[Vwdiesel] Alternators versus Generators --( for beginners )

[Roger Brown]

H . Hagar. wrote:
>   In that case then aren't they actually rectified with a half wave?  3 phase
> 
> and all I've worked on had 6 diodes.  Wouldn't you need 12 for full wave?
>   Never thought about them being 3 phase.  Wonder if one could be cranked
> up to run a Bridgeport?  ;-D
>      Loren

Full wave rectifier can work with 2 diodes/phase, assuming a center tapped winding, or with 4 diodes/phase in a bridge 
(diamond) configuration (w/o the need for a center tap):
	http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html

-- 
    Roger