Petrol Generator

[milkanbeans]

Hi All

Does anyone know a bit about Petrol Generators, I have been given one by a friend ready for when I get the van converted to a campervan, I thought it would be handy although it is quite heavy and it was very good of him to give it to me.

Problem that I am having is when I have it running, and it starts fine,(4 stroke 1200w output) I am only getting 11 to 12 volts out of the AC side and 0.5 volts on the DC side, is it something really obvious that I have not thought of?

Any ideas

[tinworm]

have you put any load on it yet ,ie a leadlamp or something . Dont use a drill as it could be damaged.

regards Barrie

[milkanbeans]

did not bother putting any load on it as it was only putting out 11-12 volts into a multimeter.

[tinworm]

open circuit voltage will be low. Aload will be required for the AVR to function and ramp up exitation. If the Gennie wont light the lamp check connections ,slip ring brushes and AVR for damage - substitution may be the only path with the latter ..

hope this helps Barrie

[milkanbeans]

Excuse my ignorance Barrie but what is an AVR

Tony

[tinworm]

sorry, automatic voltage regulator - on modern units these will be solid state.On an ac generator the generator 'winds up ' the exitation voltage when it senses the output voltage is low this is how the alternator is controlled . If the voltage goes too high  it reduces exitation - both high and low voltage are load related - also involved is a throttle up arrangement on the motor to prevent stalling (when a heavy load is applied). Have you tried it with a load attached yet ?

regards Barrie

[milkanbeans]

Hi Barrie

Wonder where the AVR would be then, all have found is a large capacitor, not tried it with load yet but plan to tomorrow if it stops raining long enough and I will let you know how I get on   

[tinworm]

aha - you have a smaller unit than I thought ,this uses a sub coil connected to a capacitor - what make /model is it.

regards Barrie