Tech question, dual alternators

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:26 am

Captain Goddammit wrote:"...Let there be lights! And blenders!"

as in two or more blenders? Sounds like more crew will be needed this year!

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:14 pm

OK, here's the final solution. I switched to GM CS130 105-amp alternators; they crank out tons of amps right at idle rather than requiring higher RPM like the older units. The wrecking yards are full of the late '80s - early '90s small GM cars they came in, and at $10 each, I got two for the boat and four spares.
One of these, powering a battery hooked to an inverter, is holding about a 700 watt load at idle. And I have two alternator/battery/inverter systems, for about 1400 watts total at playa-idle speed. So problem solved! Having electronic fuel injection helps a lot too, they would stall the motor if it didn't self-adjust.
If you have a M/V I recommend you use these things... they're great.

Tiahaar · Post by **Tiahaar** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:29 pm

Super!! More blenders and lights yeah!! (and you've got spare drive belts too I'll betcha just in case)

capjbadger · Post by **capjbadger** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:18 am

Awesome! Glad to hear you found a solution.

Badger

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:16 pm

Glad it's working out.
If you want to soup up a pair, let me know.
They indicate they could gain you about 30% with easy changes here.
Playa proofing should be possible too.
I use some conformal coatings that are the toughest coatings I have ever seen and made for electric use already.
One is pure silicone and clear.

Congratulations.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:52 pm

I would if it were something else... but for the playa, multiple disposable alternators are hard to beat! Redundant systems are what put men on the moon!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:03 pm

You still have to change them if they fail.
I like to build stuff that won't break.

A lot of products I use were developed for the nasa projects, like the stainless steel velcro.
Not having a military budget, you always have to pick and choose, but some products are worth it.
The silicone conformal coating is tougher than most of what you apply it to.
Best clearcoat I've ever seen.
Very cheap for electrical use.
Too costly for a car, but good for rims I think.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:52 pm

gyre wrote: Not having a military budget, you always have to pick and choose, but some products are worth it.

No one seems to get it no matter how many times I say it... no ultra-spendy custom-made pulleys from commercial suppliers, no high-tech coatings, no super expensive nuthin'. Just ingenuity, resourcefulness, scrapyard parts, and a welder and grinder. Hell, you never know if the DMV will even allow it to cruise, and it's virtually worthless in the default world.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:23 pm

Hey, I was talking about a $15 aerosol can, not a boeing turbine.

Little things like that and silicone grease, etc that keep me from spending a vacation under a car seem like a reasonable luxury to me.
It's not intended to be an investment.
Even when my time isn't an issue, when I have to spend my time sure is.
It's everyone's choice.
Two alternators sure gives you a backup.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:26 pm

gyre wrote:Hey, I was talking about a $15 aerosol can,

$15?? Goddammit, do you know how how much tequila I could invest that in?? Are you crazy???

But I do like the Boeing turbine idea.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:45 pm

Captain Goddammit wrote: $15?? Goddammit, do you know how how much tequila I could invest that in?? Are you crazy??

Fifteen dollars worth?

A friend of mine has a brand new helicopter turbine in the crate.
About five cents on the dollar for it.
He can't find the gears for it surplus though.

They make a cheap 8 hp turbine though.
I know someone with a bike powered by one.
Idles at 80,000 rpm.