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
I realize this sound measurement field test set-up is not what is used to measure actual sound levels for advertising or determining what is listed in the specifications, but IMHO it is a realistic set-up as it duplicates what and where the generators will be placed and used. The meter is at 7 meters, the generators stacked and placed under the front of the 5th wheel. The only thing that would not be present is the RV port with a metal roof that my fiver is sitting under. I really do not believe the RV port altered the sound level - if it did it would most likely increase the sound reading.
It was too cold for the A/C compressor to kick in - that test will need to wait for a warmer day.
With ONE inverter running the STATIC sound measurement was 57 dba. STATIC in my language is no A/C or microwave - just powering the camper from 120 VAC for lights, fridge, converter/charger, TV, satellite dish receiver, ice maker, ceiling fan, fan lights. The generator(s) are connected through the 30 amp generator supply cord which goes to the automatic transfer switch. The "normal" 50-50 amp power connection was not used. Actual amperage being drawn was not measured - I'll do that later (promise) when I have more time to experiment. I have a LED display A/C amp-meter with an in-line shunt that I need to wire up for insertion that I have not completed.
Anyway, with ONE inverter running in this mode this is the sound level meter reading:
Running the same STATIC load with TWO inverters in parallel produced a higher sound reading - which was expected.
Both readings are well under the standards for National Parks and should NOT be objectionable to other campers when using this set-up in a camping area where generators are allowed. In fact, you could sit under the awning and still carry on a conversation.
I do expect a higher sound level with the A/C running and the camper connected to both generators using the parallel adapter. Again, I need a warmer day to do that testing. The A/C compressor on my camper will NOT start unless the outside temperature is over 70 degrees. We may not get that until next year!
It was too cold for the A/C compressor to kick in - that test will need to wait for a warmer day.
With ONE inverter running the STATIC sound measurement was 57 dba. STATIC in my language is no A/C or microwave - just powering the camper from 120 VAC for lights, fridge, converter/charger, TV, satellite dish receiver, ice maker, ceiling fan, fan lights. The generator(s) are connected through the 30 amp generator supply cord which goes to the automatic transfer switch. The "normal" 50-50 amp power connection was not used. Actual amperage being drawn was not measured - I'll do that later (promise) when I have more time to experiment. I have a LED display A/C amp-meter with an in-line shunt that I need to wire up for insertion that I have not completed.
Anyway, with ONE inverter running in this mode this is the sound level meter reading:
Running the same STATIC load with TWO inverters in parallel produced a higher sound reading - which was expected.
Both readings are well under the standards for National Parks and should NOT be objectionable to other campers when using this set-up in a camping area where generators are allowed. In fact, you could sit under the awning and still carry on a conversation.
I do expect a higher sound level with the A/C running and the camper connected to both generators using the parallel adapter. Again, I need a warmer day to do that testing. The A/C compressor on my camper will NOT start unless the outside temperature is over 70 degrees. We may not get that until next year!
There was absolutely nothing on the telly last night that I wanted to watch.
I had finished my latest "good book" and the wife went to bed early.
With nothing to entertain me but the dog, I decided to assemble a picture story on how to "Skin" one of the CPE Inverter generators.
It takes about 10 minutes to strip one of all the casings. If you ever need to replace a module or just want to see what is inside this might be helpful.
BTW - this thing is built like a brick outhouse. Lot's of attention to detail and extremely well engineered. It should hold up well with banging around and "normal abuse".
The only issue I found that the manual did not address is the piece of foam in front of the exhaust for the alternator. It is going to act like a furnace filter and collect stuff sucked in from the air intake duct next door. It will require cleaning - depending on the operating environment - every oil change or sooner.
I had finished my latest "good book" and the wife went to bed early.
With nothing to entertain me but the dog, I decided to assemble a picture story on how to "Skin" one of the CPE Inverter generators.
It takes about 10 minutes to strip one of all the casings. If you ever need to replace a module or just want to see what is inside this might be helpful.
BTW - this thing is built like a brick outhouse. Lot's of attention to detail and extremely well engineered. It should hold up well with banging around and "normal abuse".
The only issue I found that the manual did not address is the piece of foam in front of the exhaust for the alternator. It is going to act like a furnace filter and collect stuff sucked in from the air intake duct next door. It will require cleaning - depending on the operating environment - every oil change or sooner.
W8NONU wrote:
Professor, you're a lucky dog. Not even a couple weeks ago, you had no intention of buying one. Now you have the whole setup!!! What's the wife getting for Christmas?
:h
Well, she got the class 8 Volvo tractor last Christmas, and the Cedar Creek the Christmas before.
Maybe a Smart Car to sit sideways on the back of the Volvo would be nice this year :@
Just kidding - you can bet I take real good care of her - not just on special occasion days, but ALL THE TIME!
What they say about diamonds being a girl's best friend is true. But they love emeralds, rubies, topaz, pearls and gold too. :B
I think I will label the inverter twins "His and Hers" :R
MrWizard wrote:
lovely
now for the number 1 big question
did you see a fuel pump ? so as to facilitate using an extended tank
from what I could see in the pictures I don't think it has one
my would be mounting and usage doesn't require or make it easy to use and extra tank , but I know others want to know
sorry about your son's camper, glad there were no serious injuries
Contrary to a statement in the manual referring to a fuel pump, there is not one that I can see. Gravity feed from tank to fuel valve to carburetor.
It is "possible" that there might be a diaphragm pump in the top of the carburetor plate that works off of internal vacuum - but I am not disassembling the carburetor to see right now.
This is the carburetor (photo below). The black hose on the left side of the carburetor is the 8mm (1/4") rubber fuel line. It goes straight to the fuel shut off valve on the tank.
Lack of a fuel pump may explain why the marine tank extended flow system had trouble working. The vacuum created in the tank was enough to shut off fuel flow to the carburetor but not great enough to pull from the auxiliary tank.
I think we can come up with a safe system to accomplish fuel transfer for extended run. I have some ideas, but just need more time to work with these little critters to discover their operational characteristics.
In the mean time, Brad's "bung" on an elevated 6 gallon marine tank sounds like the best approach
