I've posted 2 more videos showing the Champion 2000W ability to power a microwave. The videos are basically the same, one is with economy mode turned on, the other with it turned off. At the end of both videos I try to show the sound volume from inside the camper.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32iQj4uPcQw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvPawTlrnNo
Can anyone comment on the possible effect of the voltage drop I'm seeing, and what the impact on my electronics might be after repeated usage of the 2000W inverter to run the microwave?
As for a comparison to the Honda eu2000i, I've only heard a few of the Honda's and they seem to be a tad quieter than the Champion, but not $500 quieter in my less-than-useful opinion. I will not be embarrased at all to run my Champion during generator hours at a campground.
Lastly, when I made these two videos this past weekend, I spent a few hours in the camper at the storage yard working on the laptop while my son played on his XBox 360, all being powered by the Champion inverter. The whole time it was in economy mode, and really just idling (when I unplugged it there was no difference in the sound). I kept an eye on the Kill-A-Watt plugged into a nearby outlet, and the voltage hovered around 123V. Occasionally the engine would stumble a split second and I'd see the overhead AC lightbulb flicker. I'm guessing this is because the load was so minimal, the throttle control would 'dance' around the lower limit. If I had a more significant load, there was never any stumbling.
I hope this helps. So far I'm really digging my new generator!
PS: When I opened the generator to fill the oil, I was impressed by the fit and finish of the internal components. The castings and machining of the metal parts looked as good as I could hope for, and all the plastic parts fits together really well.
One concern I have about the design is how to lock it with a chain. The obvious way would be through the handle, but it's held on with 4 bolts.
