(hit DELETE if not interested in portable AC generator stuff - only
slight QRP content)
Gang,
Ok, so a lot of people are in a tizzy about the Y2K thing later this
year. But I just needed a generator that would run my camp AC and
microwave for the xyl. Besides, it *is* prudent to be prepared for sudden
power outages so you can at least save the contents of your refrigerator
and/or freezer, or power that ham rig for emergency use.
Well, there seems to be somewhat of a shortage of gas generators in some
areas of the country, and I was told by at least two Honda salesmen that
last year's disasters depleted a lot of the generator stock that still
hasn't been replaced. So certain areas of the country may still be
experiencing some generator shortages.
Also I was told that a lot of people are buying larger generators of 5500
watts or higher, and there has been an increase in the number of people
who want to buy LP-fueled generators. Sounds like some folks may be
predicting a long-term electrical outage, but I sure wouldn't speculate
such a thing myself. We only have occasional commercial power outages
here in central AZ, and that's mostly from the monsoon storms or the
infrequent high-KV transmission line problem that we had a few years ago
on the West coast.
I mention this info, since some of you *do* use gas generators for Field
Day, and/or for recreational use as I am planning to do. QRP camping
still means AC use for some of us for the RV stuff.
I left behind a 5500 watt Honda generator in Fla about 10 yrs ago, as it
was too large and too heavy to bring with me to AZ. My mom is going to
buy it from me, and keep it for hurricane disaster protection for
herself. I was looking for a slightly smaller unit, as I didn't want to
lug around a 400-500 lb unit to the camp sites in AZ.
Honda has two new lightweight units, the 1000w EU1000i; and the 3000w
EU3000is that I just bought. The little one is only 28.6 lbs, and the
bigger one is 134.5 lbs (both dry weights). Run times are longer due to a
new design that I will describe shortly. It takes two people to lift the
big one; one hand can lift the smaller unit.
The most interesting thing about these new units, is that they are
inverter-equipped AC output generators. Thus, a load-dependent speed
control adjusts the engine speed to match the required output to the
load(s). There is no conventional generator bolted to the engine. Rather,
a multi-phase AC alternator is incorporated into a new-design flywheel
that replaces the standard flywheel. This multiphase alternator (similar
to your auto alternator design) supplies a solid state electronic control
unit, that produces the required 60 Hz, 120 vac output (220vac, 50 Hz
units for the UK).
The only other company I know of that uses a variable speed design, is
Generac. They have a couple of products for RV or motorhome use, but I've
only seen them in camping supply or RV stores, and I don't have any
experience or comments - good or bad - with those units.
The Honda owner's manual has a wiring diagram that shows the input to the
inverter solid-state module is a Y-connected three-phase winding built
into the flywheel. Cooling airflow is directed over the inverter heat
sinks, and through the engine alternator flywheel housing, engine, and
out the rear of the enclosure over the exhaust muffler.
In addition, the output AC sine waveform is cleaner than most commercial
AC mains, having only 2.5% distortion vs 5% distortion of most
power-company furnished AC. For comparison, most conventional (brushless,
or automatic voltage controlled) portable AC generators have from 19.5%
to 23% sine-wave distortion. This data is from Honda's EU series
brochure.
These new units also have the lowest operating noise ratings of any small
generator currently on the market, because of extensive sound-proofing
measures developed by Honda.
So if you think you may be in the market for a stand-by AC generator,
check out the new products from Honda at:
http://www.honda-generators.com
Just note that the new EU series is 120 vac *only*. However, multiple
units of the same model can be *paralleled* to increase output. And, the
dealer I bought my EU3000is from did not know that it is electric-start.
Seems Honda has omitted the battery electrolyte and instructions on
filling the internally mounted 12v 9 A/H battery. (See, there is QRP
related info in this posting, as this little battery would make for a
*swell* QRP rig power source when not using the generator!) ;-)
The little EU1000i seems to be ideal for small loads, and it is much more
available than the bigger EU3000is. Generator availability may get much
worse by the end of this year - who knows? These new units are a little
hard to find right now, and I paid $1650 for the EU3000is here in AZ.
Most places want $1995 or more for them - if they have them. I didn't
check the price on the smaller EU1000i units.
And for those of you who question the load-starting ability of this
alternator-inverter combination, my EU3000is easily starts a 7000 BTU air
conditioner on my RV from low-idle speed. And, it will simultaneously run
a 900w microwave at the same time. There is a 12v, 12A battery charging
output that is greater than most of the other models produce. I won't
bore you with more details. If you want info - check out the Honda web
page.
I recommend you call as many dealers as possible for the best pricing and
availability before you leave the house. Honda has a phone list of
dealers available on their web page, listed according to State.
Standard disclaimer; I don't work for American Honda or get paid anything
for this info. I had to pay full price, plus tax.
Thanks for reading, and 72,
Gary Surrency AB7MY QRP-L #571 Chandler, AZ (near Phoenix)
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