Successful Systems

Well I thought it might be crazy too! As to the serious question in my post regarding DC motors as generators. I am led to believe that any DC motor will function as a generator. Is this true has anyone done this? If so can I use brushless units ( to improve service length ) ? If you have any info please share. I am going to try it either way it would just nice to avoid the first few trial and error steps.
Steve

I am very impressed with those that have the time and where with all to start from scratch , such as the guys at other power . But I figure I should utilize the work done by others in the past whenever possible . To that end has anyone attempted to use medium to large DC motors as a generator ? If so what suprises can I expect ? Also is there any correlation between rated watts and power producing watts ? By the way I have managed to separate the genset from that busted motor and I have determined that the function is based on both RPM and torque (based on load). So it's probably not a good candidate for a wind powered unit , but I'm most likely to try it anyway as soon as I get time .