Need help, from the beggining

[mclayton]

I love making thing and love anything that helps me "go green" so a DIY wind turbine seems like a great idea, the problem is I know just about zero about it, particually the parts dealing with electricity(volts, amps, alternators, the correct wire to use to generate the correct this/that, RPM needed to generate this/that) and storage. I'm a student in college and am just looking for something smallscale to power my laptop, mostly I'd just like spread awarness, can anyone recomend and resources for me?

[wpowokal]

Err Google search this board, top right hand box.

[disaray1]

   You could get started by reading ALLOT right here in the archives. For a hands-on primer, consider the minigen on Ed's  http://www.windstuffnow.com/main .  Start small and work your way up!

 D

[force9BOAT]

In addition to the other comments I would strongly advise going solar instead of wind.  I know from my own experience wind turbines are no simple matter.  There's a 1000 things to learn.  Even then, unless you have a good "windy" location you may be disappointed.  With solar on the other hand you get power easily and immediately.  I've got both.  I've been playing with my wind turbine for a year and still have not produced any significant power from it.  My solar panels on the other hand crank out the power almost every day.  With a set a batteries and an inverter you are all set.  My computer I'm using right now is solar powered.