Cheap home made generator

Two questions:

First, I must be missing something, because I can't find the plans. Can you please direct me?
Second, and this might sound dumb, but there you have it: Would this system work if EMP went off? (I'm thinking of the alternator part, and any voltage regulator - since I haven't been able to find the plans I don't know if there are any electronics in it).
Thanks

 

how do you know when the batteries are fully charged? does the alternator register this and cut of the charge?

 

For"maintaining"a bank of batteries a wind turbine can easily be built out of an 18v cordless drill.It will put out about 14v@5amps,and needs very little in the way of mods done.
Matt

 

Unless you are talking riding mower,it's much easier to mod a three wheeled edger into a gen set.
With abit more modding you could even add an automotive A/C system for either cooling a room,or food cooler.Not a simple mod but doable.
Matt

 

I did this project a few weeks ago.
Here is my finished battery charger.


This was with the first set of battery cables that was replaced with a better set.








My new set of battery cables, made with softer more ply-able 2 ga copper wire and better clamps.


A 94 amp GM alternator, and a 6 HP Chinese Honda Clone.






My mobile battery bank and charger.



My homemade brackets.

 

That looks really good!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Agreed! RR, that looks like a sweet rig to "get 'er done"!

 

Great looking wagon rig there Rockyriver.

Having built alternators for 17 years I was surprised it took so long for solid state regulators and diodes to come up. You don't need an EMP event to kill a diode. One screw-up while wiring the thing up (reverse polarity) and your diodes are shot. Same thing happens if they get too hot. In GM alternators they're easily swapped out, but only if you have replacements on hand. There are no outward signs when a diode is open, and without test equipment this could get frustrating in a hurry.

I was fortunate (?) to work on this junk when there were still plenty of generators in service. There are distinct advantages to generators:
They can produce voltage without a power source. (You cannot induce voltage in an alternator without some voltage available no matter how fast you spin it.) Generators produce current at a far lower RPM than an alternator. There are no EMP sensitive parts, with external regulators being relay type, and you can use the generator as a motor. (possibly to start a small engine - Large generator/small engine) VW was the last big car company to abandon the generator. There are disadvantages to generators as well. No perfect world solution.

While battery powered lighting would be nice, I'd keep stocking up on kerosene and mantles for the long haul.

HD

 

Nice looking brackets.

 

Here are the new double pulleys I installed to help prevent the belts from slipping when it was single.

 

I really like set up,what meter did ya use and if ya could a diagram of the wiring !! Thanks .

 

Got the meter at Pep Boys, I would have to walk out to the garage to get the name. But I think it is a Sun-Pro. I guess you saw post #48 in this thread? If not that shows more pictures.

Here is a link to learn and buy things you will need, if you can't build the parts yourself.
Building your own generator.


Here is the diagram of the wiring, I just ran a wire from the positive post on the back of the alternator to the meter, and then ran a ground wire to the meter from the alternator.

 

Melbo, I liked your statement on the bottom of your post.... However, this does not seem true anymore. Alas with this Administration in office has since thrown all American rights to the side and with the blessing on our Congressman elected to do our bidding in the Congress. Obama is the first President I have known that can bypass all of the congress completely & pass laws & such that affects us... With the congress sitting there complaining that he can't do that, but not lifting a finger to do what is right. This forum WTSHTF is certainly good place to learn. With the new law just recently passed I might never get to talk to you again, might be wisked away to a military base without any counsel. He'll, I'll be a terrorist in a wheelchair. We're sunk. They're working on taking our guns so they can take over without a fight. Arrguuuuh!

What type generator or alternator should I get. I know there are different types out there & what is the regulator part. Is this separate or built in. Can you tell me what is the ratio of the pulley from the motor to the generator while turning what RPM? Sorry for all the questions but I'm getting to order a pulley and want to make sure I can get one without costing a fortune running motor @high speed to turn Thanks

 

Since I have just finished my own version of the fine alternator/ H Freight engine, I suggest you look at http://www.mcmastercarr.com, V belts. I am using a single cogged AX belt to turtn the 92 amp GM alternator.. My old Dodge Cummins has the same type alternator and charges the two cranking batteries just fine.. I am using a bracket from TheEpicenter.com - Emergency Preparedness - Survival Food and Supplies, with a 2" aluminum angle bolted to the edge of a 2X3 X1/4" aluminum base plate. I am installing all on a garden cart from Lowes, with two batteries and 5 gallon fuel can.

Laus Deo
overbore

 

@Rockyriver, i like the set up, but You need to add a hole in your base to drain and change your oil. I would also change out the drain plug for a magnetic one. Since you have mounted on plywood, a 3-4 inch hole saw from the bottom would work easily.

 

kellory, you just gave the "hole truth" about the oil drain hole. Since I am using an aluminum base plate, my drain hole is only 5/8". For others planning a parallel type, low cost unit, E-Buy has alternators up to the 250 amp range but they require 8 groove pulleys and belts running your cost way up. My garden cart unit is now sitting next to the main generator with jumper cables under cover to start the NG unit if that battery goes dead.
Laus Deo
overbore

 

Aluminum? I thought I was seeing woodgrain through paint. Still, a holesaw for metal would still work. I'd let you use mine, but I doubt your local...