Lestraveled
- Joined May 19, 2014
- 1,946
OK
Taking a motor and using it as a generator, you don't know what output will really be. So, if you are going to use it only as a generator, then get a generator. You will then know what to expect out of it as far as voltage and current. The generator specifications will tell you the amount power you will get per the RPMs.
Small generators will be more expensive than small motors. A second option is to get a DC motor and characterize it. You would need a voltmeter, a few load resistors (cheap) and a hand drill. Connect a load resistor to the motor and spin the shaft with the hand drill. Monitor the voltage across the load resistor while you crank up the drill to determine if it will output the voltage and current you need to charge a battery. It is not rocket science, just you learning about motors and generators.
Pick up a small cheap DC motor (<$5) and play around with it.
Taking a motor and using it as a generator, you don't know what output will really be. So, if you are going to use it only as a generator, then get a generator. You will then know what to expect out of it as far as voltage and current. The generator specifications will tell you the amount power you will get per the RPMs.
Small generators will be more expensive than small motors. A second option is to get a DC motor and characterize it. You would need a voltmeter, a few load resistors (cheap) and a hand drill. Connect a load resistor to the motor and spin the shaft with the hand drill. Monitor the voltage across the load resistor while you crank up the drill to determine if it will output the voltage and current you need to charge a battery. It is not rocket science, just you learning about motors and generators.
Pick up a small cheap DC motor (<$5) and play around with it.
Last edited: