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Author Topic: Things To Do With a Generator  (Read 920 times)

D E Jones

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Things To Do With a Generator
« on: October 08, 2022, 06:18:08 pm »
I have a P M Research generator which is powered at this time with a P M Research #7 twin , so I have plenty of power to drive it. In searching for things to power with it, I have come up with some things you guys might not know about. Of course, you can power lights, but you can also charge rechargeable things such as a cell phone. I ordered a small 12 volt motorcycle charger with volt meter and on/off switch off of Ebay which works perfectly. I also found that I could  drive computer cooling fan from an old PC computer case . I trimmed off all the mounting ears, and attached a base. Now I have what appears to be a miniature box fan. While it blows very little air, it does work. Lastly, I can drive an Erector set motor/power pack with it. I don't know what voltage the thing is, I'm guessing 6 volts, but that little generator will sure make it run. I was surprised to find, that the incandescent light bulbs take by far the most power of any of these things. While not as powerful, one of those little brass generators Jin sells will drive the computer fan.
  What else can a small generator do ? Any suggestions ?


D. E. Jones
D. E. Jones

St Paul Steam

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2022, 08:51:14 pm »
All sounds very neat what you have powered (any videos ?) I've seen folks power N scale electric trains, a plasma ball, to name a few.😀
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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D E Jones

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2022, 11:35:39 am »
    I don't have a video, but I do have a few pictures.
D. E. Jones

D E Jones

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2022, 11:37:40 am »
  A picture of the fan.
D. E. Jones

D E Jones

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2022, 11:39:48 am »
Another picture of the steam plant.
D. E. Jones

D E Jones

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2022, 11:43:16 am »
One more picture. 
D. E. Jones

Jim

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2022, 06:23:35 pm »
I plagiarised this idea from someone else -


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Jim

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Jim

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2022, 06:24:28 pm »
And also turned a PC fan into a generator -

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MadeForThat

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2022, 09:31:00 pm »
You could find some marble runs that are electric I have been thinking about getting this one:https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLvDLfQ
Looks pretty cool but there are better marble "runs" available on AliExpress. You should look around at some of these laser-cut mechanical kits, lots of festival rides and marble runs.
 Alternatively I had this kit when I was a kid, and it uses a little electric motor to screw the balls upwards and you make the tracks as fancy as you want: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325274834460?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wsK6B2EER--&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=JmgwKyT_R5G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
If I had the time and space I would be setting up a marble run with my engines!

MadeForThat

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2022, 09:35:40 pm »
Like come on tell me this isn't cool as can be:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtYGPA4

IndianaRog

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #10 on: October 12, 2022, 06:24:12 am »
I have got to get some photos and video posted here...but 'til then...

I have added a "few" electrically powered accessories to my Jensen 51 replica.  Each runs off the DC voltage generated by the 51R's built in stepper motor generator.  These include:

1) two light posts on the 51R itself
2) light/motor combination on the 51R itself

REMOTE ACCESSORIES arranged around the 51R:
3) Karsten Gintchel ferris wheel with LED lights
4) plasma ball
5) St. Paul Steam windmill (converted to an electric motor drive)
6) two separate N scale electric trains
7) carousel with sound, rotation and moving horses
8) seasonally swap a small lighted Christmas tree for the carousel
...
I have a DC powered marble machine kit as my next accessory, but need the help of my 18 year old grandson to build it...something like 700+ parts!

I can't run all the accessories at the same time, but have run up to four simultaneously.  Always looking for more DC accessories I can power from the 51R.

Rog
my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=indianarog

my website:  IndianaRog.com

Nick

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #11 on: October 12, 2022, 07:44:44 am »
Christmas is coming…  :D

Nick

SteamerJ

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #12 on: December 08, 2022, 10:40:18 am »
That’s a nice setup Nick. What kind of turbine is that and don’t say steam? I think that they are nice but I don’t want one. The whine would drive me nuts. I’m getting old and even starting to find whistles a little annoying.😂😂😂
Best Regards
John

Nick

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2022, 12:59:14 pm »
Haha  :D

That is a Wilesco T125 but the turbine was built by Karsten Gintschel. Some better pictures here:

https://www.officeofsteamforum.com/collections-pictures/wilesco-t125/msg31633/#msg31633
Nick

Jim

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Re: Things To Do With a Generator
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2022, 05:32:06 pm »
@Nick

Nick....don't trust that elf mate.


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Jim

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