semantics question, generator or alternator Options

[type47]

So, I went to local FLAPS to have my "alternator" tested (it tested good) and they asked me if it was a generator (since it was so old) or an alternator. I said alternator. I looked it up in the PET because the guy testing it needed the part number (022.903.023 is -4) and the PET says it's a generator. What shall I call it and would that have any influence on the testing. Someone might explain the difference btw alt and gen. (gen doesn't need external current for the field windings, if I recall...)

[eyesright]

Boy this takes me back. In my college days, an old guy told me the origins of all this, which goes back way before our time.

There are DC generators and AC generators. Cars had DC generators from the beginning. As electronic devices developed, AC generators came into fashion being lighter weight and I'm sure a number of other advantages.

Chrysler introduced them first and decided to coin the term "Alternator" instead of using the correct term AC generator, figuring a new name for the improved genarator would offer a marketing advantage.

Within a year or two GM decided to change over to their own AC generator and gave it their own name, "Delcotron", not to be confused with some Chrysler product. So GM cars were advertised as having a "Delcotron" on board.

So people who owned Chryslers were happy to brag that their cars had an an "Alternator" providing lights and horn, and GM owners could feel smug knowing they had a "Delcotron" doing the same.

Remember how we used to Zerox things when we were actually photocopying on an HP or Topcon machine? Well, obviously the name "Alternator" became the common term for an AC generator.

Yeah, the old Bugs had a DC generator just like my friend's '49 Ford. Our 914's are a little more modern and have AC generators and we call them alternators.

Hello?...anybody still awake out there? :-)