Thanks guys,

I tend to agree with you now - I took the turbine outside and sat it on a bucket in a good stiff wind, it was real easy to stop with a bit of hand pressure.

I did look at ED's site a few weeks ago and was impressed. I was just looking for a cheap easy way out - I have everything I need to great a DC current output, and I haven't spent $30 yet.

Because I'm really only need around 10A an Hr I should use a smaller alternator, but the F&P has so much info on it - and potential should I decide bury myself in this stuff. I might have a chat with Ed about using a 3'x2' version with some sort of gearing to drive the F&P - even if I only get 10+A out of it. As far as the rest of my design goes, it's pretty std I think.

I still need to source an auto switching star/delta controller board - I'm having trouble contacting the people who have the auto switching controller boards at design specialists - any ideas?

As far as charge management goes, what do you guys think of the Xantrex C Series

I have actually ordered their 70 page colour Smart Drive Reconnection & Performance Manual - can't wait for it to arrive.

The missus would kill me. While I spend a few $$ here and there, I can get away with it ;-)

Greg