I decided to make a push for the GX25 generator project.
First I removed the clutch from the GX25. I will be crafting some kind of frame for the generator assembly and also a converter plate to go on the shaft of the motor.
Next I prepared to make the optical tachometer circuit for the ECU to judge motor speed precisely. I had some luck pointing my manual tachometer to black/white tape on the makeshift plate mounted on shaft. Still TODO: I still need a way to pump initial fuel into cold engine (manual pump), and actuating the choke might be handy in cold weather. But after some new intel (se bottom) I think I have found a way to make the generator act as starter motor as well, eliminating the added complexity of a separate engagement mechanism and separately controlled starter motor. Even better, I get to keep the recoil starter for debugging purposes (I already put it back on). Fun fun.
Next I put an ad out where I proclaim that I want any
excess generators or alternators that people may have lying around. This resulted in me getting in contact with a fellow who had a 140AMP 12VDC 2005 mod Volvo V75 alternator for cheap, which I bought.
Next, I put an ad out where I proclaim that I want any excess
electircal motors, which has resulted in a few emails from people who want to get rid of motors. So far I didn't get any motors though.
Next, I went dumpster diving, or more correctly, electrical appliance recycling plant scavenging. I will keep the location secret because, oh-boy was there a lot to be found!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuIPsw2Ds-SK5blyIm3768iIDjOVbHN5BbHpfVKEn88s2b7lDmZlsnj2ziE9QLrveXyT_8tswkZi4GK9NHwiHPItFcez6pFxEGDYJnjF19ADrpIoIVZz-aDJnMwo4gJaehGXNP-AV-Yg/s320/IMAG0773.jpg) |
3.5 HP 180V 7.5 AMP 5200 RPM Threadmill motor |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBmHAJc1GZZVVUnr-QKmAVvB11oENh9o30kFkXzDwpqMwp31ebXG8rz2sd6phPAuB9LqCVraguQ2Wu6f5kgRR-94OYaR-RDiF2eec4tpHPpVwsyMIcbJE3TRyj8js2ckI7xA4udlQQyA/s320/IMAG0767.jpg) |
Ditto |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBQvTxN0Zt7wseEXYCOnuqqDJ5rJDuAh6kygr542m6n04QkP7Il-Qq9O6_wX96jjNWD-83qzcng9oF3l2pCu3lNSBOkqssQ7si92eSUlc7ufvTQotv39d2wSYJx_ajvEVicK-pvjxkTw/s320/IMAG0772.jpg) |
Threadmill motor driver circuit |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6NjSaeaVDT61oSbju80C7XNQGlgWwrM6ffJm_Hul3T80lY0cVdJ4uIALAWrZI6zqcd6OVC3LwBJaumdx3kMaVOKlwnjPVPrO6fkPdouGZoHjsZnA_8Qjk_saIrphIO-LsTMT1Z0z6bc/s320/IMAG0766.jpg) |
ACME Screw linear actuator from threadmill. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HLHcpm4igTkzEy-Cad9vlZ5WBTV_o7Hs9Dr2ly6T4QqdW48i_NzjJr0GDBbjB4jqKCocZ-QPzjAdnNuEe-6oCUS-5KTdeUMb8CiifmvF-gf0mZ27jy7XPbS1v2oImjAs0rFaqgTGYMM/s320/IMAG0764.jpg) |
One of 2 washing machine motors. |
And last but not least, I put a question on electronics stackexchange asking what motor I would be looking for to make my generator. I got an
excellent answer that I am definitely going to pursue next. In the same fell swoop I asked a question about how to
measure the torque vs. RPM curve for my motor collection. Turns out there is something called "prony brake".