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Looking for advice on generators

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Backwoods Savage, Mar 12, 2017.

  1. Mag Craft

    Mag Craft

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    I just realized I spelled inverter wrong. Thanks for the correct spelling.
     
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  2. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    First off electronics are not what they once were, sensitivity to electrical noise is not much of an issue anymore. Power supplies pretty much have the isolation thing down pat. Secondly you are likely to inject more noise back into your house wiring with day to day load switching, vacuum cleaners ECT than a poor old genny. Go in the basement of a office high rise and point out the inverter back up generator, no.
    Bad fuel, lack of maintenance causing voltage and frequency fluctuations are far more important.
    Secondly I don't like inverter generators for backup purposes. On a job site yes yes yes love them, variable speed yup !!!! Quiet ? Oh yeah ! But in the dark ....when yesterday's dinner is doing laps in the toilet the last thing I want to do is decipher what fault code e-31 is. KISS
     
  3. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Using batteries and an inverter like this is a far more efficient use of resources saves gas for the long haul, cleaner and quieter. Plus the additional benefits of keeping up on battery maintenance.
     
  4. Mag Craft

    Mag Craft

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    Yes I remember the old CMOS myself. But I do not feel like running a risk on an expensive item in my home when I can have the insurance of an inverter for a fraction of the cost. As they say to each their own.
     
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  5. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Our bedroom one is a CRT haha the basement has a projection one......When it goes I'll have to smash it up to get it up the stairs !!
     
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  6. DNH

    DNH

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    Maybe an odd idea but I've seen battery powered weed eater starters any way to adapt this concept for your generator? If not I would recommend a small 7-10kw whole house generator on propane with remote start, continuous run can burn a lot of fuel if not needed. Pair this with some LED lanterns that you change the batteries out every quarter. Unfortunately as we age our ability diminishes so we have to work smarter not harder and smarter often involves more expense!
     
  7. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    We touched on inverter gensets a few dozen posts back..... lol I think we've been full circle.

    The problem with inverter sets is that I've yet to see one suitable for whole home backup (240V output mandatory) that was priced within range of the average family's reach. $4k for the Honda EU7000is seems just outta reach. Maybe if I spent a LOT more time disconnected from the grid.
     
  8. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    And on tomorrow's episode.......... Running our generators on wood gas.
     
  9. Mag Craft

    Mag Craft

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    Oh I agree. That is why I only use an inverter for select items and not everything. I do have two really great generators. I also use a cps meter and a voltage meter on the generators when using them.
     
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  10. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I'm not a hater of inverter's, been around VFD's for many years. I'll admit that they can help cover for poor maintenance ie. frequency out of spec due to faulty governor settings ECT. But to assume a complicated inverter generator is necessary for safe backup power is ludicrous. The eu7000 is sweet, a job site wonder. But not the best candidate for a sit in the corner with crap piled on it just in case.......
    Do some actual investigation on electronics damaged by a properly running standard generator and see what you find. Pretty much everything is tied to someone selling a remedy. Manufacturers of electronic equipment are never going say "our ______ is bullet proof plug into anything" as they would have to warranty that statement. Look at automatic backup generators installed all over the place, places loaded with electronics. If it was desirable or deemed necessary they would have it. And before anyone says they haven't got them that big I have read that medium voltage VFD'S have passed the 8000 HP (8 thousand) mark.
    Can anyone tell I'm passionate on power generation ???
     
  11. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I was reminded of a possible solution. My son refers to this as another one of my "Wile E. Coyote rope and pulley tricks". Is your generator possibly able to be bolted down in it's operating location ? If so lengthening or attaching a rope to the existing recoil rope would allow you to redirect the applied force. Some examples are a overhead pulley allowing 2 hands to pull down on a bar (think exercise machine). Using a small block and tackle arrangement can multiply the distance a rope will travel allowing a small amount of foot pedal travel to fully utilize the complete length of the recoil. Just a thought....
    Also if you can remove the recoil from the blower housing and it's a Briggs with the "loose ball" ratchet clutch looking back at you an adapter allowing a decent cordless drill to give her a spin is a option.
     
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  12. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    10 hp would take a pretty good drill to do the job. But it appears right now that someone wants the old generator and with the sale price and discount on the new one, we very well may get it yet this week. I really don't need another job rigging up the old one and neither does my body need to be tackling it right now so we'll probably go with the new one. I still am waiting on one answer before I open the wallet.
     
  13. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Awesome, you will do just fine !!
     
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  14. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    This is how I start the splitter in sub freezing temps.... I use a Corded, 1/2" Hammuh drill, with the hammuh feature switched off.
    Works like a charm:yes:
     
  15. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I need to do something myself, if it's cold as soon as the rope extends all rotation stops dead. Always wanted to make a centrifugal clutch/Lovejoy. At least give it a chance to get started before it realizes it's connected to a pump.
     
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  16. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    That would be a much safer option!
    Get on it:handshake:
     
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  17. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    You'd want one ? A crude one would be simplish to make. Standard clutch, machine off sprocket teeth and cut thread on od., Lovejoy half bore and thread id. to screw on clutch, fab up longer pump mount salt and pepper to taste. Only for starting with no radial load durability would be acceptable.
     
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  18. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Actually pump mount should be fine as is if it clears o.d. of drum. Wundrun if surplus center list's od's.
    Dang it, I'm sidetracking again. This site messes with my productivity..