Sine Wave Generator

[Sarge (Rod)]

I'm thinking about buying a sine wave inverter generator to power my laptop and mount out on site, I've come across these two, which are within my price range.

1.0KVA
- Brand: Power Force / ZX1200i- Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.1L- AC Voltage / Frequency: 240V 50Hz- Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline- Max. AC Output: 0.80kVA / 1.0kVA @ cos 0.8(800W)- Oil Capacity: 0.35L- Rated AC Output: 0.7kVA / 700W- Oil Type: SAE 10W30- Power factor: COSF = 0.8- Ignition System: T.C.I- DC Output: 12V / 4A (Including battery leads)- Starting System : Recoil- Continuous Running Hours: 4.5 Hours (100% load)- Noise Level: 53db@ 7m- Engine Type: Forced Air-cooled, 4-storke,OHV- Overall Dimension: 425 X 230 X 380mm- Engine Displacement: 40cc- Net Weight: 8.5 kgs- Engine Max Output: (KW / RPM) 1.0 / 5500
$259

or

1.9KVA
- Brand: Power Force / ZX2000I AC Voltage / Frequency- 240V 50HzMax. AC Output- 1.9kVARated AC Output- 1.5kVAPower Factor- COS = 0.8DC Output- 12V / 8.3A (Including Battery leads)Continuous Running Hours- 4H 20Min (100% load)Engine Type- Air Cooled, 4 Stroke, OHV, Gasoline EngineEngine Displacement- 72ccEngine Max. Output (KW / RPM)- 2.1 / 5000Fuel Tank Capacity- 3.6L
Fuel Type- Unleaded GasolineOil Capacity- 0.6LOil Type- SAE 10W30Ignition System- T.C.I.Noise Level @ 7m- 58dbPackage Dimension- 525 x 295 x 440mmWeight- 18.5 kgs
$329

Any recommendations?

Clear skies

Rod

[Allan_L (Allan)]

I did not see anything to indicate that either was a PURE Sine wave generator (as opposed to a MODIFIED Sine wave generator).

They both appear to be good value for a Pure Sine Wave generator.
and both should provide sufficient to power just your mount and laptop.
If thats all you want, I'd probably go the smaller (Quieter) model.

But if you think you may later want to attach more... (eg dew heaters etc.), for a small increase, the extra power may be a worthwhile investment.

Personally, I feel a good deep cycle battery (I use a 30 amp hour) is a better solution, and buy the generator to recharge it after the observing session. You don't want to have to switch off to refuel halfway through a session. And its amazing how loud these can sound in the dead of night.

[MrB (Simon)]

All the petrol generators I've seen/owned were pure sinewave, it's just how they work (basically a very large alternator), I would be very surprised if a petrol generator with modified square output exists, makes no sense, but I'll eat my words if such a beast does exist.

Modified square Inverters exist, because they are easier/cheaper to produce, but that's not relevant to the discussion.

I personally ditched petrol generators about 5 or 6 years ago, solar all the way now, so much better and best of all, dead silent.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Perhaps I am wrong, but this manufacturer seems to suggest otherwise:

Originally Posted by HTG Power Generators

The sine wave refers to the shape of the waves produced. A pure sine wave inverter generator just like the HTG range of inverter generators has the ability to minimise the distortion of the sine wave, which means it produces very clean power similar to the power you receive in your house from the electricity company.

A generator that produces a modified sine wave produces a larger variance in the wave shape to the point it becomes distorted and produces a lesser quality power that can cause disruptions to electrical appliance. Standard electrical appliance such as power tools, fridges and toasters will run on a modified sine wave generator without any problems, but sensitive digital appliances, such as laptops digital TV’s and audio speakers would not be suitable to run off this type of generator.

The technology in an inverter generator that produces a pure sine wave costs more than the standard inverter generator on the market today.

Better to ask then assume anyway.

Originally Posted by MrB

I personally ditched petrol generators about 5 or 6 years ago, solar all the way now, so much better and best of all, dead silent.

...except, by definition, solar power is only generated by day.
As astronomy is generally undertaken by night, this brings us back to needing to supplement the solar generator with (as per my above recommendation), of a good deep cycle battery.
I agree solar is the way to go, and this is what I use myself.
Just remember, a decent solar system will be twice the price of the quoted generators, not to mention another $300 for the quality 30 amp hour deep cycle battery.

[Sarge (Rod)]

Thanks Alan and Simon.

Simon, a solar power generator with a good deep cycle battery is an excellent alternative, but out of my current price range.

I have a couple of "jump starters" (1100 amp and 1900 amp), but with the computer, mount, camera and giuiding all running (even in eco mode) I get less than two hours of power.

Alan, I've taken your suggestion re extra power and I've done some more "research" and will probably go with this one. It's 3.4KVA, the quality seems a lot better and there are two 240v outlets, although it does have an unusual 12v outlet socket. They are a Melbourne dealer with a shop front - and FREE shipping. The only down side is the weight, at 27 kg.

http://www.toolhq.com.au/p-2098-neva...t-camping.aspx

Clear skies, merry christmas

Rod

[Pinwheel (Doug)]

For Computers, TV's etc PURE SINE is a must. For lighting, bug zappers, pumps & motors etc a MODIFIED SINE will do.

[MrB (Simon)]

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Perhaps I am wrong, but this manufacturer seems to suggest otherwise:

Aha yep, sorry, I failed to see the word 'inverter' generator in the OP.
I've not heard of inverter generators before so admit I'm out of touch with the new stuff and retract my comment.

All the generators I've owned(3) over the years were alternator type which are pure sine wave with no inverter. Honda was by far the best one I had.
I used these heavily(~8 hours) every day on building sites before on-site mains became the norm. Which was some time ago, technology has obviously improved since then.

...except, by definition, solar power is only generated by day.

Well obviously.
Being an astronomer with a portable solar setup posting in an astronomy equipment forum, storage is implied in my 'solar' comment, as a system.

It was the other way around for me, the generators I used were more than twice the price of my solar setup, but admittedly those generators were respected brand and chosen for reliability as an everyday workhorse. I was also fortunate in that all my solar gear was bought at staff discount pricing.

But yes I agree, these newer Chinese units would likely be cheaper than solar and perfectly fine for occasional use.

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

Having owned a couple of types of Chinese generators I can give me 2 cents with unbiased honesty

They work well, as long as you remember to change the oil every 50hrs or 6months.

The first one we didn't, lasted 12 months. The 2nd one we do, still going 3 yrs later.

Don't forget to factor in a 20m extension cord, power board and weatherproof power cable joiner/enclosure.

If it is just for yourself in the field get the smaller one, quieter, lighter.

[Pinwheel (Doug)]

I've got a 900 watt GMC four stroke that I bought 7 years ago. It gets used around the property for drilling holes, angle grinding and lighting when fishing. It still goes great & I paid under $159 from Bunnings back then.