ZENA ALTERNATORS / DC CHARGING SYSTEM COMPONENTS -- Frequently Asked Questions

Subject Index:
How . . . ?
Why haven't I heard about your alternators before? Why does my marine supply store say that they don't know anything about ZENA alternators?
How large of an engine, or motor, do I need to drive a ZENA alternator/charging system?
Alternator Installation	Power Generator	Quick Charging
AC Power Supplies	System Controls	Which Model to Buy?
DC Power Supplies	Reliability	Other

ZENA ALTERNATORS / DC CHARGING SYSTEM COMPONENTS -- Frequently Asked Questions

Subject Index:

Question Index -- ZENA High-Amp Alternators
How . . . ?	Why haven't I heard about your alternators? Will they last? Do ZENA alternators come with a warranty? How can your product be so inexpensive -- and yet out perform alternators which cost much more?

Which Model . . . ?	I have speed boat with a 70 amp alternator. I've added a large stereo system to the boat. Which ZENA alternator should I install?
	How large of an alternator do I need?
	What is special about a high-amp alternator?
	Should I replace my existing alternator or add a second alternator?
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Alternator Installation	How long does it take to install if I do it myself?
	Can I do it myself?
	Is installation difficult?
	Do you have installation kits?
	How large of an engine, or motor, do I need to drive a ZENA charging system?
	Should I install the Power Generator in addition to my existing alternator, or should I replace my alternator with the Power Generator?
	Does the unit require a certain rpm range from the host motor? I figure they might require at least 3000 rpm or so.
	I have one of your competitor's products --- I keep having to have it repaired. Why would a ZENA alternator work better for me?
	What engine rpm does your ZENA alternator need to get at least close to full power?
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AC Power Supplies	Does the ZENA welder provide power for electrical tools?
	How would I take 120V off one of these units for my grinder, etc.?
	Is there a ZENA welder with 115V AC output?
	What is a DC Genset? I have hear that this sort of generator is used to produce DC power very efficiently. How does a ZENA power generator work with this sort of equipment?
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DC Power Supplies	Why do you so stridently recommend AC power supplies? What about using the DC output of your ZENA welder to directly power tools? I heard that this can be done. Wouldn't this be cheaper and/or easier?
	Does your generator provide DC power? I have heard that a "chopped DC" is much easier on switches etc. Is this what you do, and do you have any comments on this?
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Power Generator	Is the Power Generator an automotive alternator?
	What makes the ZENA power generator different from a standard alternator? It looks like an alternator to me.
	Can a 150 or 200 series power generator replace a regular alternator in a car or truck? Would it still put out 150 or 200 amps @ 12 volts? What is the price?
	Can more than one ZENA welder be attached to a single engine?
	What is little aluminum modle that we see attached to your power generator in many of your web site pictures? Is this a voltage regulator or does it control the welder?
	What is "high-frequency" DC? I thought that DC meant unchanging voltage (like a battery)?
	What is the benefit of ZENA's high frequency DC to a weldor? Is it some sort of square wave?
	I don't understand what you mean when you refer to "controlled variations" in welding current. Is this a TIG welder?
	What does the term "duty cycle" mean?
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System Controls	Do you have pictures available of your control mechanism? Is it a solid state unit? Are large capacitors used? Where is it installed?
	I see that your have controls on your electrode holder/welding handle, are there any other controls, switches or gauges in your system?
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Reliability	Will the ZENA welding system stand up to commercial use?
	What sort of warranty comes with ZENA welders?
	How can the ZENA warranty be so long? I've checked, and other underhood welders which use alternators for welding provide very short warranties. For that matter, except for the most expensive engine driven welders, the ones made by the most well known manufacturers, no other engine driven welder comes with a warranty like yours. How do you do it?
	What is ZENA's guaranteed overhaul / flat-rate rebuilding cost policy? How does it work?
	Is the ZENA system easy to service?
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Quick Charging	What do I need to use my welder as a quick charger?
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Other	How are people using ZENA mobile welders?
	Will a ZENA welder function as a MIG power supply?
	Is a MIG welding torch attachment available for your welders?
	I've been looking at your welding system. I didn't see any information about MIG, TIG, or Flux Core welding using your welder as the supply. I'm more interested in the MIG and Flux Core possibilities than the TIG.
	Are you looking for distributors in our area?
	Where can I buy stock in your company?
	If they're so good, why haven't I heard about your ZENA welders before?
	I currently own a "red" 225 amp welder, and was amazed when I saw your product. I couldn't believe how small it was, and what it put out!
	I am curious if your 150A welder can be used as a TIG welding power source? Since it's 100% duty cycle, and high frequency, I figure it can.
	Do you have information regarding using the ZENA welder as a MIG or TIG power source?
	I heard about a product called the Ready Welder -- a MIG spool gun that uses a battery for a power source. Can the ZENA generator act as a power source for this device?
	Why don't I see ZENA welders at my local welding equipment store?
	What is your Local Product Contact Program?

Terms	What does the term "duty cycle" mean?
	What do the terms "constant current" and "constant voltage" mean?
	What is MIG Welding?
	What is TIG Welding?
	What do you mean by the term Disruptive Technology?