse.
Why then doesn't the new one pulse? Is it a newer design and not meant to, or is it a dud?
Cheers,
Rob

[GTS290N]

The new one MIGHT have solid state internals.
Even if it has the vibration type bi-metal strips, they are mechanical - so the old one will be worn, very worn given the frequency of the vibration, hence why your meter will struggle to read the output, especially if the meter is a cheaper and non-rms type, although even a true rms meter will struggle with things like that.
Please excuse the very poor grammar.

[Mad Mart]

Yes, as GTS290N said the original with the bi-metallic can really only be measured accurately with a scope. The new solid state ones will produce a solid 10V DC.

[AlanH]

The original ones give an average value of 10v. That's why the fuel gauge is heavily damped.

Things have moved on and your new one will be something like this.

http://www.ti.com/product/UA7810.