>> I believe Bike generators are actually magneto's, And the wont drive from
>> the wind
>> At least they were a jillion years ago
>
>
>They are usually AC output, if that's what you mean by magnetos.
>They spin a permanent magnet in a winding.
>There's no field control as in an alternator, so you get what you get.
>
>They need some sort of blade arraingement to function as a windmill, but
>I've seen this done, using a bicycle wheel, and plastic or metal between
the
>spokes to emulate the "american farm" type windmills. Not bad actually for
>this application, it's cheap and easy, if not technically efficient.


Now that I think about it you correct with the Magnet/ Field issue.  I do
rember when you tried to turn them by hand they went kinda thump thump, not
smooth at all.

Bike wheel, clever Idea

Regards
Keith