[Milsurplus] leg-crank gennys

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

> de N4TGC Eric
> 
> Wasn't there something said awhile back about the GN-58, etc., not
> having strong enough bearing bosses to withstand leg cranking?  My
> examination of the ones I've had would seem to bear this out. I've
> imagined how vociferous a GI might get in his efforts, and over-spin the
> genny if he could use his legs.
>  e

Yes. I can vouch for that. When I first connected my (junk) GN-58 
up to my cycle adapter, my coupling stripped out the crank hole on 
the end I was using within 15 minutes. All the gears, crank handle 
sockets,  and the housing were made of some sort of cheesy pot 
metal.

On my better generator, I removed the small housings which hold 
the crank sockets and drive the end of the gear box shaft directly. 
At least THAT is made of steel. I haven't had any trouble with it 
since.

Ken W7EKB