Forum Discussion

chorchie's avatar
chorchie
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016

Generator assistance

Hi all,

I am new to all of this, but I am looking for a decently priced generator, somewhere between 2000-3000 watts to operate a battery charger at my RC flying field. I figured you all would be the best resource to ask about generators.

I will be powering a 24V 1800W Power Supply to power a charger that can take 10-48VDC at up to 40A.

I need something that will be quiet and stable and get decent operating time per tank.

I have heard that the Hondas are the best, but they are a bit over my budget, so wondering if any of you have any experience with (or would recommend) any of the following. The forum won't let me post URLs, so let me know if you need more info on these:

COSTCO:
Smarter Tools 2000 watt Inverter Generator with Yamaha Engine
Generac 2000W Running Inverter Generator
PowerStroke 1700W Inverter Generator
Champion 2800W Digital Inverter Generator
DUAL FUEL Champion 2800W Digital Inverter Generator


HOME DEPOT:
Ryobi 1800W Digital Inverter Generator
Westinghouse 2200W Digital Inverter Generator
WEN 2000W Inverter Generator



Thank you in advance for your assistance!

-David
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2016
    Unfortunately, the spambot thinks new members are trying to sell something using links. Repost just the raw urls sans any tags and we'll see them. The bots aren't that smart.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    That's a long list. Narrow it down a little first? Go to the store, feel up the product. Some are heavier / lighter, some offer ergonomics like a large padded handle or even an extending handle and roller wheels like luggage. Compare fuel tank size, compare dB rating vs load vs distance of measurement.

    I think at least one of those offers a twist-lock 30 amp connector

    Most anything rated at 2000w actually means 1500-1600 watts with some SHORT surge capability... if your charger actually draws 1800 watts (15 amps), you can eliminate most of that list right away, unless you're looking at buying two generator and running parallel.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2016
    GordonThree wrote:
    . if your charger actually draws 1800 watts (15 amps), you can eliminate most of that list right away, unless you're looking at buying two generator and running parallel.
    Yes, most everything you show is too small.
  • chorchie's avatar
    chorchie
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    OK, here are the ones that don't seem to be too small...thoughts?

    http://www.costco.com/Generac-2%2c000W-Running--2%2c200W-Peak-Portable-Inverter-Generator-%7c-50-State-CARB-Certified.product.100158318.html

    http://www.costco.com/Champion-DUAL-FUEL-2800wt-Running--3100wt-Peak-Digital-Inverter-Generator%2c-Electric-Start%2c-RV-Ready%2c-Parallel-Capable%2c-CARB-%2526-EPA-Certified%2c-Low-Decibels.product.100284958.html

    http://www.costco.com/Champion-2800wt-Running--3000wt-Peak-Digital-Inverter-Gas-Generator%2c-Carb-%2526-EPA-Certified%2c-Low-Decibels.product.100139466.html
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    Not even close for power compatibility. Power supplies are rated for output not input and you can count on roughly 85% efficiency. Mongrel breed generators seldom if ever can sustain maximum advertised load rating.

    For maxxing the power supply you most likely will need 4,000 watts. L.A. gets hot and a marginal generator is extremely likely to overheat and die. You can back off the charging at the expense of generator run time.

    Same wattage you will have 1/4th the amperage at 56 volts (48 volt system when charging) as you would at 14 volts charge rate.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 27, 2016
    chorchie wrote:
    I will be powering a 24V 1800W Power Supply to power a charger that can take 10-48VDC at up to 40A.
    This does not compute well for me.

    You need a generator to drive a power supply to run a charger?

    How about post the make and model of this equipment and the actual battery you are charging,
  • chorchie's avatar
    chorchie
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    Sure thing!

    I am using a DPL8x2 charger to charge RC aircraft LiPo batteries.

    (http://www.revolectrix.com/dpl_specs_tab.htm)

    The case I have the charger in contains a 24V 1800W Power Supply. I can run the charger off either AC (using the power supply in the case) or DC. I was told that I was better running it via AC.

    Charging the following batteries:

    http://www.horizonhobby.com/3200mah-3s-111v-30c-lipo-battery--12awg--ec3-p-kxsb0017

    http://www.horizonhobby.com/5000mah-6s-222v-30c-lipo--10awg--ec5-p-kxsb0025


    BUT, I am very new to all this, so if you have better suggestions, I am completely open!

    Thank you,
    David
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2016
    chorchie wrote:
    Charging the following batteries:
    How many ? Because there's no way you need that much power for THOSE TWO batteries.

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