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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / She made it! A generator question
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GomerPile
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 10:18
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Just to add a little:

When an inverter generator like the honda encounters a demand for power (you press the on switch) it increases the throttle in an attempt to meet the demand.

The generator knows that the device connected to it will typically require a bit of startup current so it asks the engine to produce 100% power, this allows heavy motors to start spinning. As it sees the actual power demand, it slows the engine to match it. As the generator attempts to match power output with the demand from the motor you hear your saw slowly start spinning up to full speed. Once at full speed, the power demand is at a steady state. When you begin cutting the power demand will rise and again the generator will throttle up to match the demand.

HERE'S MY POINT, an inverter generator will always provide its surge rated power on startup and keep its frequency at 60 cycles (hertz). Any other equipment on the generator will always see 60 cycles no matter how much current is being demanded from the generator.

On a non-inverter generator when the motor slows on heavy demand the frequency goes down....60 cycles may become 55 cycles. When motors run at less than their rated frequency they can run hot which reduces their life. Anything connected to the generator is subjected to these variations in frequency. Some electronics may have issues running at less then their rated frequency (many internationalized electronics ARE ok with wide vartiations in voltage and frequency). It is far worse for your motorized tools running on a non-inverter generator IMO.

Cheaper generators are cheaper for a reason, you need to understand where they cut costs. Sometimes they are not true sine wave output, sometimes they are louder, sometimes they barely meet their listed specs, really cheap ones are 2 stroke and are non-inverter.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 10:29
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I would like to understand where they cut costs and am trying to understand. Here is a youtube video showing that there is no fluctuation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV-_7ym8jjA

Maybe because it isn't a Honda, it is cheaper? Are you saying that it is not a true sine wave output? I am assuming that it must be louder than a Honda, but I don't find it very loud (at eco mode). It is heavier!

GomerPile
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 15:13
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Theres probably IS a premium on the name "Honda".

The hy2000 is quite a bit heavier and uses a larger engine. Its also louder than the honda. It also does not support parallel operation...if you need more power for something like an AC unit you are stuck. These tradeoffs might be worth the savings....only you can decide.

I will say it does seem pretty quiet on eco-mode in that youtube video.

Many reviews on Amazon also indicate out of the box issues. There are a ton of Honda dealers and parts. Have never seen a Hyundai power equipment dealer...not even sure if they exist.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 15:16
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Right, so hopefully I didn't get a lemon? And if so, I hope I find out sooner rather than later. It is really quiet.

Thanks...

jjlrrw
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 21:40
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For the cost difference I would have also went with the Hyundai, If it works out of the box you will be good to go for a long time I bet.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 19 Apr 2013 10:42
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I hope so! It started on first pull. Fingers crossed...

rayyy
Member
# Posted: 7 May 2013 14:31
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Old technology generators had to run at 30 RPM's in order to give you 60 hz(cycle).That's throttled up to a pretty good speed.These new generation inverter generators can give you 60 cycle while running at an idle.I think all these generator manufactures are getting on the band wagon to build these style generatores now.I'm looking at a Generac brand 1600 watt at half the price of a honda.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 7 May 2013 14:32
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Update: Have been running for a couple of weekend and everything seems great!

SubArcticGuy
Member
# Posted: 7 May 2013 16:02
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As much as people love the Honda's I did run into a weird problem once a few years ago. I was using a EU2000i to run a large (~100 lbs) underwater ROV. I was doing some tests off the dock to make sure it was working okay and it did work fine for awhile and then suddenly it stopped responding properly and I had to pull it back by the umbilical cord to retrieve it. Once it was on the dock and I did some troubleshooting the two propeller motors on the right side (one horizontal, one vertical) would only spin in a clockwise direct and not counter-clockwise.

I called the ROV manufacturer and the first thing he said when I described the problem is "You are using a Honda generator, you have to use something else."

Apparently, there is something with how the sine wave on the inverter works that messes up the electronics in the ROV controller. The manufacturer had discussed the issue with Honda technicians but they weren't that interested in it.

The crappy part was then for the entire program instead of having a nice little Honda in the boat we had a 3500 watt Yamaha strapped onto the bow deck of the 24' jetboat bouncing and banging away...we could barely hear anything with the echo through the decking.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 7 May 2013 21:57
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Maybe its a problem the ROV builders technicians might want to look at. As it works everything else, no issues including sensitive electronics, ie laptops etc. Just a thought.

Cooks Dock
Member
# Posted: 11 May 2013 09:45
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No one has brought Champion into this discussion. I have a 6500, 2-3500's and just bought a 2000 Inverter ( Costco Canada $499.00)
I've had amazingly good luck with them. The big one is house backup, other two 3500s built three cabins and the 2000 will run our big cottage.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 11 May 2013 19:30
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Out of curiosity is the 2000 quiet?

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 12 May 2013 11:22
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Quoting: mojo43
Out of curiosity is the 2000 quiet?



In eco mode, you dont hardly hear it standing next to it. And I u sed "eco" mode when building my cabin. It ran everything, even the compressor for air tools.

The loudest it gets with eco off or running a 1000 watt microwave is 59DB, a normal conversation between 2 people is 60DB. In eco mode, its in the lower 50's for DB, maybe even high 40's. Have a dealer start and run one for you. You wont be able to get your checkbook out fast enough.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 12 May 2013 11:27
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Quoting: GomerPile
...Cheaper generators are cheaper for a reason, you need to understand where they cut costs. Sometimes they are not true sine wave output, sometimes they are louder, sometimes they barely meet their listed specs, really cheap ones are 2 stroke and are non-inverter.


Well said (cropped most of the post to save space, but Gomer is right on)

Another note worth mentioning. If for some reason the engine sees a load it can handle, the system shuts off (just the generating part, not the engine) and it needs to be reset. This protect anything plugged in from low voltage or low cycles. So even sensitive electronics are protected. To reset, shut the engine off and restart it.

evrmc1
Member
# Posted: 12 May 2013 15:40
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i got one of those its a great unit. Lamar from solor cabin has one and he loves it so I got one 2

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