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Old 01-04-2020, 06:17 PM
raymo
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pure sine wave generators

I am wanting to buy a generator around 2 to 2.5kva, but cannot afford a
big name brand one such as Honda, Yamaha. There is such a bewildering range of cheaper ones available, I was wondering if anyone here has experience in such things, and could point me toward some of the better ones
up to $1000.
raymo
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Old 01-04-2020, 08:04 PM
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Check Bunnings. I have bought two "full boar" genny. Key start 2 kva that run about a tank each week...one three years so far....the little primer pump goes so order a couple when you buy one. Around $750 If full boar are not available they should have something similar..Key start and remote start..so much better than the old pull cord. Daughter runs flash gaming computer straight off..no problems...
Alex
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Old 01-04-2020, 08:22 PM
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JeniSkunk (Jenifur)
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Alex, looking at the Bunnings website, the only 'Full Boar' generators listed are pull cord start.
In terms of what they stock, it looks like only their AEG generators are not pull cord start.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/p...Size=60&page=1
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Old 02-04-2020, 12:00 PM
drylander (Peter)
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Check fleabay as most generic versions are quite good. I have a fleabay 2.5KVA and works fine. Its over 3 years old now.
Pete
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Old 02-04-2020, 12:53 PM
raymo
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Thanks for the replies.
The main reason for this thread is that I have seen examples in reviews of
gennies, of models that don't put out the power claimed for them, and since
I want to run my van's a/c unit from it, it is essential that it does that.
raymo
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Old 02-04-2020, 12:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo View Post
Thanks for the replies.
The main reason for this thread is that I have seen examples in reviews of
gennies, of models that don't put out the power claimed for them, and since
I want to run my van's a/c unit from it, it is essential that it does that.
raymo
How many watts?
I have a small cool only air con unit ( four hundred ) and the 2 kva runs it and charges the battery as well.
Alex
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:00 PM
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The Mekon (John Briggs)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo View Post
Thanks for the replies.
The main reason for this thread is that I have seen examples in reviews of
gennies, of models that don't put out the power claimed for them, and since
I want to run my van's a/c unit from it, it is essential that it does that.
raymo
That is normally the case. I bought this 2.5kVa unit from ebay a few years ago for around $600. I bought it in case of another "corona catastrophe" ie., a solar flare knocking out the grid (still could happen).
I have used it off site a number o0f times. It is quiet and frugal but I have noted it runs out of puff at 1800 watts. So that is what to expect from a cheaper unit - the Honda items are rated more true to the output. But you pay three times the price.
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeniSkunk View Post
Alex, looking at the Bunnings website, the only 'Full Boar' generators listed are pull cord start.
In terms of what they stock, it looks like only their AEG generators are not pull cord start.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/p...Size=60&page=1
When things get back to normal I plan buying a spare, I like to have two of everything I need in the bush...I bought a 2 kva from Aldi pull start for only $200 which won't now work that I will fix..but buying when you don't really need it can save you heaps..one day Bunnings will have one cheap and that when I buy..sooner or later the one you have wears out or breaks down and as you have to buy right away you must pay the price on the day.

But if they have stopped the key start that will be disappointing...but I really need key start given my legs problem comes from the back issue...

Alex
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:10 PM
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There goes my idea, i was suggesting a Honda 2Kva iE, had mine for years and never misses a beat.

Leon
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:11 PM
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Hi Alex, it is a cooling/heating unit that draws 960w [4amps] cooling, and
1500w [6.25amps] heating. My friend's Honda [I can't recall whether it is
2kw or 2kva] runs it easily on eco mode for cooling and normal mode for heating. I would hate to get a claimed 2.5kva unit and find it would not do the job. I would get a slightly larger model, but the extra weight becomes a problem for an old codger like me.
raymo

Last edited by raymo; 02-04-2020 at 01:20 PM. Reason: correction
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raymo View Post
Hi Alex, it is a cooling/heating unit that draws 960w [4amps] cooling, and
1500w [6.25amps] heating. My friend's Honda [I can't recall whether it is
2kw or 2kva] runs it easily on eco mode for cooling and normal mode for heating. I would hate to get a claimed 2.5kva unit and find it would not do the job. I would get a slightly larger model, but the extra weight becomes a problem for an old codger like me.
raymo
Maybe buy retail.

I don't know what the legislation is under these days but if you make known the application the produce has to meet that purpose.

Probably something in the Trade Pract Act but you don't need any hassle.

But say if you went retail you can say I expect on the rating it will do this and if it doesn't I will be back for a refund. If you buy 2 kva and it won't run 1500 watts at law you would be sweet but do it my way. Maybe drag the van to the parking lot and take the salesman out if you want to be really sure, but if Bunnings they will go that approach I bet...you may pay a little more but think if you bought on the net and it doesn't work..You may find getting your money back is not that easy.
Alex
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Old 02-04-2020, 06:35 PM
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iborg (Philip)
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Hi Raymo


One thing I have noticed on generators. is that they have the peak kW in large font and the continuous kW in a much smaller font.



Just check which number you are looking at.


Example

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-12...rator_p0034585


Rated wattage continuous (watts) 1000
Rated wattage peak (watts) 1200


Also, it doesn't seem to state whether it is pure or modified sine wave.


Philip
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Old 02-04-2020, 07:10 PM
raymo
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Thanks everyone, I think I'll go to Bunnings, at least I can take it to any branch should it fail. Just realised that it would be pointless getting it now
as a chunk of the warranty would be wasted before I could take the van out again.
raymo
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Old 02-04-2020, 08:32 PM
Gary47 (Gary)
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https://www.mygenerator.com.au/blog/...or-comparison/
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Old 02-04-2020, 09:24 PM
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I have a Gentrax 2.0KW Pure Sine Wave Inverter Generator.

Max output is rated at 2.0KW, continuous rating is 1.7KW which from the numbers you posted Raymo, should meet your needs.

They run very quietly & their DB level is comparable with the Honda & Yamaha equivalents.

They also have an Eco mode which prolongs running time, quietens it even more but, that does reduce it's power output.

Also has low oil & overload protection.. We use it to run our fridge if we lose power over a prolonged period as well as for camping...

It is pull start but, it's a very easy pull to be honest...

I see they are going for $539.. I paid $375 for mine about 18 months ago..

FWIW, they seem to get a pretty good review on a number of 4WD & Caravaning forums...

They also do a 2.2Kw version, with a continuous rating of 2Kw... runs at about $750 from what I can see; it's a bit heavier though (2Kw = 18.5kg, 2.2Kw = 22kg)

Mate of mine owns one as well & he is very happy with his... mine hasn't seen a lot of use but, starts first time everytime, despite sitting unused in the shed for long periods.

I bought it for emergency use at home but, also for future caravaning plans, including running an AC..

Hope that helps...
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Old 02-04-2020, 10:04 PM
raymo
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Thanks Gary, very useful.

Thanks Carlton, I have looked at the Gentrax, but don't trust advertisers'
reviews, nice to get one that I know is genuine.
cheers raymo
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Old 04-04-2020, 07:47 AM
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I've had a "cheap" Chinese gen for about 8 years. Still going well. Though this my 2nd, the first lasted just over 12 months.

The key to longevity is oil changes. Needs to be done at least every 40 hrs of use. The first one seized at about 70 hrs after not changing oil.
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Old 04-04-2020, 12:50 PM
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A little while ago I was searching for a low cost ~2kVA pure sine wave generator and happened upon www.mygenerator.com.au. They had a good range including one called Cromtech Outback. I didn't end up buying one because I became distracted by other things, and they are probably sold out now with everyone preparing for the Apocalypse, however I'd still consider one if I was in the market for a low cost option.
I agree the Honda and Yamaha products are very good, and if you were planning on regular use close to 2kVA loading then go for one of those perhaps.
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Old 04-04-2020, 12:54 PM
raymo
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Thanks Trevor and Astrodood.
raymo
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Old 06-04-2020, 10:53 PM
Gary47 (Gary)
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I did have another off road magazine comparison but I can't find it.
As I remember the conclusion was in general terms, If you are going to be using it a lot get the Honda or Yamaha, they will save their extra cost in fuel economy. If you want quiet get the Honda or Yamaha. If you won't use it enough to make the fuel savings and you don't mind more noise and shorter run times buy the cheapies. If you are not a frequent user they will still last for years.
Biggest killer of the small Asian motors is inadequate air cleaners. Many are light plastic housings that are very easy to get misaligned during cleaning allowing dirty air to bypass the filter. As most genny's spend their life at or close to ground level it only takes one mistake.
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