8/1/2010 edit: Thread renamed at the suggestion of the Professor.
Renamed from: Champion Inverter and Remote Gens Promo on CPE's web site)
3/22/2011 edit: Thread renamed ...
Renamed from: Official CPE 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Thread
3/23/2011 edit: Thread renamed at the suggestion of the Professor.
Renamed from: (Un)Official CPE 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Thread
Inverter Available August 2010
Remote Available July 2010
Renamed from: Champion Inverter and Remote Gens Promo on CPE's web site)
3/22/2011 edit: Thread renamed ...
Renamed from: Official CPE 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Thread
3/23/2011 edit: Thread renamed at the suggestion of the Professor.
Renamed from: (Un)Official CPE 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Thread
Inverter Available August 2010
Remote Available July 2010
These are waveforms I got when testing a Wen PP3500 (standard generator with AVR control):
The sine wave isn't the cleanest but it does have the peak voltage needed (according to the Bellsouth Power article) to run chargers, microwaves, UPS's, etc.
I never tested my Champion 3500 because I assumed it was the same as my Wen...with different color paint. After all the posts about how Champion is different and runs their own factory I think I might have to take another look at it.
I've tested expensive pure sine inverters and have been impressed with the clean sine wave all the way to overload. Cheapy knock-offs don't. If these inverter gennys output a clean sine wave under load--at this selling price--then this is something new that I need to look into ๐
The sine wave isn't the cleanest but it does have the peak voltage needed (according to the Bellsouth Power article) to run chargers, microwaves, UPS's, etc.
I never tested my Champion 3500 because I assumed it was the same as my Wen...with different color paint. After all the posts about how Champion is different and runs their own factory I think I might have to take another look at it.
I've tested expensive pure sine inverters and have been impressed with the clean sine wave all the way to overload. Cheapy knock-offs don't. If these inverter gennys output a clean sine wave under load--at this selling price--then this is something new that I need to look into ๐
Wayne,
Some of the Kipor made AllPower inverters were modified sine wave. Pep Boys sold them. Don't know if they are still there or not. I guess it was less expensive to leave the microprocessor that charted the time base and amplitude of the "pure sine wave" off of the circuit board.
Everyone,
I own both synchronous and inverter generators. On the plus side the inverter (digital) generators produce more wattage from a given engine size than a synchronous generator. Thus, they are lighter weight watt for watt and more fuel efficient. Digital generators use 3 phase high frequency alternators to produce the power for the inverter circuits.
As for the variable engine speed -- well, to me it is sort of a joke. Unless you are running a 200 or 300 watt item the engine speed steps up to about 4,000 RPM any time you start a microwave, small A/C, converter/charger, etc.
As for a "pure sine wave" being needed for electronic equipment like computers, that is the biggest myth since since green cheese on the moon. Maybe back in the days of the Commodore 64 or Atari 400 when transformers were used as part of a power supply did "clean power" really make a difference. Today, virtually all electronics use a switching power supply that will run off of most any voltage, frequency or even high distortion signals. Modern switching power supplies do not pass so called dirty signals through to the equipment they power. I really get ticked when I see that statement in print such as in a recent issue of Trailer Life magazine.
What you see below is from my synchronous Champion 40008 generator. There is a quick ramp-up and drop-off on the wave form, but high levels of distortion are not present. BTW - this was made on a high end digital oscilloscope.
One other issue is the cost of repair/replacement of a fried inverter board on a digital generator. $500 and up is normal. Of course, when you pay $1,000 to $2,000 for the generator to begin with you feel compelled to pay the high cost of repair as well. I am in constant fear (more like concern) that something will go wrong with my Kipor and I will have to shell out enough to buy a new synchronous genny.
I like the Yamaha digital better than the Honda. My Kipor does a good job as #3 on the quality/performance chart. Knowing CPE's quest for quality and performance at an affordable price I would not be surprised to see it kick the Kipor to #4 in a few years.
I am sure there will be those that disagree. But, I feel comfortable in the fairness and accuracy of my statements.
This is the output waveform of my digital generator. It is a different scope than the one used above. There is less distortion and a more "perfectly" formed sine wave - but so what?
Some of the Kipor made AllPower inverters were modified sine wave. Pep Boys sold them. Don't know if they are still there or not. I guess it was less expensive to leave the microprocessor that charted the time base and amplitude of the "pure sine wave" off of the circuit board.
Everyone,
I own both synchronous and inverter generators. On the plus side the inverter (digital) generators produce more wattage from a given engine size than a synchronous generator. Thus, they are lighter weight watt for watt and more fuel efficient. Digital generators use 3 phase high frequency alternators to produce the power for the inverter circuits.
As for the variable engine speed -- well, to me it is sort of a joke. Unless you are running a 200 or 300 watt item the engine speed steps up to about 4,000 RPM any time you start a microwave, small A/C, converter/charger, etc.
As for a "pure sine wave" being needed for electronic equipment like computers, that is the biggest myth since since green cheese on the moon. Maybe back in the days of the Commodore 64 or Atari 400 when transformers were used as part of a power supply did "clean power" really make a difference. Today, virtually all electronics use a switching power supply that will run off of most any voltage, frequency or even high distortion signals. Modern switching power supplies do not pass so called dirty signals through to the equipment they power. I really get ticked when I see that statement in print such as in a recent issue of Trailer Life magazine.
What you see below is from my synchronous Champion 40008 generator. There is a quick ramp-up and drop-off on the wave form, but high levels of distortion are not present. BTW - this was made on a high end digital oscilloscope.
One other issue is the cost of repair/replacement of a fried inverter board on a digital generator. $500 and up is normal. Of course, when you pay $1,000 to $2,000 for the generator to begin with you feel compelled to pay the high cost of repair as well. I am in constant fear (more like concern) that something will go wrong with my Kipor and I will have to shell out enough to buy a new synchronous genny.
I like the Yamaha digital better than the Honda. My Kipor does a good job as #3 on the quality/performance chart. Knowing CPE's quest for quality and performance at an affordable price I would not be surprised to see it kick the Kipor to #4 in a few years.
I am sure there will be those that disagree. But, I feel comfortable in the fairness and accuracy of my statements.
This is the output waveform of my digital generator. It is a different scope than the one used above. There is less distortion and a more "perfectly" formed sine wave - but so what?
