I have a 3 phase alternator that I am working on here:
http://www.fieldlines.com/index.php/topic,149009.0.htmlI also have a 12v DC power supply. I'd like to come up with a very simple circuit that will be able to take this 12v DC and produce an output that I can give to my alternator to make it turn.
Why? Mainly just for fun, but also my bearing is a bit rusty, I have applied some oil and it is loosening up, but I think it needs to be 'worn in' by running it for a while.
I was thinking of getting a simple 555 and 4017 circuit, like the ones used for LED chasers:
Rewiring it so that it resets after 3 LEDs instead of 10.
Then connecting these 3 outputs each to their own relay, and connecting the relays to each of the phases for the alternator.
So the end result will be that it will give 12v DC to the phase 1 coils for a brief time, then to phase 2, then to phase 3 and back to phase 1 in a cycle.
I know that this will result in giving a square wave to the phases, but I am not interested in making it smooth. I just want something that will turn the rotor and be as cheap and simple as possible.
I should also be able to adjust the speed with the variable resistor. I am not looking to go very fast but it will be interesting to see what it can do.
My question is, will this work? Is this a good approach?