[Elecraft] OT GENERAC generators

[Chip Stratton]

If you want to assess the quality of a generator's output, take a look at
it on the oscilloscope, The cleanest waveforms will come from generators
using a brushless alternator, or perhaps one of the sine-wave inverter
generators like the extremely quiet Honda and Yamaha units.

I know that, at least in the past, Generac used brush type alternators.
These typically had rather dirty waveforms when I scoped them, with THD
well above the 5%  that is considered good. While most appliances are fine
with this higher distortion, a waveform rich in 3rd harmonics makes motors
run hotter/less efficiently. Whether significant harmonics extend into the
RF zone, I don't know - maybe not an issue with our radios. I was able to
find a 6500 watt Porter-Cable unit on wheels with a brushless alternator
which I converted to use natural gas in addition to gasolne if necessary.
This has worked well for me, though now that I have it power failures have
become rare. Go Figure!

Chip
AE5KA




On Sat, Jul 26, 2014 at 11:27 PM, Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net> wrote:

> That makes sense and I actually like to run with the house load on the
> gen.  I have a manual transfer switch so I run about 5-minutes to allow
> engine to warm up before applying a load in test runs.  Tend to be shorter
> if there is an actual power outage.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> At 11:29 AM 7/26/2014, Mel Farrer wrote:
>
>> While this is getting to be long, I think this excerpt from a generator
>> manufacturer sums it up best.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Generator set exercise
>>
>>
>>
>> Generator sets on continuous standby must be able to go from a cold start
>> to being fully operational in a matter of seconds. This can impose a severe
>> burden on engine parts. However, regular exercising keeps engine parts
>> lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up fuel before
>> it deteriorates, and, in general, helps provide reliable engine starting.
>> Exercise the generator set at least once a month for a minimum of 30 min.
>> loaded to no less than one-third of the nameplate rating. Periods of
>> no-load operation should be held to a minimum because unburned fuel tends
>> to accumulate in the exhaust system. Whenever possible, test the system
>> with actual building loads in order to exercise the automatic transfer
>> switches and verify performance under real-world conditions. If connecting
>> to the normal load is not convenient for test purposes, the best engine
>> performance and longevity will be obtained by connecting it to a load bank
>> of at least one-third the nameplate rating. Be sure to return the generator
>> control to AUTO at the conclusion of any maintenance.
>>
>> Mel, K6KBE
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:10 PM, Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Gasoline storage is easy....use fuel stabilizer...one oz to 2-1/2
>> gallons of gasoline.
>>
>> But you should run any gasoline engine regularly to keep it in good
>> working order.  Once/month long enough at least to reach operating
>> temperature.  This keeps oil in bearings and seals in good shape.
>>
>> I know most just park their lawn mower over winter with gas in the
>> tank.  But an expensive gen set needs a little TLC to keep running
>> well...like changing the oil and filters (oil and gas).
>>
>> We have enough outages that fuel is not stored longer than a few
>> months (and I use stabilizer).
>>
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>> <http://www.kl7uw.com/>http://www.kl7uw.com
>>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
>> Dubus Mag business:
>>     <mailto:dubususa at gmail.com>dubususa at gmail.com
>>
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>>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
>     dubususa at gmail.com
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