Generators

JiminDenver wrote:


Since I use solar to recharge, a inverter is extremely efficient, quiet and it burns no fuel. Last year when we did use the Champ for charging, it charged a battery that ran everything the rest of the day. Running a 3500/4000 just to watch TV isn't all that efficient.

Jim,

Probably my non-RV background showing. I, likely mistakenly, thought he was comparing the efficiency of a portable generator to a portable inverter type generator.

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

In a pinch, there are "power packs", which are a battery, charger, and inverter in a fairly easy to carry unit (20-50 pounds). That might work for keeping the TV running without having to fire up a generator, and it can be charged once you hit home or full hookups at a CG.

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

Er, OK.

However the OP said, "I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt" and he asked, "My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?"

You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

SaltiDawg wrote:
You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

I answered your question. The op is not around.

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

I answered your question. The op is not around.

The OP posted, "I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt" and he asked, "My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?"

Two posts later, you posted in response to the OP's post, "Safe, yes. Efficient, no. Most of us use an inverter to watch tv."

I later asked you how the efficiency was impacted in your response to the OP. Your explanation shows you were talking about a solar powered battery/inverter system and had nothing to do with the OP's question.

In any event, thanks for your response. I meant no disrespect.

Wow.. I thought I was a nit-picker. You also said "no hassle intended."

2oldman wrote:
Wow.. I thought I was a nit-picker. You also said "no hassle intended."

It's a "nit" when it is pointed out that you "misspoke?" lol

Bye.

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

Well not really.

If you are boondocking AND your batteries NEED charged you ARE DOING MORE THAN WATCHING TV.

With that said perhaps it may not be YOUR cup of tea, not everyone can afford a considerably more expensive gen nor perhaps they simply do not want to spend the money for that top dollar gen.

Something I have an issue with on this forum is folks automatically assume that everyone who buys a lesser expensive gen is going to park beside you. Not everyone camps in state parks nor even private parks, there are many places to camp which are not a campground per say. I myself can camp on my own ground and NOT AFFECT YOU OR ANY OTHER CAMPERS.

As far as inverter, the OP IS COMPARING the need of a traditional old school non inverter gen or do they need an INVERTER TYPE of gen to "safely" run stuff.

The answer is NO, you DO NOT NEED and INVERTER TYPE GEN to "safely run stuff".

2oldman, your post is actually adding confusion to the mix.

What you SHOULD HAVE STATED is running an inverter FROM BATTERY for TV is "more efficient".

Although I would fully disagree with that statement since inverters from battery actually waste power. You waste power when "inverting" from 12V to 120V then you waste power having to charge the batteries.

Folks tend to forget a battery is nothing more than a STORAGE BOX for energy. Draw some energy out and you have to replace it, the problem is that it TAKES MORE ENERGY to fully recharge a battery than what was drawn out. Pull 10 Ahr and it will take 12Ahr or even 15Ahr of charge time to fully charge the battery. This is not efficient at all.

Running directly from the gen is less wasteful PROVIDED the gen is multitasking like charging the batteries and or running the A/C.

As far as noise, well using an inverter from batteries is the quietest way to play a TV but is not THE MOST EFFICIENT THING TO DO. BUT THAT IS NOT THE QUESTION THE OP ASKED.

Gdetrailer wrote:
...


As far as inverter, the OP IS COMPARING the need of a traditional old school non inverter gen or do they need an INVERTER TYPE of gen to "safely" run stuff.

The answer is NO, you DO NOT NEED and INVERTER TYPE GEN to "safely run stuff".

2oldman, your post is actually adding confusion to the mix.

What you SHOULD HAVE STATED is running an inverter FROM BATTERY for TV is "more efficient".

....

Running directly from the gen is less wasteful PROVIDED the gen is multitasking like charging the batteries and or running the A/C.

As far as noise, well using an inverter from batteries is the quietest way to play a TV but is not THE MOST EFFICIENT THING TO DO. BUT THAT IS NOT THE QUESTION THE OP ASKED.

Thank you. Much better said then my attempt! You'll have to see if you get accused of "nit picking." (I won't see his/her post. :B )