Windbugger manual anyone? Plz?

[RunningCool]

Hi, just bought a Windbugger used here in the Fl Keys cheap.
No manual, it is producing voltage. Have yet to set it up on the boat.

I have Roller Furling and it seems thats where majority of hookups occur, off of the Jib rigging.

Cant do it with Roller though.
Hoping a manual will help.
Thx

[Vasco]

No manual came with the Windbugger. What do you need to know? Just run the wires to your battery, there is no controller. Watch your voltage, it'll put out a bit under 4 amps at 12 knots. There's an internal brake that's supposed to cut in around 30 knots. When I owned one (still in my basement) never had the brake cut in. The brushes are terrible and very difficult to replace. Is yours the two blade or three blade? If you don't have a pole just hang it where it can run clear of obstructions.

[RunningCool]

Its a two blade.

I guess I am having a brain fart on hanging it.
For they are the rigging install type of wind generator.

[RunningCool]

Vasco, thx.
Can a mppt controller be used? Or some other type of controller?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by RunningCool

Vasco, thx.
Can a mppt controller be used? Or some other type of controller?

They seem to run better without a controller. Some later models came with a controller, just a cheap 25 amp one . My buddy had one and the output with the controller was never as good as mine without one. I would not waste my money on a MPPT controller. Control it by monitoring voltage and take it down when the voltage spikes above 15v.

[RunningCool]

Thx Vasco,
Maybe a simple voltage meter, then to batteries.

Got it cheap, thought it could backup my solar setup.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by RunningCool

Thx Vasco,
Maybe a simple voltage meter, then to batteries.

Got it cheap, thought it could backup my solar setup.

No the voltage meter must be on the batteries. But you can put in an inline amp meter and oh, I forgot, you need a diode in the line so your batteries don't run the windbugger instead of the windbugger charging the batteries. I'm down south on my boat but I think I have a Windbugger diagram at home in Toronto. If you still have the windbugger in June email me and I'll look for it.

[Vasco]

Also the diode should be in a heat sink (just attach to a piece of aluminium). It's slowly coming back to me, haven't used the Windbugger since about 1994.

[RunningCool]

Thx Mate,
Fair winds to you.

[senormechanico]

Easiest to assemble is a stud mount Schottky diode and it will provide the least power loss.
My favorite sources are Mouser, Digikey, or eBay.

[dfloeter]

Not that it will necessarily help but I have a Windbugger manual right here. I Was ready to recycle the piece but you are welcome to it.

PM me your address and I will drop it in the mail.

[RunningCool]

Thx to everyone for comments.