13 Jun
2002
13 Jun
'02
6:33 p.m.
On Thu, 13 Jun 2002, Tony Duell wrote:
At one time (1940s?) there was an idea in the UK to
used a single machine
as both the starter motor and dynamo (DC generator). It was generally
chain-driven from the crankshaft, and I think it had separate
windings for the 2 functions. The problem was finding a gear ratio
between the machine and the engine that (a) let the engine turn fast
enough to start and (b) didn't cause the electrical machine to fly apart
when the engine was running at maximum speed.
The Honda AN360 did that. The starter/alternator was monted on the end of
the crankshaft, and the starter was virtually silent.
For the U.S. models (AN600 1970-1972), they increased the engine
displacement to 600cc (in order to bring it up to 36HP), and, while
keeping the alternator on the end of the crankshaft, switched to a
"conventional" type of starter motor.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin(a)xenosoft.com