Not theory. This works...I have successfully recharged batteries using a 300 watt generator.Back the Megawatt trim pot back.Start the generator and let it warm up a bit.Slowly turn the Megawatt trim pot clockwise until the generator starts to stumble due to overload. Then tweak it back a noodge counter-clockwise.This morning I did exactly that in which a 10 amp battery charger instantly stopped a Chinese 2-cycle 120 volt generator. Even the 2-amp setting croaked the engine.In such a setting the smaller Megawatt is the better choice as 30-amperes is unattainable due to motor power limitations.The Ranchero grabbed the Megawatt and said "I need this, bad!" In addition to selling it I got a 4 pound round of cheese.There is zero need to have a smaller generator sitting around cooling it's heels.

OK...I give up...What are you talking about? I'm always interested in your adventures!

Which model Megawatt are your referring to, and which model 300 watt chinese generator?

Mex is talking about an intelligent human-powered current limiter that will maintain the charge rate at the maximum that can be provided by the generator.What I'm wishing for is a power factor corrected charger that performs this current limiting by itself. Not rocket science, not new technology, just not available at a reasonable price and/or packaging suitable for an RV.

The 'ranch' owner needed a battery chargedHis 300w 2 cycle generator bogged and died every time they tried to used the 10 amp charger, even died on the 2 amp settingMex connected the megawatt turned the voltage down loadStarted the generator dialed the voltage up until the generator struggledBacked it off until running smoothAs the load lessen he would turn the voltage up just hairKept doing this until the battery was chargedThe Ranchero ask sell? And Mex sold it to him and also got a 4 pound cheese wheel as a bonusMoral of the story even an itty bitty 300w generator can charge a battery, using the right charger and technique

MrWizard wrote:The 'ranch' owner needed a battery chargedHis 300w 2 cycle generator bogged and died every time they tried to used the 10 amp charger, even died on the 2 amp settingMex connected the megawatt turned the voltage down loadStarted the generator dialed the voltage up until the generator struggledBacked it off until running smoothAs the load lessen he would turn the voltage up just hairKept doing this until the battery was chargedThe Ranchero ask sell? And Mex sold it to him and also got a 4 pound cheese wheel as a bonusMoral of the story even an itty bitty 300w generator can charge a battery, using the right charger and techniqueAnother moral is that the stock pot on the Mega Watt wont take much twisting and adjusting before failure, and that the Megawatt should not be exposed to ranching dirt, dust, etc, getting inside the electronics on the components and fan also. It's really designed for an indoor, static location. Just a FYI

Tech Tip: Megawatt / Tiny Generator | Good Sam Community

Rbertalotto
Explorer
Mar 29, 2017
OK...I give up...What are you talking about? I'm always interested in your adventures!
NinerBikes
Explorer
Mar 29, 2017
Which model Megawatt are your referring to, and which model 300 watt chinese generator?
road-runner
Explorer III
Mar 29, 2017
Mex is talking about an intelligent human-powered current limiter that will maintain the charge rate at the maximum that can be provided by the generator.

What I'm wishing for is a power factor corrected charger that performs this current limiting by itself. Not rocket science, not new technology, just not available at a reasonable price and/or packaging suitable for an RV.
MrWizard
Moderator
Mar 29, 2017
The 'ranch' owner needed a battery charged
His 300w 2 cycle generator bogged and died every time they tried to used the 10 amp charger, even died on the 2 amp setting
Mex connected the megawatt turned the voltage down load
Started the generator dialed the voltage up until the generator struggled
Backed it off until running smooth
As the load lessen he would turn the voltage up just hair
Kept doing this until the battery was charged
The Ranchero ask sell? And Mex sold it to him and also got a 4 pound cheese wheel as a bonus

Moral of the story even an itty bitty 300w generator can charge a battery, using the right charger and technique
NinerBikes
Explorer
Mar 29, 2017
MrWizard wrote:
The 'ranch' owner needed a battery charged
His 300w 2 cycle generator bogged and died every time they tried to used the 10 amp charger, even died on the 2 amp setting
Mex connected the megawatt turned the voltage down load
Started the generator dialed the voltage up until the generator struggled
Backed it off until running smooth
As the load lessen he would turn the voltage up just hair
Kept doing this until the battery was charged
The Ranchero ask sell? And Mex sold it to him and also got a 4 pound cheese wheel as a bonus

Moral of the story even an itty bitty 300w generator can charge a battery, using the right charger and technique

Another moral is that the stock pot on the Mega Watt wont take much twisting and adjusting before failure, and that the Megawatt should not be exposed to ranching dirt, dust, etc, getting inside the electronics on the components and fan also. It's really designed for an indoor, static location. Just a FYI
MrWizard
Moderator
Mar 30, 2017
Mex has said it before
Theses people are using one battery and a few 12v lights to get by in the evening
The battery is probably inside locked up safe in the house until it needs charged
Put it on the porch or table outside with the generator and megawatt, there might be dust around but I bet they treat that mega watt like gold

these people are not living the "throw away society life style"

they work hard for every peso and will take care of that megawatt
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 30, 2017
Cotija, Oaxaca, Queso? Make mine extra sharp cheddar. ;)
Every day is a camp out down there.
landyacht318
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
I have a voltage potentiometer on my dashboard. With a depleted battery, and a cold damp drive belt on a rainy day, I can get belt to stop squealing by lowering voltage, or knwinng it will squeal, start with a low target and dial it up until it does begin to squeal.

Same concept.

Voltage adjustment potentiometers are awesome
hugemoth
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
Guess I don't understand what's going on here. My little HF 2 stroke generator will power my 40 amp charger to a full 40 amps with no problem. Could the little generator be constipated? Carbon does build up in the exhaust port over time and needs to be cleaned out once in a while.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
Mexican't almost gasolina....

I showed Hector, how to bubble his battery cells once every two weeks. The cheese is queso de rancho de chiva. Hector, is regionally very famous for the cheese he produces. Some folks drive 200-miles to get some and there is a long long line waiting. Some goat cheese is strong enough to lift a chassis. Not his. Very similar to German Schloss. Outrageous sprinkled over salad or frijoles de olla. And yaint tasted beans until you taste this-year's-crop beans, cooked in a clay pot over a smouldering mesquite fire.

The generator is red in color with a black PLASIC! fuel tank but no brand name. It has a single right angle lifting tube with bicycle handlebar grip.