[HCARC] Difference in Types Of Generators

[Gary J - N5BAA]

Thanks all - I have been considering getting a new generator and have been 
looking at the Generac Propane powered ones and saw the Honda Inverter 
generators and wondered the reason for the high prices (other than being a 
Honda).  The reason for the propane is I hate having to deal with the crappy 
alcohol gasoline these days.  All it takes is the failure to shut off the 
gas and not run the carb dry and it screws up the carb.  BTW, new carbs are 
relatively cheap for common engines and are a minor problem to remove and 
reinstall and come pretty well adjusted from the factory.  Repair shops 
seldom clean and rebuild carbs any more as the labor and parts cost more 
than buying the new carb.  I have a back up carb in my "Emergency Food 
Storage" for almost all of my critical engines.  I have an old Honda 
generator that I have a carb for, but am contemplating putting a propane kit 
on it.  I know I will get less power, but I have an extra bulk propane tank 
where I store 150 gallons of propane just for emergencies and for use 
filling BBQ bottles for heating my greenhouse.

BTW, speaking of greenhouses, I still have the Harbor Freight 25% OFF 
coupons for anyone who wants to get one of their greenhouses.  Their sale 
price through 3/31 is $619.00 and after using a 25% off coupon it sells 
including tax for $535.35.  That’s for a 10x12 greenhouse.  Their 6x8 
greenhouse will cost you right around $200.00.

Gary J
N5BAA

-----Original Message----- 
From: Dale Gaudier
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 8:05 AM
To: 'Gary J - N5BAA' ; hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [HCARC] Difference in Types Of Generators

Gary:

A conventional generator is basically a small gas or diesel motor connected 
to an alternator. Generators run at a fixed RPM (generally 3600 RPM) to 
produce a steady 120 VAC at 60 cycles.

An inverter generator is a conventional generator whose AC output is 
rectified back to DC, then using an inverter circuit, the DC is converted 
back to AC.

The major difference between the two is that the output of the inverter 
generator is fairly well-regulated AC (i.e. the voltage stays steady even 
with varying loads) and is a "clean" 60 cycle sine wave similar to what the 
power company delivers.

A conventional generator's output voltage may vary a bit depending on the 
loads presented; the regulation of the AC waveform is also not as good as 
that of an inverter generator. Under heavy loads, the generator may struggle 
to deliver 120 VAC at exactly 60 cycles. Devices that require very accurate 
60 cycle AC (electric clocks and some motors) may not run as well on a 
generator as an inverter.

That being said, a conventional generator is usually adequate for most 
applications. Sometimes you will see ads touting the need for "pure" AC for 
today's electronic devices. When you think about it, though, most 
electronics take the 120VAC, 60 cycle line power and convert and filter it 
to DC anyway, so the "cleanness" of the AC input isn't really an issue. 
Better quality power supplies, such as the ones many of us use with our ham 
rigs (or that are built into our rigs), have regulated DC outputs and good 
output filtration. They will handle AC input voltages and power cycles that 
vary from the nominal 120VAC/60 cycle standard and still deliver "clean" 
well regulated DC.

The extra cost of inverter generators buys you a better regulated AC output 
and (often) a quieter generator due to consumer demands. I can't vouch for 
fuel efficiency differences between the two as these would depend on the 
fuel (diesel vs. gas), size of gas/diesel motor, and load.

73,

Dale - K4DG


-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] 
On Behalf Of Gary J - N5BAA
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 7:48 PM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [HCARC] Difference in Types Of Generators

What is the difference between a regular generator and an Inverter 
Generator??  Why would a 2000 watt inverter generator cost almost 1000 
bucks – on sale???

Gary J
N5BAA
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