Books

 Home Power Producers Guide to Electrical Reality by Bill Rodgers

Update: Kindle sales were light, and the rewards for Bill were even lighter,  so the kindle offer was scrapped. Should you wish to make a small donation to help keep utterpower online, I will get you a digital copy in PDF format.

Written by DIYer, motor head, combined heat and power experimenter, AE enthusiast, and Professional Engineer, Bill Rodgers!  Bill works for a power utility company and has loads of experience on the subject of electrical power generation. What’s extra special about this book is it was written specifically for DIYers.  This 127 page answer book is filled with colored charts, graphs, and pictures, making it easier for the reader to understand the principles contained in the book.  The color pages increased the cost three fold over black and white, but the Author’s goal was to clearly communicate information through the use of color while giving examples of problems our DIYer group is interested in.


Home Power Book Reviews

Bob Gayle, a highly respected member of our ranks is the first to read the book and comment:

It would seem prudent to first preface the reviewer (me) as not being an engineer, an electronic guru or anything other than an avid reader of all that is mechanical, electrical and alternative energy.

Over the years I have collected every book on every facet of power generation, from pre-1900 to present that I can get my greedy little hands on.

During the last 10 years or so, while designing my off grid dream, such things as induction generators and power factor correction became the central focus. There was a time about 5 years ago that if you did a Google search on residential power factor correction the first page of Google would have had links to threads posted by R. Gayle (myself).

This does not show me to be an expert in the field but rather illustrates the voracity of my quests for this information, I knew enough about the issue of power factor correction to ask hard questions, and I found very little information available.

Fast forward to Yesterday…02/03/07

I purchased a copy of Bill Roger’s new book “The Home Power Producer’s Guide To Electrical Reality” , I stayed up late last night reading it from cover to cover. I will undoubtedly reread it at least a few dozen more times.

In his book Mr. Rogers addresses not only what power factor is, but how it is corrected, and most importantly why we as power producers darned sure should be concerned with the subject. His explanation of power factor and it correction is clearly written by a man that not only has a clear grasp of the subject but can explain it in print so that the common man can understand the concept.

Mr. Rogers book also addresses ST type generator heads and their issues, there is also a goldmine of information on induction generators , theory and practical application.

There is no other book on the market today, (either in print or out of print) that deals with these subjects in a manner that is applicable to the home power DIYer.

I was told that the book was somewhat expensive, and perhaps to some it might seem that until… you read it.

This book is clearly worth every penny to the vast majority of DIY’ers (99.9%)
that last .1% you can’t make happy anyway

To me this book it worth whatever I would have to pay for it,, (think many times what one would actually pay for it)

This is a two-thumbs and big-toes-up book! This book is exactly what the market has needed for the last 10 to 15 years. Mr. Rogers has clearly
“identified the crisis, and provided a solution”

Great book Bill, I am looking to start collecting your works, can’t wait for the next book.

Bob Gayle, Pacific Northwest DIYer, and AE enthusiast.

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Second Review By Quinn Farnes, another highly talented DIYer

Very nicely crafted. Making the arcane accessible to those of us who haven’t spent much time working on things that go “hum” is a talent. Thank you for sharing yours with us.

I recognized the formulas for inductive and capacitive reactance and phase angle from the theory I had to learn for my ham radio ticket years ago, and never thought outside that particular box enough to realize that the same principles that govern oscillators also apply to AC motors and generators.

This is something everyone who is messing around with generators really NEEDS to understand. Now I have a better handle on the theory and it makes sense.

Thanks again, Bill. I look forward to reading Volume 2.

Quinn

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Mark, DIYer, and Slow Speed Enthusiast

I just finished making the mods in Bill’s book to convert an induction motor into an efficient induction generator. The motor I used isn’t quite as high end as the one Bill used, but it’s very close.

I started with the governor on the 6/1 set a bit high, it was belching black smoke after I closed the contactor, but I turned it down to the point where it stopped smoking and just a little bit more, and I read 18.1 amps output.

I just used Bill’s specs right out of the book for the first test, I haven’t tweaked it yet for optimum output and power factor. I still have some work to do in that area, but I don’t expect any massive gains. I think just using Bill’s specs got it pretty close, even though I’m using a slightly different motor. I’ve got decent output, the motor runs nice and cool, and the engine sounds happy. I don’t think it gets too much better than this.

Nice work, Bill !!! Thanks for the time you put into this.

Phiber

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Bruce M, DIYer, slow speed EE with plenty of Projects underway.

I finished Bill’s book yesterday. It really is an excellent text on home power systems, and I came away with a much better understanding of power systems, and how I can tune my various loads for better efficiency. Reactive power, apparent power are illustrated in a hands-on approach that I found very helpful to a clearer understanding. I think Bill’s pioneering development work on practical, high efficiency induction motor power will be a real boon for grid connected folks, too.

I’m also looking forward to the next volume, Bill. I highly recommend this book. Bruce M 02/2007

 

order here

35 Responses to Books

  1. Matt says:

    Hello, are you planning on having the book back in stock? If so I will send payment and my mailing info.
    Thanks,
    Matt

  2. Curt says:

    Can my name be placed on the “waiting list” for this book whenever it comes in?
    Thanks,
    Curt

  3. James H says:

    When will Bill Rodger’s book “Power Producers Guide to Electrical Reality” be reprinted?

  4. Kerry Ross says:

    To pay you with pay pal they need an e-mail address or mobile phone #

  5. Kerry Ross says:

    pay pal needs e-mail or mobile phone # to pay for book

  6. troy says:

    i would like to purchase a copy of Mr. rogers book. is it available?

  7. Bob ricketts says:

    I would be intrested in the book

  8. C. Edwards says:

    When will Bill Rodger’s book “Power Producers Guide to Electrical Reality” be reprinted?

  9. Steve Osmon says:

    I purchased an 8/1 engine in parts. I need to learn how to put it together, maintain it, and repair it (the repairing will be easier once I learn how it goes together first). What is you recommendation for this information?

    Thanks.

  10. David Lund says:

    I’d like to purchase a copy of Bill Rodger’s book “Home Power Producers Guide to Electrical Reality”. If you have one available now or if you’re expecting any to come in, please send me an email.
    Thanks very much,
    David Lund
    Gainesville, Georgia

  11. Jeremiah leavitt says:

    Hello,

    Are you planning to make more books? I would really like to get my hands on one.

  12. Bill Asbell says:

    George
    When will Home Power Producers Guide to Electrical Reality by Bill Rodgers be available again, and how do I get on the waiting list?

    • George B. says:

      I’d like to ask how many have interest in this book? I think it sheds light on reality, and today I had a good long talk With Bill Rogers, I’ll likely publish one of his new articles here shortly. One of Bill’s favorite sayings is “a man needs to know his limitations”, and today.. he told me he discovers that nearly every day. It does cause me to reflect on the cocksure, those who are sure they have every answer. I’m delighted to collect the questions, it’s the only wealth I’ve ever accumulated. Is a paper back the answer? It’s in color and fairly expensive. would a digital copy be better?

      • Curtis Henrie says:

        I have the book and find it most helpful and enlightening. This the best reference for power factors that I have ever read. I keep reading and re-reading it and the pages are now beginning to come apart.

        Anyhow, I would certainly be interested in any new or updated books and/or your idea of questions and answers.

        Thanks George for all the good information you provide for us.

      • Charif Edwards says:

        I would be interested in either digital and or hardcopy

        • George B. says:

          Bill and I talked about putting the book on line, I was the one that suggested the price be $3.99. I really think the section on using an induction motor as a generator is the best reference I’ve ever read on the topic. The cost og the book could save you a lot of money, and will give you a ‘leg up’ in understanding. Here’s the link

    • Bryan Nichols says:

      I too have interest in this book and would like to get on the waiting list if there is one. I’d personally prefer a hard copy (and color is also a plus) as all the digital copies of books I own tend to lapse from my memory since they don’t occupy visual space on my bookshelf.

  13. Jeremiah says:

    I’m interested in a copy or two, digital would be fine.

  14. Anton Schoenberger says:

    I have been looking for this book for a long time now.

    I would be happy with a digital version. No shipping cost and if desired I can print it myself.

    Certainly a book in color if preferable.

    Put me down for several copies

    Thanks George

  15. Mike B. says:

    George,
    I sure would be interested in the book

    Thanks

    Mike

    • George B. says:

      Mike and others in this thread, I’ve recently talked to Bill about making a digital copy, and we’ve discussed the many variables, and the pros and cons. At the moment, it’s a thumbs up on making a less expensive digital copy. The book is expensive, as we both think the color pictures are an important part of the book. I don’t think it will take long to move forward on this project. When it happens, I’ll post where to go in order to get the digital copy.

  16. Jeremiah says:

    How expensive? The website states $26.95 delivered, I imagine much has been added since then however, i would guess going digital would be cheaper for everyone. I would rather know the price before it available. Also, does the digital copy come with rights over the content or will I need to purchase multiple copies to share?

    • George B. says:

      I’ve lead the conversation as per the cost of the digital book, I personally think it will be a token amount in relation to the effort it took to write it, and the test equipment to verify the information that’s in it. I think our community will find it a good value, and the price… (a donation) might fund another article or maybe even the creation of another book. A digital book can be passed on after you read it, but it doesn’t give you license to make copies.. I’ve suggested $3.99, it’s still an active conversation..

  17. Rob says:

    I would like a copy. Digital would be great.

  18. Rob says:

    Digital Please

  19. Jeremiah says:

    Unfortunately, I don’t think this will work for my complete purpose. I visited Amazon and there is no way to print the copy I wanted for a gift. The recipient, would not read it online, as they don’t really have access, nor patients for “such things”. Well… Old school is old school, I don’t judge (although I feel otherwise). So… Anyway I can get a PDF copy of the book (printable rights, of course). I think the amazon price is rather low for what the book promises, I would gladly pay more for the PDF (for myself and a one person gift). Please let me know how you feel about this method of delivery.

  20. Mike B says:

    I personally don”t want this as a e book on a Kindle.
    I would order it if it was a hard copy but no other way.

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