We offer a wide selection of emergency power sources to keep your electronics running, including the Power Pot, Cup charger, Pan Charger, Pot Charger and Fire Power Thermoelectric Generators.  Especially cool is The Epicenter's very own Universal Generator Bracket: now you can build your own AC and DC generator!  Both inexpensive and effective.  We also carry the highly popular solar battery recharger.  (Use the sun to recharge those batteries.)  We also offer DC to AC power inverters (converters) to run AC equipment on battery power!
 

Thermo Electric Generators
Fire Powered DC Generators (Thermoelectric Generators) Called "Hatsuden Nabe" in Japan
Single USB Output Thermoelectric Generators
Pan Charger 3 Watt maximum USB output 1.1 Liter (37 oz) capacity Stainless Steel construction inside and out for easy cleaning. One USB charging output. Able to boil water and cook soup while generating power and charging devices. Can charge USB devices including iPhone, camcorders, GPS and others up to 2 watts continuous, 3 watts peak. Made in Japan. Model HC-5 Shown with optional FireBox Stove and Pan Adapter plate (phone not included). USB Pan Charger.   Price $199 $149 OPTION - Add FireBox Stove for Pan Charger.  Price $59.99 OPTION - Add FireBox Adapter Plate for Pan Charger.  Price $9.95	Cup Charger 5 Watt maximum USB output 0.82 Liter (27 oz) capacity Stainless Steel construction inside and out for easy cleaning. Fold away handles. One USB charging output. Able to boil water and cook soup while generating power and charging devices. Can charge USB devices including iPhone, iPad, camcorders, GPS and others up to 3 watts continuous, 5 watts peak. Made in Japan. Model CC-5 Shown with optional FireBox Stove and Cup Adapter plate (phone not included) USB Cup Charger.  Price $149 OPTION - Add FireBox Stove for Cup Charger  Price $59.99 OPTION - Add FireBox Adapter Plate for Cup Charger Price $9.95
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The Power Pot 5 Watt maximum USB output 1.4 Liter (47 oz) capacity Aluminum constriction with anodized surface inside and out. Fold away handles. Includes cup, and 5 LED USB light (not shown). One USB charging output. Able to boil water while generating power and charging devices.  Can charge USB devices including iPhone, camcorders, GPS and others up to 5 watts peak Assembled in the USA. Model PowerPot V Shown with optional FireBox Stove and Pan Adapter plate (phone not included) The Optional Pan adapter is not required for the Power Pot, but is very useful in keeping the sides of the pot clean and free of soot. The hole in the adapter plate allows most of the heat collecting surface to be exposed to direct heat, while sealing off the perimeter from smoke and flame exposure. The Power Pot V   Price $149 OPTION - Add FireBox Stove for Pan Charger.  Price $59.99 OPTION - Add FireBox Adapter Plate for Pan Charger.  Price $9.95	Optional USB LED Lighting Components  Lights being powered by a Cup Charger, heated with 4 point Butane Stove. 10 LED USB Light  Powered by a USB port. 1/2 watt power consumption. Flexible and adjustable metal neck. 10 LED USB light    Price $6.95 4 way USB power splitter / hub Connect up to 4 USB devices to our single USB Thermoelectric Generators. Use this USB hub / power splitter with our USB LED lights and extension cords to provide lighting at your camp site. This Hub splits power to dumb USB devices like LED flashlights, camcorders, Blue tooth speakers and more. This will not work with smart phones. Smart devices like iPhone must connect directly to our Thermoelectric Generators to charge, and will not charge when connected to this hub. 4 port USB hub / power splitter    Price $5.95 High Power USB Extension Cable This cable has 24 Gauge power wires for minimum voltage drop. Can be used to power USB devices like iPhone, Lights or others 10 feet away from our Thermoelectric Generators. 10 foot USB Extension Cable.  Price $4.95
12 Volt and Quad USB Output Thermoelectric Generators
Pot Charger 8 Watt 12 volt and USB output Model WHC-8, 4 Liter (135 oz) capacity Stainless Steel construction inside and out for easy cleaning. 12 volt and 5 volt output. 3 Cigarette Lighter outputs. 4 USB charging outputs (using two dual USB adapters included). Able to boil water and cook soup while generating power and charging devices. Can charge any combination of USB and 12 volt devices, up to 8 watts. Uses Four Thermoelectric Modules. Made in Japan Pot Charger - 8 Watt Model WHC-8.  Price $449 OPTION - Add FireBox Stove.  Price $59.99 (No adapters required)	Pot Charger 12 Watt 12 volt and USB output Model WHC-12, 8 Liter (270 oz) capacity Stainless Steel construction inside and out for easy cleaning. 12 volt and 5 volt output. 3 Cigarette Lighter outputs. 4 USB charging outputs (using two dual USB adapters, included). Able to boil water and cook soup while generating power and charging devices. Can charge any combination of USB and 12 volt devices up to 12 watts. Uses Six Thermoelectric Modules. Made in Japan Pot Charger - 12 Watt Model WHC-12.  Price $649 OPTION - Add FireBox Stove.  Price $59.99 (No adapters required)
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At the heart of the Cup, Pan, and Pot Chargers is one or more Thermoelectric Generator Modules (or "TEG"). A TEG is a device that creates a voltage when there is a different temperature on each side of the device. These TEG devices are made with materials developed in Japan for recovering waste heat in industrial applications and are capable of operation at extremely high temperatures, like found in a wood camp fire.

The TEG module(s) are mounted within a cavity in the bottom of the Cup, Pan and Pot Chargers. The Cup and Pan Chargers employ one TEG module: The 8 Watt Pot Charger uses 4 modules, and the 12 watt Pot Charger has 6 modules. The FirePower 40 watt model is a different animal, and we will discuss it later.
 

One side of the TEG is exposed to heat (from a fire for example), and the other side which is thermally connected to the interior of the Cup, Pan or Pot is cooled by water which is placed inside the vessel.

When heated with a wood-fueled fire, the bottom of the pan will be exposed to temperatures in the range of 450 to 550 degrees Celsius (842 to 1022 degrees Fahrenheit). In a few minutes the water inside the pan boils and maintains a constant temperature of 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). This creates a temperature difference of 350 to 450 degrees Celsius (662 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit). It is this temperature difference that the TEG module uses to generate electricity, as the heat moves from one side of the module to the other side. This movement of heat actually goes through many hundred small devices in between the two surfaces on the TEG, and this heat movement is what generates power.

NOTES:

• Water must be inside the Cup,  Pan and Pot Chargers during operation. Always keep the vessel filled at least 1/3 with water or the thermoelectric generator module(s) will be permanently damaged.
• Clean the inside of the Cup, Pan or Pot by hand and do not submerge in water. The bottom of the vessel housing the TEG modules is not waterproof and should never be exposed to water.
• Check the devices you intend to power for charge current requirements.

USB Chargeable Mini Flashlight

This tiny flashlight charges via USB.

• Includes emergency strobe function.
• White LED produces 25 lumens of light.
• Provides 150 minutes of light on 10 minute charge.
• Red charging indicator changes to green when charged.
• Battery: Lithium-ion battery recharged via USB.
• Dimensions: 0.87" diameter x 2.05" long.

USB Chargeable Mini Flashlight   Price $5.95

  USB Battery Charger for Ni-MH AA and AAA batteries

• Recharges high capacity Ni-MH AA and AAA batteries from USB power
• Chargers two AA, or two AAA batteries at the same time
• Charge rate 160 ma per battery
• Input power : 2W
• Can be used with the Cup, Pan or Pot Chargers or other 5 volt USB power supplies

  Medusa - The multi connector USB charging cable

This cable has 10 connectors. Three of them are the most useful. These include an apple 30 pin connector for iPhone, iPad and iPod. Then it has a micro USB and a Mini USB. Between the mini and micro USB it covers 90% of the modern devices out there. There are also 7 other connectors for Nokia (2 types), Sony Ericsson, Samsung (2 types), LG and Play Station Portable.

For a list of supported models click here.

• iPhone, iPad and iPod 30 pin
• Micro USB
• Mini USB
• Nokia (2 types)
• Sony Ericsson
• Samsung (2 types)
• LG
• Play Station Portable

Velcro-style Wire Organizers (10 pack)

One of the greatest inventions of all time!

Why didn't I think of that?

• Reusable wire tie / wire organizers using Velcro.
• Color coded 10 pack, with 2 of each of 5 colors.
• Shown here is one of these being used on a microphone cord. This is a fantastic product for musicians or anyone who has audio / video cable to organize.

Also see our complete listing of DC to AC converters. Run 120 Volt devices off of battery power! Click Here!

Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket

A unique bracket that mounts a GM 10si alternator to a horizontal shaft gas engine.  The simple way to build your own generator!  Add a DC to AC power converter, and you have a super high output DC charging system, as well as an AC generator. Be aware, you must have a battery hooked up to the alternator, or you will damage the internal voltage regulator.

We have designed and manufactured a simple, one piece universal mounting bracket specifically for this task! This bracket bolts to the motor (using a universal bolt pattern), and allows the alternator to bolt directly to the bracket. The bracket also has an integral belt adjustment slot which allows the alternator position to be adjusted, which serves to tension the belt.

We now have 2 versions of our bracket. The long one is the one we have been selling for years. The short version is a new one that is intended for applications when you want a more compact system, and have an engine with no obstructions on one side.These brackets are designed for the small footprint GM 10SI Alternator. Larger alternators will not fit!

Dimensions for Long version:

• 19.5" long x 8" tall.
• 13" from center of motor shaft to center of alternator shaft with belt adjusted in center.
• 6.6" between standard 2 bolt mounting bolts for GM 10si alternator
• Made from 10 gauge Steel or Stainless Steel (0.135" thick)

• 16.5" long x 8" tall.
• 9" from center of motor shaft to center of alternator shaft with belt adjusted in center.
• 6.6" between standard 2 bolt mounting bolts for GM 10si alternator
• Made from 10 gauge Steel or Stainless Steel (0.135" thick)

See our "Tip O'da Week" on the subject.

Example Mounting for Horizontal Shaft Bracket
Short version mounted on a Tecumseh OHV engine.	.	Long version mounted on a Tecumseh OHV engine.
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Bare Steel Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket, Short version. Price: $24.95 Black Powder Coated Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket, Short version. Price: $29.95 Stainless Steel Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket, Short version. Price: $39.95 28" belt (for the SHORT version of the bracket).  Price: $9 (Use with our 4" pulley on motor and standard 2.5" alternator pulley  4" pulley for 3/4" engine shaft.  Price: $14.85	.	Black Powder Coated Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket, Long version. Price: $29.95 Stainless Steel Universal Horizontal Shaft Generator Bracket, Long version. Price: $42.95 37" belt (for the LONG version of the bracket).  Price: $9 4" pulley for 3/4" engine shaft.  Price: $14.85
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A Note about Alternator pulleys and belts.

The pulleys and belts we sell to go on the engine are industrial "A" style, 1/2 inch wide. Although the combination of automotive and Industrial "A" style belts is not the ideal solution, it works well for most customers and is the least expensive option. The belt rides a little higher in the alternator pulley, and at the correct depth on the engine pulley. Extreme power users may experience some belt wear, especially if the belt is not tight, or if the pulleys are misaligned even to a slight degree because of the reduced contact area between the alternator pulley and belt side.

There is a better solution! The Special Industrial "A" Belt Pulley for GM 10si Alternator

We are now offering a special 2.5" Industrial "A" style pulley that fits the GM 10si alternator. These will fit any of the alternators we sell, and we will even install it for you at no cost by request. Shown here is the same belt as it would fit our new special alternator pulley. So, for people who plan to run their systems near capacity for extended periods of time, we recommend replacing the standard pulley on the alternator with one of ours.  If you already have your own alternator, or did not buy it from us, we can not guarantee this will fit your alternator. Please look very closly at the diagram for measurements. You may return it if it doesn't work out, but you will be responsable for shipping costs BOTH ways which may be more then the cost of the pulley.

Special Industrial "A" belt pulley for the GM 10si alternator.

Notes about alternator direction and fans

Stock fans for 10si (left) and 12si alternators (right).

Most asked questions:

Bi-directional fans for use with our alternators

These fans fit the 10SI and 12SI alternators we sell. If you already have an alternator, we can not guarantee these will fit. They will only fit if the existing fan has a dish in the center, and the dish points toward the alternator. See the above pictures.

Bi-directional fan for GM 10SI or GM 12SI alternator.Price: $24.75
Install this fan to any alternator purchased on this order (No Installation Charge For This Option)

Vertical Shaft Generator Bracket

Universal mounting pattern fits all lawn mower engines. Same integral belt adjustment slot and alternator mounting provisions as our horizontal design.

(Bracket allows you to mount alternator as in the photo below):

See our "Tip O'da Week" on the subject.

• 24" long x 12" wide.
• 11" from center of motor shaft to center of alternator shaft with belt adjusted in center.
• 6.6" between standard 2 bolt mounting bolts for GM 10si alternator.
• Made from 10 gauge steel or Stainless Steel (0.135" thick).

Alternators and Regulators

Sold outright! No core charge!
All alternators are remanufactured  with new brushes and bearings, right here in Eugene, OR.

If you plan to run your system near capacity for extended periods of time, we recommend replacing the standard pulley on the alternator with one of our special Industrial "A" belt alternator pulleys above.

Be aware, you must have a battery hooked up to an alternator or you will damage the internal voltage regulator if you try to rotate it at normal RPMs.

Model 7122, 63 Amp - External regulator type.  Price $49.00
Model 11710, External voltage regulator for 7122 alternators. Price $27.50
Wiring Plug for 7122 (you provide switch).  Price $5.50

Model 7127, 63 Amp - Internal regulator type, 12 volt. External switch required. Price $69.95  (RECOMMENDED MODEL)  (Also see wiring plug below)
Model 7294, 94 Amp - Internal regulator type, 12 volt. External switch required. Price $102.00
Wiring plug for 7127, 7294 alternators (you provide switch).  Price $5.50

Model 7127X, 63 amp - Single wire, internal regulator type, 12 volt. Price $75.00
Model 7294X, 94 Amp - Single wire, internal regulator type, 12 volt. Price $128.39

Direct Drive Systems

Q: How do you direct drive a generator head with an engine?
A: Direct drive shaft coupler assembly.

Select a coupler half that is the correct size to fit the engine shaft (or driving shaft size), then select a coupler half that is the correct size for the generator head (or driven shaft size). Then the two shaft couplers are joined using what is called a spider. Notice that the shaft couplers each have 3 fingers and the spider has 6 slots. The three fingers from the engine side fit into three of the spider slots, and the three fingers from the generator side coupler fit into the other three slots on the spider. This coupler assembly allows for several degrees of misalignment between the two shafts and protect the bearings from seeing side loads that would result from misalignment.

These couplers are available in several sizes, but we have marked the ones that are needed for our projects:

Special direct drive alternator coupler

Installing our custom direct drive alternator coupler.

Now, to install our alternator coupler you will need an allen wrench to fit the end of your alternator shaft, and a second one goes across 2 of the ears. Hold the shaft in position with the center allen wrench, and turn the coupler with the other wrench as shown. Again we will install this for you on request.

Direct drive alternator mounting assembly.

Notice from the picture that there are spacers and bolts connecting the two plates. We do not provide the bolts or spacer tubes. The engine plate comes with nuts pre-welded to the side of the plate that faces away from the engine.  This is done so that the surface of the plate that touches the motor is free of obstructions.  The spacer tubes need to be large enough in diameter that they can sit over the nuts (the nuts sit inside the tubes).  In the example shown, we used square tube for the spacers but we have also used 3/4 electrical conduit for the spacers. The length of the bolts and the length of the spacers must be determined at the time of assembly and are not provided.

At this time we only offer these direct drive bracket sets in Bare Steel, unpainted. We are looking at doing them in powder coat, and stainlesssteel  if enough people are interested in those options. Call if interested.

Bare Steel Direct drive bracket set - Price: $34.95
Black Powder Coated Direct drive bracket set - Price: $55.95
Stainless Steel Direct drive bracket set - Price: $65.95
1/2" Direct Drive Coupler.  Price $18.50
5/8" Direct Drive Coupler.  Price $18.50
3/4" Direct Drive Coupler (most 5 HP and smaller horizontal shaft motors). Price $18.50
7/8" Direct Drive Coupler (use with most vertical shaft motors).  Price $18.50
1" Direct Drive Coupler (use with 8 HP horizontal motors and others). Price $18.50
Special-threaded and counter bored for GM alternators. Custom made to direct drive GM alternators with gas engine  Price $32.50
Spider for all couplers.  Price $7.85   ONE SPIDER REQUIRED FOR EACH PAIR OF DRIVE COUPLERS.

Also see our full range of solar panels! Click Here!