[ILQSO] Small, Portable, reliable, inexpensive 120 VAC generator

[Hank Greeb]

Advice for folks looking for small portable power source for outings 
like Field Day, IlQP, etc.  In a pinch it could be used in case of power 
outage at home, for lights and a few other minor things.

Just before Field Day the local Pep Boys store ran an ad for a 120 VAC 
1200 Watt generator, for $149, with $20 rebate (net $129).  We had had 
an ice storm here in January, which knocked the power out for 20 hours, 
so I was looking for something a bit bigger (3500 to 5000 W), but, for 
the price, I couldn't pass it up.  The brand name is ETQ, for Illinois 
tools and Equpment Company.  The thing has run perfectly for 24 hours of 
Field Day, 12 hours of the Ohio QSO Party, and 8 hours of the Illinois 
QSO party.  In a test prior to field day I loaded it down with a 1500 W 
space heater (It's rated for 1500W surge), and it ran for over 30 
minutes without burping.  I think it would run the furnace in my house, 
and one or two lights - which would be a life saver if we had another 
storm and power outage.  I haven't tried hooking the furnace to it, but 
hope to try it before winter sets in.

It's not a quiet as the small Honda, etc., "camping" generators, but the 
noise is very tolerable with the generator 25 feet from the operating 
position.

Just thought I'd mention this - so if you're looking for an inexpensive 
but reliable small generator, keep your eyes peeled for your local Pep 
Boys ads.  Harbor Freight might have similar sales.  I don't keep track 
of them very much because they're not as convenient as Pep Boys for me.

73 de n8xx Hg