On Thu, 17 Jul 2003 22:12:06 -0700, "Richard W."
wrote:


"David L Peterson" wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 00:09:06 -0500, David L Peterson
wrote:


The only criteria is that it be easy to assemble from common
materials, capable of running an automotive generator (at the least)
and can be done with minimal tools, or simple machine tools. If it can
be scaled up for larger gennys/line shafts, that would be a plus.

Thanks in advance, let the fun begin.

Gunner

I'd have to say that If I found myself in that situation I would also
go the alcohol route. Here's a thought though. initailly if I were
unprepared I'd do like someone mentioned and run like a honda
generator on alcohol. But, if ou think about it modern high RPM
engines will wear out, they don't use babbit bearings, hard to upkeep
when you can't get new parts. I think ideal would be to revert to
something like an old hit and miss engine (prefereably a pair of them
so you w9ould still have power while working on one of them). With
modest tools you could keep them running indefinitely. Probably could
be made more efficient, adjust the compression ratio, maybe modern IC
driven ignition (could always keep the old magnito on hand).

The old magneto or point distributor would be the way to go. I would want to
stay away from any type of electronic ignition system. We are talking
survival here and if it came to nuclear weapons then everything with an
electronic ignition wouldn't work. Also it wouldn't help to go down to the
parts store, because the magnetic flux would have ruined all the new parts
sitting on the shelf. Any pre 1972 car with points would quit when the blast
went off, but all you would have to do is restart the engine. Anything newer
would need a tow truck to get it home. Assuming you could find a tow truck
that still ran.

I'm thinking that if I was close enough for this to be a problem I
wouldn't be worrying about power for very long. Actually, I'm not
certain, but I'm thinking that using a power transistor driven by the
points to drive the coil (I've seen schematics of this kind of thing
for a hotter spark) would be robust enough to survive. What blows?
Any diode type junction rectify the too much power and blow? you just
talking normal nuclear bombs or EMP weapons? I'm not sure any coils
or condensors would survive an EMP event. Anyone know the details of
this stuff?

Richard W.