[Vwdiesel] Alternators 101 -- ( hillbilly magic )

[H.Hagar]

The following is aimed at real haywire hillbilly type geniuses like
Harmon Seaver and Mark Shepherd --- and if the shoe fits wear it.

Every time I see a junkyard  I see many alternators to be had for a
song. --And then a myriad of nifty uses pops up in my mind.

First use : that comes to mind ?  ---  Motor  ... makes a nifty motor
for single phase and 3 phase AC.

Second use : when used on an engine --genset --boat --welder-aircraft
and what not.   It is a super source of 3 phase AC  for military surplus
(cheap) instruments. Such as Tacs DG's Horizons and more.

Third use :   While working on cars  set engine to high idle and the alternator
will drive all universal motors like Vacuum hand drill grinders soldering irons etc.
When some minor wiring is done the alternators are quite happy to put out
110 V DC.

Yes Mark Shepherd  "H"    was referring to shunting the regulator to temporarily
increase output . And a rheostat will do fine.   Amp meter is desired.

Fourth use :  A small Windmill or genset  --- James Hansen could have a combined
wind vane and charge those batteries in the barn at the same time. The winter
winds really howl up there.

Most automotive alternators put out 3 phase 300 to 800 Hz AC. That is meat on the
plate for us tinkerer.  And it explains why I never turn down a free alternator, or
throw an old one out. In the  1960 era the best alternator ---ALL around was Motorola.

Two alternators ---make a pretty good selsyn drive.

Well back to reality --- loading the washing machine .       Have fun    Hagar.

PS : Alternators can be 6 phase.