Ralph Schultz asked in 131015 MMDigest:

> ... why not just have a radio to plug into 110 volts rather than
> generate 32 volts?  Anyone got an answer?

Because it is converting the AC to DC?

Back in "the days" there was few electronics or electro-mechanical
devices that would convert AC to DC, which I believe most new and
antique electronics rely upon.  There was the motor-generator converter
(like yours), there was the Tungar tube rectifier used to charge
electric vehicles (side note: they generated lots of ozone too -- being
around one of those chargers smelled like a lightning storm had just
passed under your nose), and then there were batteries that supply only
direct current.  If all you had was 110 volts AC on a farm (again,
unusual for long ago) then the motor-generator would make sense.

My guess and only a guess.  Fun to ponder.

Tim L'Amoureux