A question about generators: Inverter or no inverter? - The Hull Truth

ESfishdoc · 09-13-2005, 05:00 PM

I've narrowed my search for a generator..... I like the Honda EM5000 It comes in a standard model (about 2600) and there is the EM5000is which has an inverter and a throttle monitor that saves gas.

How important is the inverter feature? It adds 400 dollars to the cost. I understand it helps with voltage sensitive equipment..... such as a computer. Do I need it? Will I regret it if I don't get that 400 dollar feature?

I'm in Baltimore right now and I can pick up the EM5000SXK1A for 2600. I've called around the Maryland/Virginia area and it looks like this is a good price for the Honda.

No... it's not for the boat..... just to keep some things running around the house when the wind blows........ like tomorrow and Thursday.

Thanks,

Richard

nccoaster · 09-13-2005, 05:22 PM

If you are going to run a computer it is better to have the inverter. The power output is more stable and better for electronics. As the commercial used to say - pay me now or pay me later.

Goggleyed · 09-13-2005, 05:29 PM

I have the 3000is & it's been flawless. The throttle monitor is really nice for both gas conservation and noise minimization. IMO, it's worth a few extra pennies.

Outrage22Cuddy · 09-13-2005, 06:06 PM

I have a Honda 200i inverter. IMHO, the inverter is a must. The power is noticibly cleaner. Fluorescent and metal halide lights don't flicker & for some unexplainable reason, battery chargers seem to work better. The unit is lighter, uses less gas & way quieter. Non-inverter portable generators are always turning 3600rpm(1800 rpm units are very heavy), while the inverter units vary the engine speed with the load.

Glen E · 09-13-2005, 06:28 PM

ditto - get the inverter - how else are you going to access THT when the power is out?

ESfishdoc · 09-14-2005, 10:06 AM

I realize that I have just touched the surface learning about generators....... I'm doomed to hours and hours of more reading and searching.

Right now I'm thinking of getting a 2000 kW gen for "light" duty and boat chores and getting a PTO generator and use my tractor for the motor. I can run about 7 or 8 KW with my Kubota 7610.

I'm still in Baltimore and heading home in the morning to a storm with up to 50 mph gusts..... sure to have no power for some of that time........ the small generator will make life a little more tolerable by powering my direcway satellite system and my computer if nothing else.

Richard

Glen E · 09-14-2005, 11:42 AM

Our power just went out for 3 days and we got to use our Honda 3000 IU that we bought last year. I got a real education on gens. Last year I bought the honda as I used to work for them and just knew I wanted one. But this past month I now know why. Everyone else in the neighborhood bought one of the Lowes specials (mccollough, troy built etc.) and when thety were running , you could not hear yourself think - even inside their house. And they were going thru precious gas at twice the rate of my honda which you virtually could not hear running even standing next to it....

Like everything else they make - the honda is worth the 45% more than the tube frame Lowes special...

cavitating · 09-14-2005, 11:47 AM

I have a Yamaha 2800 inverter and I love it. The engine rpm's increase as the load increases so the engine runs from idle to 3600 rpm's depending on the load.

Snowwolfe · 09-14-2005, 01:16 PM

You also might consider getting two of the Honda 2000 inverter types. Then you only have to run one if thats all you need. But they can be connected if you need more power. Probably be cheaper than one big one and certaintly lighter.

ESfishdoc · 09-14-2005, 02:20 PM

I've just purchased the Honda 2000 so I now have something for the small jobs.......

An 7 to 10 KW generator that will run off the PTO of my Kubota can be had for under 1500.

http://www.genpropower.com/w7ptos.htm

There are many others out there that are even less expensive. For me that seems the way to go. I don't want to spring for a complete stand alone back up system. My tractor is reliable and for now diesel is cheaper than gas. With 7 KW I can run the freezers enough during 24 hours to keep things frozen and keep us in lights and water the rest of the time...... won't be enough to keep the house cool in the summer but that is a luxury.... as far as warmth in the winter we have back up propane heat to keep the ice off......

Richard

ESfishdoc · 09-14-2005, 04:09 PM

After playing around with my new Honda EU2000i I can see why everyone loves these little things...... so so quiet especially when running at a slower speed. I can see that taking this out on boat trips will not be a problem.

As far as the rest of my needs when the power goes out I've found this PTO generator that looks like a complete ready to go 10 KW that my 23 hp diesel tractor can run.

http://www.tiger-power.com/generators/pto/default.asp