The machine is designed for 12 volt service and, when driven by the engine, normally begins to deliver current to the battery as soon as the car speed is brought up to approximately 10 miles per hour. From this point on, the charging rate rises rapidly with increasing speed until the standard maximum rate of 6 amperes is reached at a car speed of 16 or 17 miles per hour. From this speed to 20 or 21 miles per hour it remains practically constant, but above 21 miles per hour it decreases gradually until at the upper speed limit of the engine it may become as low as 3 amperes.
This charging rate conforms throughout with the standard recommendations of the battery manufacturers. The early maximum reached by the starter-generator output provides amply for the demands of current at ordinary driving speeds; while the tapering characteristic, which comes into effect at high speeds, serves to protect the battery from superfluous charging in instances where cars may be subjected to continuous high speed service.
| FIELD COIL | TIE ROD | |||||
| ARMATURE | FIELD RING | FUSE | ||||
| RETAINING PLATE | ||||||
| CORK PACKING WASHER | COMMUTATOR | |||||
| ARMATURE SHAFT | ||||||
| BALL BEARING | ||||||
| SPROCKET | COMMUTATOR-END HOUSING | |||||
| 3RD BRUSH PLATE ADJUSTING-STUD | ||||||
| SPRING END-PLAY WASHER | ||||||
| BALL BEARING LOCKING SLEEVE | ||||||
| BEARING-CAP | ||||||
| FELT OILING-WASHERS | ||||||
| BALL BEARING | ||||||
| OIL SLINGER. | CLAMP-SCREW | |||||
| 3RD BRUSH PLATE CLAMP | ||||||
| CRIMPED SPACER | COVER-BAND | |||||
| SPROCKET-END HOUSING | BRUSH-HOLDER STUD | |||||
| BRUSH | ||||||
| BRUSH HOLDER | ||||||
Fig. 92. North East Model G Starter-Generator
Adjustment of Charging Rate.—The third brush system is so constructed as to permit the charging rate to be changed when desired to a higher or to a lower value than that for which it is normally adjusted. Such adjustments should not be attempted by the car owner himself, and should never be made except in cases of actual necessity where the normal charging rate does not meet the special service conditions under which the equipment may be required to operate permanently. In every instance where there is any reason to believe that a modification of the rate would be beneficial, the car owner should refer the equipment to the North East Electric Company or its nearest branch or service station.
Fuse.—The fuse is located on the commutator end of the starter-generator. Its purpose is to protect the electrical system if possible by rendering the starter-generator inoperative whenever abnormal operating conditions may occur. Due to its protective function the fuse is always the first point in the system to be inspected in case the starter-generator ever failed to produce current. If the fuse is found to be “blown” or missing, a new one should be applied and the machine given a preliminary test before further search for trouble is made. Should the generator fail to deliver current even after a new fuse has been installed or should the new fuse “blow” when the machine is in operation, the entire electrical system should then be inspected thoroughly for possible faults such as open circuits, improper connections or abnormal grounds. Under such circumstances the difficulty should always be corrected before any further attempt is made to operate the equipment.
Precautions Necessary for the Operation Without Battery in Circuit.—The third brush regulating system requires a closed charging circuit for the successful performance of its duties. The battery, therefore, forms an indispensable link in the system and its presence in circuit is always essential to the proper operation of the starter-generator. Should the machine ever have to be operated with the battery disconnected or with the charging circuit otherwise incomplete, the electrical system must be protected by rendering the machine inoperative. This is to be done by removing the fuse from its clips.
When the starter-generator thus rendered incapable of producing current, no ignition current will be available from the usual sources. Under such circumstances, therefore, the engine cannot be operated without some provisional source of ignition current. A battery of nine or ten dry cells will serve satisfactorily as a temporary substitute provided they are used for ignition only.
Starting Switch and Reverse Current Cut-out.—The reverse current cut-out is located in the same case with the starting switch. This combined switch and cut-out is mounted near the center of the toe-board where the switch push-rod button is within convenient reach from the driver’s seat.