I'm sure we're about to get shut down by the moderator, but I couldn't
let this go unquestioned, so I called Generac. They say that the THD
spec for their stationary generators is <3%, so they must be using one
of the better technologies. Mine is a 14KW propane unit with a
whole-house switch. It runs automagically every Saturday afternoon for
about 15 minutes, though with no load. We've hasd a couple of
multi-hour outages since we've had it, and I've been on the air on HF,
and never noticed any noise..
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
On 7/27/2014 10:24 AM, Chip Stratton wrote:
If you want to assess the quality of a generator's output, take a look at
it on the oscilloscope, The cleanest waveforms will come from generators
using a brushless alternator, or perhaps one of the sine-wave inverter
generators like the extremely quiet Honda and Yamaha units.
I know that, at least in the past, Generac used brush type alternators.
These typically had rather dirty waveforms when I scoped them, with THD
well above the 5% that is considered good. While most appliances are fine
with this higher distortion, a waveform rich in 3rd harmonics makes motors
run hotter/less efficiently. Whether significant harmonics extend into the
RF zone, I don't know - maybe not an issue with our radios. I was able to
find a 6500 watt Porter-Cable unit on wheels with a brushless alternator
which I converted to use natural gas in addition to gasolne if necessary.
This has worked well for me, though now that I have it power failures have
become rare. Go Figure!
Chip
AE5KA
On Sat, Jul 26, 2014 at 11:27 PM, Edward R Cole <[email protected]> wrote:
That makes sense and I actually like to run with the house load on the
gen. I have a manual transfer switch so I run about 5-minutes to allow
engine to warm up before applying a load in test runs. Tend to be shorter
if there is an actual power outage.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 11:29 AM 7/26/2014, Mel Farrer wrote:
While this is getting to be long, I think this excerpt from a generator
manufacturer sums it up best.
Generator set exercise
Generator sets on continuous standby must be able to go from a cold start
to being fully operational in a matter of seconds. This can impose a severe
burden on engine parts. However, regular exercising keeps engine parts
lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up fuel before
it deteriorates, and, in general, helps provide reliable engine starting.
Exercise the generator set at least once a month for a minimum of 30 min.
loaded to no less than one-third of the nameplate rating. Periods of
no-load operation should be held to a minimum because unburned fuel tends
to accumulate in the exhaust system. Whenever possible, test the system
with actual building loads in order to exercise the automatic transfer
switches and verify performance under real-world conditions. If connecting
to the normal load is not convenient for test purposes, the best engine
performance and longevity will be obtained by connecting it to a load bank
of at least one-third the nameplate rating. Be sure to return the generator
control to AUTO at the conclusion of any maintenance.
Mel, K6KBE
On Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:10 PM, Edward R Cole <[email protected]>
wrote:
Gasoline storage is easy....use fuel stabilizer...one oz to 2-1/2
gallons of gasoline.
But you should run any gasoline engine regularly to keep it in good
working order. Once/month long enough at least to reach operating
temperature. This keeps oil in bearings and seals in good shape.
I know most just park their lawn mower over winter with gas in the
tank. But an expensive gen set needs a little TLC to keep running
well...like changing the oil and filters (oil and gas).
We have enough outages that fuel is not stored longer than a few
months (and I use stabilizer).
73, Ed - KL7UW
<http://www.kl7uw.com/>http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
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http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
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