Charging Battery from Suitcase Generator

[fergie_mac66]

Having only an outboard with limited DC output, I want to charge my domestic battery (190Ah) from a suitcase generator. I'm looking at a kipor IG1000 with 1kvA output. Would I be better off charging direct from the DC output (quoted as 5 Amps - presume it is for charging....?), or using a mains charger. I'm expecting the latter as the DC output would probably take days.

What portable battery charger would you recommend? I was looking at a Ring 16Amp Smartcharger but I can't work out what the AC load within the kipor's capacity would be and I want to optimise my generator running time so my little 4Amp charger is going to have to go. Has anyone had there own experience to enlighten me?

just bought a ring smart charge rsc516 (looks very pretty !), not used it yet but keeping my fingers crossed it will run of our 1000w gen !

 

[robertj]

If you're the chap ahead of me on the trot, be aware... if you run your genny at 0700 on a Sunday morning again it might just bounce off your aft deck and into the drink while you are sitting pretty all quiet in your forward saloon. Of course it must help that the exhaust is pointing away from your saloon and probably seems quiet, not so for the poor muggins downwind of your cheap kaboto multi DB cheapo genny.

Odd, I don't feel better after that... anyway, bouncy bouncy bouncy splosh!

hi

did you go over and ask why, and if so intrusive to stop?
Feel its better to confront as sometimes they are totally unaware of their mistake, and will stop at once.
Some people are very worried about causing a scene but i feel its better to have a word there and then, than having a go at some one here who is not guilty of the crime on here!

 

[wklein]

Battery Charger In-efficiency

I have a sterling 30a battery charger, did the same calculations as you guys, 30x12 = 360 watts thought my 700w generator would cope but looking at instructions charger draws 900w. Battery charger worked about 2/3 of the time as long as the battery isn't too low. In the end i needed a bigger generator.

Ye Be Warned

 

[alteredoutlook]

I have a sterling 30a battery charger, did the same calculations as you guys, 30x12 = 360 watts thought my 700w generator would cope but looking at instructions charger draws 900w. Battery charger worked about 2/3 of the time as long as the battery isn't too low. In the end i needed a bigger generator.

Ye Be Warned

+1.

I suggest you talk directly to KIPOR etc about your requirements before you purchase one.

I too found the noise unacceptable and have given up with generators.......

 

[GrahamM376]

We have the Honda EU20i generator, 1600W constant, which powers 60amps of battery chargers without going much over tickover speed. Bought chargers via caravan spares place, NOT chandlers.

 

[paul.norton]

Kipor are not that cheap, the wave form is as near pure sine wave as makes not a damn bit of difference, frequency 50Hz, easy to start, about 1/3 the price of the honda clones.

I have a 3000ti which runs the chargers (60A Sterling and an old 60A Lucas), fridges, freezer, immersion heater, TV, DVD etc without any problem. The "smart throttle" is good as at low demand the engine does little more than tick over burning SFA fuel.

Cliff, excuse my ignorance, but what is SFA fuel

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Cliff, excuse my ignorance, but what is SFA fuel

Not very much !! .... sweet FA!

 

[stav]

Have a kipor 1000 and have used it for charging with a 20A sterling charger and various sanders when I have varnish to look after.....The new boat has a 10A charger as part of the adverc system but have just bought one of the below on the basis that I just want to chuck in max amps for an hour or so.

I think the kipor is good value, not as quiet as the hondas and as such use mine just on the mooring and try to avoid using it when at anchore though have used it a few times between working hours when anchored in Dartmouth.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FULLY-AUT...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item2a15163131

 

[paul.norton]

Not very much !! .... sweet FA!

Duh!!

 

[colind3782]

I'm looking for a silent generator myself. It needs to be quiet as my neighbours do like their peace but powerful enough to charge the batteries and run the 16" LCD TV when the shorepower is not available.

Any recommendations as the make and size?

 

[ctva]

I'm looking for a silent generator myself. It needs to be quiet as my neighbours do like their peace but powerful enough to charge the batteries and run the 16" LCD TV when the shorepower is not available.

Any recommendations as the make and size?

The quietest by far are the small Hondas, but you do pay for them. I've got the 900w one and it is a quiet generator compared to all the others.

 

[JustMelfort]

I bought a yamah EF1000is 2nd hand (but barely used) off Ebay and am delighted with it.

 

[cliffdale]

Lots of theory calculations here! Here is some practical experience.

I borrowed a friends 1000W Honda for a couple of weeks. If the boat batteries ran low, the Honda would trip on start up. It would take 5 or 6 starts before it would remain on.

The following year I bought a Kipor 2000w and it had no problems running the battery charger and kettle at the same time.

So my advice would be go for the next level up that the calculations make out.

Cliff