Forum Discussion

MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
Mar 29, 2017

Tech Tip: Megawatt / Tiny Generator

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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Which model Megawatt are your referring to, and which model 300 watt chinese generator?
  • OK...I give up...What are you talking about? I'm always interested in your adventures!

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,209 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 26, 2025