Thread: The power of the whirly bird

Interesting project.
I'm getting into hydroponics at home and looking to power the nutrient pump from solar and wind ( ie make the system self sufficient ). I'll be looking how to make a home made wind generator.
Do you know who might have another F&P Smart Drive motor ?

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

If you get smart about it you should be able to mount it VAT (vertical axis turbine aka your whirly bird) on a telescopic pole on the back of the vehicle. While your driving it aint going to do sqiudly when compared to your alternator so you leave it in the down postion. when you pull up for the night or stay you just tele it up over the roof and your done.

in theory you can do it off of a clark mast or an old 292 antenna providing you dont extent out past the top stays.

That would require an extendable shaft. I was thinking of a basic chain drive utilising bike sprockets, 52 tooth down to a 13 tooth giving a 1 - 4 speed difference. Mounted horizontally on the horse float door.

In theory, it should power a 12V windscreen wiper motor all weekend. Dave, hows that other project going anyway?