Generator output and rv

BFL13 wrote:
Xantrex used to warn that their True Charge converter/chargers would not make as many as rated amps when powered by certain Rv generators that made "modified sine wave-like" outputs.

Threads here in the past revealed that some Onan gens were like that. IIRC it was shown that PD converters would have low DC amps with those gens as input, but WFCOs didn't care. The Xantrex units did care.

Not all Onans are the same for that it seems, so you have to know what's what.

On just what is "sine wave" it turns out that if you have more steps in your modified sine wave (called T something--forget) which is a percentage of something or other, it counts as "sine wave" ISTR the specs of the unit will say > 95% T whatits so that counts. You also see "sine wave" , "true sine wave", and for that you must compare the claimed " > xx % T thingies. (trying to be technical here! :) )

Back then too, the dreaded 6300 series of converter needed clean DC output by way of using the house battery as a filter to run some of the items like the idiot light monitor above the stove, the fridge and water heater controls, but the lights and fans didn't care about dirty DC power so they were ok.

the OP is asking about dirty AC not dirty DC, so it is hard to know what 120v items would be affected except that the converter might not do its rated amps depending on the Brand. I think the microwave would run same as it does on a MSW inverter. IE, slower in time but still gets the cooking done and it groans and moans a bit while the tray rotates. Kind of the same as on shore power with low voltage.

No real harm done there, but ISTR there could be a problem with the air conditioner being damaged from low voltage, so that may not like a "MSW-like" 120v , no idea.