Thomas Prufer wrote:
On Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:47:44 +0000, NoSpam wrote:

Thanks. Presumably it just relies on residual magnetism to get
started(?). If there aren't any "well known" failure modes I just need
to work through methodically.

Some generators may fail with a "no residual magnetism left" mode -- mine has
something like that in the manual. The curse, ISTR, is to attach a 12 volt DC
source to the output and then start up the generator again.

I've googled a bit and found this:

http://www.engineersedge.com/motors/...d_flashing.htm

(wot basically says "read the applicable manual...)

and this bit of magic:

http://www.perr.com/tip16.html

Thomas Prufer

Fixed the smoke problem and just tried the drill idea, I was right to be
sceptical :-(
Also tried flashing with a 30V/2A power supply but it didn't do any good
- probably not enough current. In the old days of car dynamos I remember
having to flash them to get the correct polarity - ISTR that all we did
was briefly connect the car battery directly across the field windings.

Please could you summarise what your manual says?

Hugh