Looking for a generator for race days. Need help on a model
03-23-2012, 02:27 PM
#3
It would depend on how big your compressor is. I'd highly recommend the Honda EU line of generators. If your power requirements are low enough get the EU2000. They are pricey around 1k but worth every penny. They are silent (won't annoy your fellow racers), sip gas (pays for itself long term in fuel savings), have Honda reliability and most important to me when plugging expensive electronics is they have clean power output (no power surges and spikes due to the inverter). If you need more juice you can get the EU 3000 it will run a ton of S$&?
03-23-2012, 02:32 PM
#4
Honda would be my first choice
03-23-2012, 09:36 PM
#6
Been looking at some also. The compressor is the draw. The compressor starting up draws alot. I tried on a friends 2000 Honda and it would not let the compressor start. It would trip the circuit. A 3500 would let the compressor run. The compressor is a 4 gal.
03-24-2012, 12:56 AM
#8
Tech Regular
iTrader: (3)
Champion generators from Lowes.. 3000 watt Honda knock off for 329.00 and has never misses a beat.. even has 30 amp rv out.. and quiet, great for the money..http://www.lowes.com/pd_106885-87012...7C1&facetInfo=
03-24-2012, 03:41 AM
#9
Do yourself, and those around you, a favor.....don't get an open frame generator (like that Champion in the link). They're noisy as hell......they also suck down the gas, are heavy, and the larger ones are just a general pain to mover around.
Any inverter style generator is MUCH quieter, sips the gas on ECO mode, provides clean power to all of your sensitive electronics, and are very portable. If you have the $$, the Honda EU2000i , or the Yamaha EF2000iS are both an excellent choices. However, there are a few Chinese knock offs that are also decent (Ryobi, Generac, Kipor).
It's more of a crap shoot with the knockoffs though.....you might get a great one, or it could be a lemon. Dealer support, and servicing is going to be limited with them as well. It's a choice you'll have to make for yourself....is the lower cost worth the possible increased headaches if something goes wrong???
I personally have the Kipor IG2000P. Aside from a bad inverter module (1st gen model that had trouble running a heat gun), it's been trouble free for several years, and I run it often at races. I worked with Kipor directly to get a new inverter module, and installed it myself....other than that, it does everything my buddy's Honda does, and it was $400 less.
That 4 gallon compressor you have is going to be a big factor in what generator you get. Most 4 gal. ones that I've seen have at least a 1 HP motor. With startup current, a 2000W generator will not be able to power it. You'd need to step up to at least a 3000W version, with the exception being the Yamaha EF2400iSHC. It has some features built in that allow it to handle the surge current, for very short periods, that would normally trip the circuit breaker.
Honestly though, I'd suggest this Craftsman compressor instead. It's got a .6 HP motor, and is easily powered by any 2000W generator. At $99.99, it's also much less expensive that the jump in price from a 2000W to a 3000W generator. I'd prefer a tank larger than 1.5 gallon, but the CFM is higher than other comparable oiless compressors, and it pumps up VERY quicky. After I got mine, several of my fellow racers liked it so much they also got one. If Sears doesn't have it in your area, it's also sold under the Porter Cable brand as well.
If you get that Craftsman compressor, and a 2000W generator, you should have plenty of capacity for your chargers as well.
Any inverter style generator is MUCH quieter, sips the gas on ECO mode, provides clean power to all of your sensitive electronics, and are very portable. If you have the $$, the Honda EU2000i , or the Yamaha EF2000iS are both an excellent choices. However, there are a few Chinese knock offs that are also decent (Ryobi, Generac, Kipor).
It's more of a crap shoot with the knockoffs though.....you might get a great one, or it could be a lemon. Dealer support, and servicing is going to be limited with them as well. It's a choice you'll have to make for yourself....is the lower cost worth the possible increased headaches if something goes wrong???
I personally have the Kipor IG2000P. Aside from a bad inverter module (1st gen model that had trouble running a heat gun), it's been trouble free for several years, and I run it often at races. I worked with Kipor directly to get a new inverter module, and installed it myself....other than that, it does everything my buddy's Honda does, and it was $400 less.
That 4 gallon compressor you have is going to be a big factor in what generator you get. Most 4 gal. ones that I've seen have at least a 1 HP motor. With startup current, a 2000W generator will not be able to power it. You'd need to step up to at least a 3000W version, with the exception being the Yamaha EF2400iSHC. It has some features built in that allow it to handle the surge current, for very short periods, that would normally trip the circuit breaker.
Honestly though, I'd suggest this Craftsman compressor instead. It's got a .6 HP motor, and is easily powered by any 2000W generator. At $99.99, it's also much less expensive that the jump in price from a 2000W to a 3000W generator. I'd prefer a tank larger than 1.5 gallon, but the CFM is higher than other comparable oiless compressors, and it pumps up VERY quicky. After I got mine, several of my fellow racers liked it so much they also got one. If Sears doesn't have it in your area, it's also sold under the Porter Cable brand as well.
If you get that Craftsman compressor, and a 2000W generator, you should have plenty of capacity for your chargers as well.
03-24-2012, 04:14 AM
#10
Or buy a really cheap generator, and run off a scuba cylinder for air
03-24-2012, 04:40 AM
#11
Starting up a 4 gallon compressor will draw anywhere from 1200-1800 watts. Keeping it running will take 700-1000 watts after it's started. You simply then start adding up the wattage of all the chargers running at the same time to get a estimate of what you will be needing. IMO you will need something that will run at 3000 watts and peak out at 3500.
For those that say a open frame gene' is too loud, you need to go home, you probably run electric RC's
Besides, if your running 5 other guys, they will understand.. In the end, get something you can afford. Look into a Generac GP3250!
03-24-2012, 06:07 AM
#12
What if you are only using one charger? Is it possible to get a power adapter/inverter and power a charger and power supply from the cigarette lighter?
03-24-2012, 06:57 AM
#13
Starting up a 4 gallon compressor will draw anywhere from 1200-1800 watts. Keeping it running will take 700-1000 watts after it's started. You simply then start adding up the wattage of all the chargers running at the same time to get a estimate of what you will be needing. IMO you will need something that will run at 3000 watts and peak out at 3500.
For those that say a open frame gene' is too loud, you need to go home, you probably run electric RC's Besides, if your running 5 other guys, they will understand..
In the end, get something you can afford. Look into a Generac GP3250!
For those that say a open frame gene' is too loud, you need to go home, you probably run electric RC's
Besides, if your running 5 other guys, they will understand.. In the end, get something you can afford. Look into a Generac GP3250!
03-24-2012, 10:44 AM
#14
I had a frame type genny and they are definitely loud and annoying. The champion isn't too bad for the price, but nothing compares to the quietness and quality of the Hondas! I have the EU 3000 and love it but the 2000's would be all you need.
Take it from me, I use it on my boat for bowfishing and the Hondas are super quiet. When you standing near one all day and especially if you have others around you noise levels are very important. The way I look at it is it will be cheaper than a hearing aid when your older!
Take it from me, I use it on my boat for bowfishing and the Hondas are super quiet. When you standing near one all day and especially if you have others around you noise levels are very important. The way I look at it is it will be cheaper than a hearing aid when your older!
03-24-2012, 12:33 PM
#15
I had a frame type genny and they are definitely loud and annoying. The champion isn't too bad for the price, but nothing compares to the quietness and quality of the Hondas! I have the EU 3000 and love it but the 2000's would be all you need.
Take it from me, I use it on my boat for bowfishing and the Hondas are super quiet. When you standing near one all day and especially if you have others around you noise levels are very important. The way I look at it is it will be cheaper than a hearing aid when your older!
Take it from me, I use it on my boat for bowfishing and the Hondas are super quiet. When you standing near one all day and especially if you have others around you noise levels are very important. The way I look at it is it will be cheaper than a hearing aid when your older!