I have a true life 12000 generator that doesn't produce a/c or d/c output voltage. I had
I was told it lost it's permanent magnet and it need to be re-excited to make
Electricy again. How do I go about re-exciting. The user manuel say it's a self exciting
Single phase circuit.

Hello seawolf

The permanent magnet is required to generate (some) electricity that powers the initial electric field that produces the power output of the generator. Once a generator produces electricity, part of that electricity is used to increase the magnetic field inside the generator. Therefore the permanent magnet(s) is not a giant big one, but just small sized.
To "create" a magnet you have to magnetize certain metals or composite metals.
That is done in a magnetic field, often one that is produced by an electromagnet powered from a direct current source. This results in all molecules in that magnet be re-directed into the same direction, making it magnetic.

If you don't have access to a very strong electromagnet, replace the old "magnet or magnets" with a new one or new ones. Can be found inside the coils of the generator, connected to the motor drive axis. Can be bought as spareparts or from Radio Shack.

To understand how a generator works, see this website with video (LINK 1). (http://www.eskimo.com/~billb/amateur/coilgen.html)

Another website explaning how an electric generator works, this one with a coil turning within a big magnet. (LINK 2). (http://www.wvic.com/how-gen-works.htm)

Success !

:)

I have a True Life 12,000 watt generator and I need to find a manuel, also it only putts out about 4 watts why ? I took the end cover off and checked the voltage on the wires in the back and only get about 4 volts.

I have a True Life 12,000 watt generator the motor runs fine , but when I checked the voltage on the wires in the back I am only reading about 4 volts. Why? And do you know where I could get a manuel?

Thanks