I may not abandon the alternator. My new friends at MakeICT are optimistic about the alternator and agree that it is an affordable way to build a bicycle generator. Tomorrow we are going to try to re-work the alternator system. However, I had already returned the 3-wire alternator, so I had to purchase a new one. The manager at the auto parts store recommended a 1-wire alternator. He said they are commonly used for these types of applications. I am assuming that this means I will not have to put a resistor and a switch in the circuit.
We did use the battery to power a sound system in the Greater Andover Days parade this morning. There was no yodeling involved, so the battery was still between 50% and 75% charged by the end of the parade.
We did use the battery to power a sound system in the Greater Andover Days parade this morning. There was no yodeling involved, so the battery was still between 50% and 75% charged by the end of the parade.