[Elecraft] OT GENERAC generators

Sun Jul 27 12:56:21 EDT 2014

I'm sure we're about to get shut down by the moderator, but I couldn't 
let this go unquestioned, so I called Generac.  They say that the THD 
spec for their stationary generators is <3%, so they must be using one 
of the better technologies. Mine is a 14KW propane unit with a 
whole-house switch.  It runs automagically every Saturday afternoon for 
about 15 minutes, though with no load.  We've hasd a couple of 
multi-hour outages since we've had it, and I've been on the air on HF, 
and never noticed any noise..

73, Pete N4ZR
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On 7/27/2014 10:24 AM, Chip Stratton wrote:
> 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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