Old & Slow wrote:
The statement you own the Kipor KGE2000i and it being Chinese built and as bullet proof as they come. Question. Does not the Kipor 2000i have 'totally different Tech' than, say, the Champion 2000i? Totally different in design from the module to the cooling and as close to the Honda as one can get? Can you discuss this in class today? For now,
Floyd
The Kipor KGE2000i is the only Chinese generator that I know of that has a design similar to the Honda. Initially, it is said Kipor cloned much of Honda's features only to receive a storm of lawsuits from Honda that would have kept it from being sold in markets where patent infringement is not allowed. The US is one of those countries that go after pirated goods, copyright and patent violations from Chinese vendors. Thus, sales in the US market would be zero.
Kipor sells the generators it builds under several different labels. All Power is the most prominent. Generac uses a Kipor digital and CPE sells a 1,000 watt Kipor through Canadian Tire with a CPE logo.
The lawsuits were never brought to court. Rather a licensing agreement was negotiated between Kipor and Honda that allowed Kipor to keep some of the design features from the Honda. But, this in no way makes them equal.
You frequently ask about the module. Virtually all of the modern digital units share a common method of generating the sine wave from a 3-phase high frequency alternator that is rectified to DC. It is sort of like the common technology of all TV sets, DVD units, hard drives, computers, etc. There are many identical components used, but the methods by which those components are interconnected differ. The use of PLC's and true microprocessors allows an almost unlimited variety of software programs to be incorporated. The same microprocessor or PLC may be used in many digital inverter modules.
What caused problems is when competing designs attempt to reduce manufacturing cost to hopefully undercut another product's sales. This may result in components that are of a higher tolerance, less mass (likethe heat sink), smaller gauge wiring, bulk purchasing of untested components or anything else that can lessen the "overhead" for making the product.
I honestly do not believe the product from CPE falls into any of the above no-no's. It is a well constructed unit with liberal use of metals, heavy plastics and wiring. The fact that it is an 80cc engine and produces 300 watts less power than my KGE2000i but weighs more is a testament to it's ruggedness.
There have been some CPE2000i failures. That is expected. But nothing on the order of a meltdown. According to CPE's lead Tech Service Engineer returns have been minimal. I trust him and do not believe he would give me any false figures.
As I stated earlier, I know that the overall design of the 2000i was from scratch and not another over-branded unit. It is understood that not all parts were actually built by CPE - this would require a foundry and casting facility. But, again, I do know that CPE provides design specifications for parts it receives from outside vendors that can be significantly different than off-the-shelf generic components commonly used in many other Chinese generators. Evidence of this is the CPE logo stamped or cast into the part.
I know little of the source for the module. I believe I said earlier that it is possible that it may be shared. That was only a guess. But, if it is shared, the actual specifications of the CPE module may be different than it's first cousins. Again, I know CPE does NOT just pick any apple from the orchard.
Yes, I am a CPE Cheerleader. Why? Well, because they have consistently impressed me with quality service, support, and equipment design. To this day they are the ONLY manufacturer/wholesaler of Chinese generators that has a program in place to identify weakness' in the product and make design changes. The new Category 5 synchronous remote control genny is the Cadalliac of them all and ironically has many of the features that YOU once wanted incorporated into a generator in place. CPE actually listens to what we (RV owners) say and want.
No one knows what the future of the 2000i will
really be. The design could be improved or discontinued with something else. We see that every day with other products. But, unlike here-today and gone-tomorrow brands I feel comfortable in saying that CPE will have parts and support available for the 2000i for many years into the future. I'm not at all sure I can say that about other Chinese brands.
I have no connection with CPE other than communication. I owe them nothing. I just believe they market a well designed and quality product.
Is the 2000i "perfect"? Quite frankly, no. I do not believe it should have been introduced as a 2000, which is why I emphasize in what I write that it is a 1600 and NOT equal to a Honda 2000. If 1600 watts is enough to do the job you want done then it is one heck of a buy - even at $699.00 retail. If you need 2,000 watts - it is NOT a good buy even at the $499.00 introductory price.
It is what it is. It is not a Honda or Kipor.
BTW - welcome back.
