[Elecraft] OT GENERAC generators

Edward R Cole kl7uw at acsalaska.net
Thu Jul 24 17:22:19 EDT 2014


I cannot comment one way or another on the Generac, though I see them 
often advertised with farming equipment, so probably they are 
sturdy.  I think my Dad had one he ran with the tractor pto.

We chose to add a generator to our home after a cheaply built foreign 
model was unable to supply even enough power for a 75w light and the 
microwave.  We decided to go for a generator that was capable of 
running the whole house and had electric start (to make life easier 
on us old folks).  We bought a 6500w Honda Generator for about 
$4,000.  I built a "doghouse" to permanently install it near our 
meter and added a manual transfer switch.

We've had absolutely no problems with the generator other than the 
battery charge slowly drops in our winter temps, so I added a ac 
timer and a 500ma 12v charger.  It charges the gen starting battery 
twice/day for 3-hours and that solved the battery discharge issue.

What I especially appreciate is the slow-run mode that extends 
running time to 14-hours between refueling (about 3 gallons).  Like 
most Honda's it runs very quiet (I cannot tell it is running 20-feet away).

The generator is capable of supplying enough power for me to run my 
8877 (about 3kW load).
It is capable of remote control in the house (we didn't opt for that) 
and gen shuts down on high temp or low oil.
We do have to be careful not to run too much in the kitchen and the 
well pump when in the slow-run mode else it will trip off.  Never a 
problem in full-speed running.

Nice to have power when the winds blow and trees take down commercial 
lines (several times a year).

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     dubususa at gmail.com



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