Generator assistance

[chorchie]

Hi all,

I am new to all of this, but I am looking for a decently priced generator, somewhere between 2000-3000 watts to operate a battery charger at my RC flying field. I figured you all would be the best resource to ask about generators.

I will be powering a 24V 1800W Power Supply to power a charger that can take 10-48VDC at up to 40A.

I need something that will be quiet and stable and get decent operating time per tank.

I have heard that the Hondas are the best, but they are a bit over my budget, so wondering if any of you have any experience with (or would recommend) any of the following. The forum won't let me post URLs, so let me know if you need more info on these:

COSTCO:
Smarter Tools 2000 watt Inverter Generator with Yamaha Engine
Generac 2000W Running Inverter Generator
PowerStroke 1700W Inverter Generator
Champion 2800W Digital Inverter Generator
DUAL FUEL Champion 2800W Digital Inverter Generator


HOME DEPOT:
Ryobi 1800W Digital Inverter Generator
Westinghouse 2200W Digital Inverter Generator
WEN 2000W Inverter Generator



Thank you in advance for your assistance!

-David

[chorchie]

Hi all,

I think I have decided to purchase a Yamaha EF2000ISv2. I love the Honda, but really like the idea of the fuel petcock and gas gauge.

Does anyone here have any recommendations as to where I should purchase from? Any retailer recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
David

[chorchie]

magbarn wrote:
Also, make sure your power supply is at least putting out at least 28+ volts. I adjusted mine via a variable resistor in the power supply. Any lower and your genny will cycle in rpm constantly near the end of the charge as the charger will have alternate between boosting and dropping the voltage as its near the max voltage of the battery.

Thank you for the info, magbarn! The charger case I am going with has a 24v power supply built into it. Is that going to be an issue?

Thanks,
David

[magbarn]

Wish I saw this thread earlier... I fly RC helis with 12s battery configurations (6s in series) and I also use powerlab chargers. My eu2000i has no problem charging 2X5000mah 6s batteries at 4C which is about 40 amps. They're charged in less than 15 minutes too. The eu2000i does not like gas sitting in it. I've found the easiest way to keep carb clean is to drain the float bowl if you're not going to use it for a month or more. The manual explains how to do this with a couple of screwdrivers. Also, make sure your power supply is at least putting out at least 28+ volts. I adjusted mine via a variable resistor in the power supply. Any lower and your genny will cycle in rpm constantly near the end of the charge as the charger will have alternate between boosting and dropping the voltage as its near the max voltage of the battery.

[Kayteg1]

Google is your friend

[chorchie]

I have seen most for an electric switch and a fuel line cutoff valve. Which do you recommend?

[Kayteg1]

All Honda engines I have (recently only 3) have fuel shut off valve.
In the past on the boat and couple of lawnmowers that did not have valves - I installed them. The best modification you can do to engine that can not be run for few weeks or months.

[chorchie]

I dont see an easy way to run the carb dry on my eu2000i. Any suggestions? I am new to generators, so I dont want to have to mod it too much. Thanks!

[Kayteg1]

My Honda EU3000 runs fine on 3 years old gasoline.
I just run carburetor dry before putting it into storage.

[chorchie]

Hi all...the filters in this generator are super clean, but not sure if they used any sta-bil (or other stabilizer) in the fuel. Would you recommend emptying and refilling with new gas? I will be changing oil and checking the spark plug.

[chorchie]

Thank you, Robert! So I make sure I am looking at the right thing, is it the number that starts with EAAJ?

[robert_at_honda]

chorchie wrote:
Hey all...question for you.

I have the opportunity to pick up a used Honda eu2000i for $600. He said it is in perfect condition minor scratches, no problems. About 6 months old with few hours on it.

David, look for the serial number (silver sticker on the lower rear of the case) and send it to me via Private Message. I can look it up in the Honda database and tell you how much of the 3-year factory warranty remains. If you do become the new owner, I can also transfer your name and address as thew new owner.

Honda asks for this in the unlikely event there is ever a product safety recall and needs to contact you.

- - -
I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.
Robert@Honda

[2oldman]

If it runs good, heck yeah!

[chorchie]

Hey all...question for you.

I have the opportunity to pick up a used Honda eu2000i for $600. He said it is in perfect condition minor scratches, no problems. About 6 months old with few hours on it. Would you do it? As I mentioned, I am totally new to this so want to make sure I am not making a mistake.

Thanks!
-David

[GordonThree]

Something else to consider would be to build a 12v generator. There are inexpensive brackets online that couple a lawn mower engine to a truck alternator, give you a good 40-60 amps DC... run it through a small lead acid to smooth it out and you're set for under $100 if you have a donor motor.

not a quiet camping generator, but it is cheap and easy, and saves a bunch of efficiency not having to convert AC to DC.