Since alternators are AC and not DC current is it compatable...and no worries on running the one wire to the NEGATIVE battery post? (it's converted to 12V). Thanks guys
Its true that it creates AC power but the diodes in side make the output DC. Therefore current flow would be incorrect for what you wanna do. Added: Current always flows from positive to negative. Hope that helps in the understanding as to why it won't work.
I have a 6 volt Pos ground Alt. on my 32! It is one wire but I am running a switched exciter wire so not to have too rev it up to charge. Had a auto electric shop in CT. set it up.
Groucho, your thread is on aol search. Anyways, searched and found this..... www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?item=135
Uhhhh, no. DC flows from negative to positive. I was taught to think of the negative sign (-) as a arrow and the positive sign (+) as a target to remember the correct flow http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/5137 http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/dc.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_polarity
Current flows from neg to pos inside the voltage source and pos to neg in the load circuit. Check the direction of the diodes in the alternator 36fordguy
it's the output that is AC, so you can run an Alt. backwards and still get results (reversed for tight packaging) but for inputs (DC) you need special unit (PowerMaster?).
From the Google search I listed before: http://www.alternatorparts.com/10si-all-in-one.html That page, and scroll down to see this:
An alternator internaly generates alternating current, then uses diodes to convert the AC to DC, it is then the voltage is regulated or limited to a max of 14-15volts. It regulator is either internal or on older units externaly regulated. If you have AC comming out of the batt terminal, you have shorted diodes!
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