On Sat, 9 May 2009 14:12:04 +0000 (UTC), David Lesher
wrote:

writes:

The generator, the alternator, and the battery are connected to each
other; and NOT to anything else in the car. {Well; hot side; they share
ground.}

Actually you are not correct in your assumption. The radio on almost
all cars in the last 20 years is permanently connected to the battery.
Clock too. EFI computer and trans computer as well. Not to mention the
power lock control if so equipped.

Please explain how the above are "permanently" connected to the
battery. Every car I have ever seen [even British ones!] has a
removeable, replaceable, battery. You unbolt either the old top post
clamp; or the new banjo side terminal bolt. When you do, everything is
disconnected. Pull both cables and the mounting bolt; you can take the
battery out of the car!

[Of course, GM could have now come up with a car with a non-replaceable
battery. They ARE the people who welded the doors in place on the
Vega. And Apple sells iPods, iPhones and laptops where you have to junk
the gadget when the battery dies; so are cars far behind?]


The last descriprion, where the output from the alternator of the
vehicle AND the pos of the battery are disconnected, and the output of
thew (115vAC) generator is connected to the battery POST and the
alternator output TERMINAL addresses all the issues.

By "permanent" connection I meant unswitched and simply removeing
either the alternator output OR the battery positive and connecting
the genset would have subjected those devices to possibly harmfull
voltage conditions.