Running a computer off a generator.

[Fred Mc]

Can you run a computer directly off a generator?

Thanks

Fred

[TomC]

Absolutely-can even run it off an inverter.  My wife runs her Mac off my modified sine inverter and it runs just the same.  Good Luck, TomC

[bobofthenorth]

I might wonder if I was going to have a problem with a desktop but I wouldn't worry with a laptop.  I expect the desktop power supplies are pretty rugged too.  We used to run 10 or 12 desktops off the same panel that fed a welding shop with no difficulty.

[captain ron]

My printer doesn't like the mod. sine inverter but I just got an old UPS that the batteries are shot and run it through that.  Haven't actually used it yet but will give it a try at the non rally. It will turn any poor sine into a very filtered true sine. (look at me, talking like I know what I'm saying) 

[NJT5047]

Ron's got the solution.  Use a UPS and you can do modified sine, generators, whatever. 
Printers are the most sensitive of the lot.  My laptop, which has a transformer in the 120 cord, works on my genset and modified sine inverter without problems. 
JR

[belfert]

My understanding is most or all inexpensive UPSes only turn on the inverter when power is lost.  So, you would have to have batteries in the UPS.  Generally, only the larger high end (many thousands) are true online UPSes where the power runs through the batteries and inverter all the time.

[captain ron]

The guy that gave it to me said it would filter the ac power coming through it. but I could hook it up directly to my house bank and then it would be running as an inverter.