In a message dated 10/1/2003 2:44:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
wadebush@iowatelecom.net writes:

> MessageMarko,
>  I think you'll find the East Coast UltraMini looks a lot like one of the
> high priced aviation units.
>  Anyone know if the UltraMini is really a stock unit off a production
auto????
>
>  Wade
>    that ultra minin looks like what my buddy just bought for lots of $ for
> his experimental. I'll plan on using two of those. Thanks for the link.
>    Is that about the same as a Geo Metro or some econo box like that?
>    
>    re
>    
>    Marko
>  
>  
>  
The one I got from them for the race car is off some Japanese car, with a
solid state regulator stuck on the side. I doubt if they manufacture any
alternators at all, and may not even overhaul them. The one on my Geo was very small
and looked like a good candidate. If you have a local rebuilder, he may have
access to a solid state regulator. The advantage is that there is only one wire
to connect from the alternator to the battery. (through a diode in case the
alternator dies) So it cannot short the battery. Many modern alternators are
internally regulated. Your rebuilder can label the connectors for you so you can
install any number of them into any system. There are usually three wires or
fewer. One is to activate the idiot light, and in some cases it does that by
grounding that terminal when the alternator is operating. So the idiot light has
to be powered up with the ignition switch. Others provide +12 when operating.
Another terminal would go to switched +12 and the third goes to the battery
(through a big diode).

You don't need the connector plug from the car harness. Use insulated female
spade connectors. Just push on to the male terminals in the alternator.

I saw a permanent magnet alternator on a formula Atlantic car and was told it
was rated at 20 amps. It was from a big garden tractor of some kind. Smaller
than your fist. Running off of a 1/4" wide V belt.

Lynn E. Hanover