Generator Differences 100A vs 25A

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

What's the physical difference between the 100 amp generator and the 25 amp generator? Do they look identical except for the rating stamped into the data plate? I've never seen a 100 amp gen in person, and I came up empty on an internet search. I'm guessing the 100 amp uses a double belt pulley?

thanks,
bob

[52 M-42]

Hi Bob,

I have a complete 100 Amp system in my garage. If you would like pics let me know. I can put it side by side with a 25 Amp (I've got a couple of extras) if you want a comparison shot.

I can take pics of all the other stuff (rectifier, regulator, cables, etc) if you are interested.

I think I have the installation TB for it too.

Let me know.

52 M-42

[w30bob]

Hi 52,

Thanks for the offer of the pics......I really appreciate that. I'm not in any hurry, I'm just learning about this stuff.....so I'd love to see pics of all the 100amp system components.....but doe it at your leasure....really. I think I might have the installation TB on a CD somewhere (CD manuals really do suck), so I'm going to go look for it now.

thanks again,
bob

[52 M-42]

I have all the pics Bob, but I can't find the directions for posting them.

I'll send you a PM with my direct email, and if you send me yours, I'll attach the pics and send them to you.

Sorry about my technological incompetence!

52 M-42

[w30bob]

Storm, thanks for the pics.....that's just what I was looking for. Very interesting system. I didn't realize the obvious differences in the generators.
Now you have me curious......was this system introduced later in M37 production? I ask because if it was introduced early there would need to be a contact type (non-solid state) voltage regulator available....and I've never seen one of those.

Thanks again!!!

regards,
bob

[52 M-42]

Yes, these were introduced much later. They were an "add on" kit as far as I know. When the radio demands and complexity became constrained by power availability, these 100 Amp systems were introduced. I have the PS magazine article in my folders about their introduction and maintenance, so you might try the website:

http://dig.library.vcu.edu/cdm/landingp ... ection/psm

for more information about their history.

Many people mistake the radio trucks for a part, or subset of the M-42 Command Trucks, but they are not related. You could have huge radio systems in M-37's and not be a Command Truck, or you could have a Command Truck with huge radio systems. They were two distinct variations of the M-37 family that could be combined or separate. The 100 amp system was mandated by power usage, not configuration.

So, the mission of the truck within the organization determined whether or not it had the 100 Amp generating system added to it.

If you like, I'll send you the pictures of the radio systems this 100 Amp Generating System was designed to support.

52 M-42

[PoW]

There were several iterations of the 100-A system found on the G-741 trucks.

The earlier ones had three distinct components: Alternator, rectifier, and regulator. All interconnecting was done via sealed, shielded cables and Bendix connectors.

The alternator was a conventional design, air-cooled 3-phase unit with a large connector. It's footprint and was essentially the same as the 25A generator. Usually it was equipped with a 4-sheave pulley, lots of HP going into it to make that almost 3000 Watts of power.

The rectifier was a stacked plate unit, usually mounted in front of the radiator airflow for cooling.

The regulator was a mechanical type, with a magnetically-driven carbon pile for setting the field current and thereby , the system voltage.

Later units had internal rectification, so dispensed with the external stack.

Later regulators were all solid state, and were plug-compatable with any of the systems,AFAIK.


PoW