Can generator spin clockwise?

[Mtam]

Hello all. I added a vintage generator to the left side rear of my 74 varsity. The generator wheel spins counter clockwise when peddling and the lights work.

I was considering getting a 2nd generator to mount on the right side just for fun. Has anyone seen any of these? Or can a left side one by modified to work on the right? Will it generate electricity spinning clockwise?

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[sandman]

Hello all. I added a vintage generator to the left side rear of my 74 varsity. The generator wheel spins counter clockwise when peddling and the lights work.

I was considering getting a 2nd generator to mount on the right side just for fun. Has anyone seen any of these? Or can a left side one by modified to work on the right? Will it generate electricity spinning clockwise?

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Psychographic]

Why not mount the second on the chainstay? Or mount it upside down on the right side.

 

[Mtam]

good point. Although I would like this second light to be at the same height and position as the first.

I looked over the first light and it seems that it would rub the tire ok just in reverse.

Do you know if these generators produce electricity roating in either direction?

 

[Psychographic]

IIRC they are basically DC motors, in that case it should work backwards. If I'm right the only difference is if it has timing built into it.

 

[Mtam]

Sorry not sure what the timing means

 

[Psychographic]

Let's say you have a 3 pole motor which is 3 rotors wrapped in wire (the windings) and the top winding is at 12 o'clock, if the top segment of your commutator is also at 12, it's 0 timing. Let's also say this motor spins clockwise. If you now rotate the com to the 1 o'clock position you have advanced the timing which will make a DC motor spin faster.

If this would affect the power generated, I couldn't say. That is above my pay grade!

 

[5speed]

yep generators work as long as u spin them

 

[Mtam]

Thx for the advice! I went ahead and ordered another. We'll see what happens

 

[Imaginos]

If it generates electricity when it spins one way, then it should remove electricity if you spin it backwards. Seems logical.

 

[clamdigger]

reverse polarity, too

 

[Mtam]

What if I wired the right side to the left side? Think that would work?