The Official unofficial CPE 2000i Generator Thread

[pritch272]

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

[Old___Slow]

bradyk wrote:
I read on another forum as well troubles starting the microwave. As a potential customer that would be a deal killer. I do own a 4000w Champion for the air etc. but do mountain camping where all I need a genny for is microwave, coffee, charging etc. that thought that would be smaller and easier to work with for the dollars? Maybe not!

The jury still seems to be out on the Microwave question. I do believe all of us folks who like the idea of a lighter small in size gen (Inverter) are watching for real reviews on the new Champion. If it will not operater the 1200w microwave when it's rated for 1600w running, that's not a good thing. The story and video of it operating a possible 13,500 btu A/C is highly suspect. Might as well buy the new Kipor/Champion 1000i. Save some cash, weight and fuel. Buy a highly proven product.

[bradyk]

Friend of mine just sent me a note after purchasing one at Costco this past week. He took it out for the weekend. Didn't use the ac as it wasn't very warm. Said it started first pull every time, nice and quiet, and ran all his inside stuff well. Said he likes how lite it was comparing to my 4k Champion. Recommended it for sure.

[pritch272]

w33k3nd warrior: It appears the majority of the 579 models are 13,500 units, it would be nice if you could pin it down. Thanks for making the video.

57908.321 7,180
57908.521 7,100
57912.321 11,000
57912.531 11,000
57912.532 11,000
57912.621 11,000
57912.631 11,000
57915.321 13,500
57915.322 13,500
57915.331 13,500
57915.336 13,500
57915.421 13,500
57915.521 13,500
57915.522 13,500
57915.536 13,500
57915.541 13,500
57915.546 13,500
57915.621 13,500
57915.622 13,500
57915.631 13,500
57915.731 13,500
57915.741 13,500

[w33k3nd_warrior]

579 series. I am not sure the exact last digits of the model number. My manual says "579 Series Duo Therm Brisk Air by Dometic

I decided to make a video of my testing.

[canadiankid]

Thanks for the testing info. What size AC do you have? I wouldn't bother with premium gas in it unless it asks for it (but that is just me).

[Old___Slow]

Again. :h

[w33k3nd_warrior]

I went down to Costco today and picked this gen up for $499CDN. Got home, unpacked it, topped it with oil and gas (premium). One pull and it started. I let it run for about 5 minuted before testing it. First was a 1500w hair dryer. Switched it from cool to warm to hot and it did a .5 second chug but it kept going strong. Next was a 1500w kettle. Chugged again for a split second but kept on strong. Then I hooked it up to my trailer and started turning things on. All the lights, stereo, fridge and the fan on my A/C (no microwave). Ran strong all the way. Then I switched the A/C on. SURPRISE, I was amazed it ran it (Dometic Brisk-Air). I let it run for about 10 minutes without any issues.

-Noise levels were quiet enough that I could have a cell phone conversation standing right beside it.
-Weight was light enough that I could carry it from my garage to the trailer (100 ft) without setting it down.
-Started first pull and I barely pulled.
-The fact that you can stack them is pretty cool.
-PRICE did it for me when compared to the Honda and Yamaha. As long as you don't neglect oil changes and general maintenance, I see this thing lasting me a long time. I will only use premium gas in it also.

It was the first time it ran so I may edit this in the future but for now I would recommend this gen.

[professor95]

byates wrote:

I also will forego a long discussion.
While I am not an electrical engineer, master electrician or long time teacher of electricity/electronics, I did earn both the bachelor and master of science degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. I am a licensed PE in 16 states and have designed and managed the construction of pipelines and pumping stations domestically and internationally for over 30 years.
Enough said.
byates

Enough said about what? I thought we were discussing the safety benefits of thermal/magnetic breakers vs. just thermal.

[Old___Slow]

The Kipor 2000i @105.6 is about 25% more displacement than the Champion 2000i @80cc ............if this all works out that the Champion has the same output, wow, the engineers who developed the new offering should get world wide recognition. Will the magic bullet be in the engine or the electronics?

Also several other brands are showing up 125cc for their 2000i

[byates]

professor95 wrote:


Not to get into a long discussion, but this is a big issue with me.

As an Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician and long-time teacher of electricity/electronics there are many issues concerning electrical safety with a generator people without such knowledge do not understand or simply ignore.

I also will forego a long discussion.
While I am not an electrical engineer, master electrician or long time teacher of electricity/electronics, I did earn both the bachelor and master of science degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. I am a licensed PE in 16 states and have designed and managed the construction of pipelines and pumping stations domestically and internationally for over 30 years.
Enough said.
byates

[professor95]

Another thought..... I have yet to see the 2000 watt inverter so I am only wondering.

The little 1200/1500 watt synchronous genny Champion markets has an 80 cc Mitsubishi clone style engine. Reportedly the same displacement as the inverter. I am wondering if the engine in the inverter is the same engine? If it is, the news should be good. That particular engine is darn near bullet proof and has bookoos of successful hours in the synchronous frame.

Like many gathered here, I am just waiting and hoping to get one of the new inverters to test and dissect.

[professor95]

Did some testing to compare Wayne's numbers with my Kipor KGE2000Ti.

As you can see from the technical specs on the KGE web site I have a 105cc engine with a maximum rated RPM of 4,500.

I too am beginning to wonder how CPE is going to achieve the same results with an 80cc engine. I am still hoping I will be able to get my hands on one before too long so I can find out.

This was my test set-up. A "rated" 1,500 watt electric heater (not) and a 240 watt soldering iron as a load.

The Kill-A-Watt Meter.

And the DTI-20K Digital Tachometer.

The Kipor has two engine speeds - Low or Econo mode measured at 1,390 RPM and high, measured at exactly 5,000 RPM. There is not ramp-up stepped or inbetween speed.

Below is the Photo Story


The Test Set-up


RPM of engine in the Econo Mode, no load.


RPM of engine with a 1,610 watt load. 5,000 RPM right on the money!



Kill-A-Watt Meter showing 1,600 watt load for 5,000 RPM

[MrWizard]

Its already been posted
The engine on the new inverter model is NOT the engine used in the 1200, simular displacement different engine

[Wayne_Dohnal]

The sound of the eu2000i is pretty deceptive. Most people (I was one of them) think it loafs along at a few hundred RPM with no load. Its "idle" speed is actually 3,000 RPM, which is darn close to the standard 3,600 fixed speed.

[Old___Slow]

professor95 wrote:

Wayne Dohnal wrote:
IMO the inverter generator is getting more power from the same displacement engine by spinning it faster. The eu2000i, for example, runs at a top engine speed of 5,000 rpm instead of being constrained to 3,600.

WOW - I did not realize the upper RPM was 5,000! For some reason I thought it was 4,000. I just cannot imagine running a small generator engine over 5,000 RPM and having it hold up without a full flow pressurized lubrication system along with stronger rods and bearing construction.

Just for information. At what speed (rpm) does the new Champion 2000i operate giving full output. If it runs at 5000 rpm or maybe plus, will it not come apart at the seams. Is this not the same engine used in their small 1200w gen running at 3600 rpm?

The one question remains, will the new Champion 2000w/1600w Inverter operate the 1200w micro. Like the old saying 'either it will or it won't. The folks at Champion have used Honda and Yamaha to compare the new Champion Inverter.