Petrol Generator

[catalac08]

I had a cheap 900w generator and although it would run power tools in excess of this power rating it would not power a 12v charger to put in any more than 1-2 amps rather than the 8-10 amps expected for a pretty flat battery. My old 1500w generac with the same charger would produce a good charge rate through the charger, as expected. I have talked to others about this and it is not an uncommon problem with small cheap generators-may be the shape of the waveform results in big power losses when transforming down! Something to be aware of when buying and go for a generator with a 12v output!

 

[GrahamM376]

I had a cheap 900w generator and although it would run power tools in excess of this power rating it would not power a 12v charger to put in any more than 1-2 amps rather than the 8-10 amps expected for a pretty flat battery. My old 1500w generac with the same charger would produce a good charge rate through the charger, as expected. I have talked to others about this and it is not an uncommon problem with small cheap generators-may be the shape of the waveform results in big power losses when transforming down! Something to be aware of when buying and go for a generator with a 12v output!

Only problem is that 12volt output won't charge batteries. Our battery chargers output 60 amps OK running from the Honda inverter genny.

 

[NormanS]

Does anybody feel it is worth me investing in a small cheap petrol generator instead of relying on running the engine to keep batteries charged? We shall have no access to marinas for several weeks in the summer and are disinclined to instal wind gens or solar panels if we can help it. If so how many Watts do I need for a domestic bank of 3 times 100Ah batteries and a separate 100 Ah engine battery? Presumably I could fit the relevant plug and stick it straight into the shorepower socket on the boat?

Pedant Mode.

The shorepower fitting on the boat should actually be a shrouded plug.

 

[Monique]

Based on the very intelligent discussion above, what availability there is for different makers on the Island, downline support and parts, I bought a Honda EU20i... 1.6KVA 2kw.

Too much moolah but few other choices here. It is amazingly quiet!!!!!. Beats adding more solar panels or adding a wind genny with all its paraphernalia and weight.

 

[Csail]

This worth a punt.....heard one and very quiet.....no connection by the way.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/YAMAHA-EF1000...trial_Tools_Generators_ET&hash=item483f6d44c0

 

[RichardS]

Only problem is that 12volt output won't charge batteries. Our battery chargers output 60 amps OK running from the Honda inverter genny.

Could you clarify this please. I thought that the 12V DC output on the Honda was specifically designed for battery charging?

I'm thinking of buying the 2 kw one for that very reason.

Richard

 

[CharlesSwallow]

This? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-IG-2000-P...trial_Tools_Generators_ET&hash=item45f937b281
or one could go for....
This http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KIPOR-IG2600-...trial_Tools_Generators_ET&hash=item3f07f6226b

63/73dB isn't quiet. It is very difficult to run one of these without annoying the neighbours, believe me.

Chas

 

[cliff]

63/73dB isn't quiet. It is very difficult to run one of these without annoying the neighbours, believe me.

Chas

<snip>I use a 3' length of Eber exhaust on my Kipor to divert the exhaust over the stern. This really quietens the noise of the genny which while quite quiet to begin with was mostly exhaust noise. I would say the Eber makes more of a noise than the genny with the extended exhaust attached.
<snip>
If you are anchored next to me and can hear my genny running to the point it is annoying you then you are anchored too close.

I could of course start the "iron donkey" to charge the batteries but that would be even noisier

 

[ctva]

Could you clarify this please. I thought that the 12V DC output on the Honda was specifically designed for battery charging?

I'm thinking of buying the 2 kw one for that very reason.

Richard

The 12v outlet is to run .... 12v appiances. Battery charging requires a higher voltage usually 14v(ish) hence why you use the gennerators 240v output through your normal shore charger (or a portable car battery charger I suppose).

I'm still looking at the Honda 10i due to size and weight, and not having or wanting TV, microwave or other normal things I go sailing to get away from! I only need it for battery charging and running a 500w calorifier on an occasional basis.

I could of course start the "iron donkey" to charge the batteries but that would be even noisier

But that is not as efficient or good for your diesel engine!!

 

[RichardS]

The 12v outlet is to run .... 12v appiances. Battery charging requires a higher voltage usually 14v(ish)

I just downloaded the brochure for both the Honda portables and they both say "12v 8A DC output for charging batteries" and come with optional black and red heaby duty cables with battery crocodile clips attached.

Richard

 

[Monique]

^^^^ Precisely.

The DC output is strictly to charge "automotive type batteries"... according to the user manual.

GL

 

[cliff]

But that is not as efficient or good for your diesel engine!!

Agreed but it would pi$$ off the plonker anchored too close to me and compleining about the little phut phut from the genny - would even be tempted to fire up the Eber as well and turn the music up to "pain level"

 

[tinkicker0]

I just downloaded the brochure for both the Honda portables and they both say "12v 8A DC output for charging batteries" and come with optional black and red heaby duty cables with battery crocodile clips attached.

Richard

So did my Kipor IG2000. Quite specifically says for charging batteries. Digital inverter for 240AC makes it safe for lappys and stuff too.

To quieten the noise, I use my Kipor with an intelligent battery charger plugged into the 240V AC outlet, at a 4 amp charge, the engine speed does not rise on auto throttle, so stays quiet and uses less than half the fuel. Downside is it takes twice as long.

 

[ctva]

Agreed but it would pi$$ off the plonker anchored too close to me and compleining about the little phut phut from the genny - would even be tempted to fire up the Eber as well and turn the music up to "pain level"

That wouldn't be me as I'm antisocial and like to anchor away from others!!!! Anyway, my kids have a ghetto blaster.....

 

[ratbag]

looked at one of these at libs , like the idea of electric remote start , would be handy if you could run exhaust out & tuck it away somewhere , was £799 at show
http://www.sailandtrail.co.uk/acatalog/Generators.html

 

[CharlesSwallow]

I could of course start the "iron donkey" to charge the batteries but that would be even noisier

Not so with most multi-cylinder diesels.

Chas

 

[GrahamM376]

Could you clarify this please. I thought that the 12V DC output on the Honda was specifically designed for battery charging?

I'm thinking of buying the 2 kw one for that very reason.

Richard

You need to check if the 12v outlet is 12v or higher. Generators often have a 12 volt output for running 12 volt items but, you can't charge a 12v battery with 12 volts. Engine alternators are regulated to between 13.8 & 14.2 volts typically but, to obtain a full charge, battery chargers and external regulators 14.4 to 15.5 volts. (15.5 being the de-sulphation phase)