[MRCA] 3kW Genset

[Ray Fantini]

The data plate says it’s a PU-32/C and the only information I have been able to find says that it was used as part of a IFF system that was paired with the SCR-270 Radar system.

Know that the SCR-270 had a 10 kW power plant for running its main components but think the IFF was added much later in the war and perhaps it required the additional generator just for that equipment?

Have been told that the generator that is coupled with the ZXB is the same stock 10 kW generator as was also used with the GPW powered genset and looking at the size of the generator can see that being it appears to be way big for the little ZXB engine.

When I got this genset it originally had a magneto ignition system but the coil for the magneto was open. I had to add an external coil and resistor to get it running but someday would like to find a replacement magneto or at least a new coil to put that back to original. I know that a lot of people out there not only in the radio world but also the vintage engine world will go on about if you cant do it all original then don’t do it at all but I would rather see something operational as opposed to something that just sits there and is one hundred percent original, somewhat the same approach I use with radios. Get it operational and on the air first and then work on getting everything correct. But that’s just me, your results may vary.



Ray F/KA3EKH

________________________________
From: mrca-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mrca-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of KA1LHZ <sboard.ka1lhz at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 9:34 AM
To: mrca at mailman.qth.net <mrca at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [MRCA] 3kW Genset


I actually have 2 Hercules ZXB powered gensets too. I got 1 in NJ and 1 in VT. I even have original engine manuals from Hercules just before they went out of business and the original spares kit was in one of them. They were used in WW-II to power the steering motors in quad 50 anti-aircraft gun batteries (That was what I was told) The engines were also used as a diesel starting motor.

Haven't used them in years but want to hang on to them for historical purposes.

73

DE KA1LHZ


On 4/6/20 3:58 PM, Ray Fantini wrote:

Although it’s not directly radio related I just put up a You Tube video of my 1940 Hercules ZXB generator at:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB2Hn6clw6M



It’s a three phase 3 kW flat head four cylinder engine, for reasons that I cannot completely explain I wanted a flat head engine project so this is it. Also has the added bonus of you start it with a crank. It had a starter motor added when I got it so I kept it and demonstrate how it starts easy when warmed up but cannot imagine trying to start it when it’s cold or lost prime.

Although it would be a stretch now have a way to power three phase transmitters at home.


Ray F/KA3EKH












______________________________________________________________
MRCA mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/mrca
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:MRCA at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/mrca/attachments/20200407/625789a5/attachment-0001.html>