Auto start generator on a budget??

Oregonconversion · November 29, 2009, 11:23:51 PM

I am looking to get 3000-6000 watts for a good price. The only option I need is auto start for my inverter. I have a 3000 watt motified sine wave inverter. The most I will run at once is about 3000 watts I think. Any suggestions? I am looking for something that is not a gas hog.

Jeremy · November 30, 2009, 04:41:40 AM

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking, but if you are in the process of buying a generator then I think you all you need to at this stage is buy one with an electric start. The 'auto start' system isn't part of the generator but the inverter, or alternatively an add-on box that plugs into the inverter's control panel (see link below for a PDF of Xantrex's add-on box).

http://www.donrowe.com/user_guides/xantrex/automatic_gen_start.pdf

I don't claim any expertise on this subject but it is something I am hoping to sort out for myself in due course. If I have misunderstood how its works or if there are alternative ways of doing it then hopefully someone else will chime in

Jeremy

luvrbus · November 30, 2009, 05:01:44 AM

You can have a auto start for a generator without a inverter they been around for years long before the inverter auto starts

good luck

TomC · November 30, 2009, 08:15:50 AM

One way to create a cheap generator is to get a 200amp truck type alternator and belt drive it to a 10hp diesel one cylinder. You then run your loads through the inverter all the time (except when on the power pole) and then just charge the batteries with the battery charging generator when needed. 200amp @ 28volt = 5600watts. So you see with just a 3000 watt load, you'll still be in the charging mode. Good Luck,TomC

philiptompkjns · November 30, 2009, 08:24:53 AM

Quote from: TomC on November 30, 2009, 08:15:50 AM
One way to create a cheap generator is to get a 200amp truck type alternator and belt drive it to a 10hp diesel one cylinder. You then run your loads through the inverter all the time (except when on the power pole) and then just charge the batteries with the battery charging generator when needed. 200amp @ 28volt = 5600watts. So you see with just a 3000 watt load, you'll still be in the charging mode. Good Luck,TomC

Hmmm, well that setup would still need an electric start and some sort of "box" or inverter that would start it automatically.
I like the idea though, because you still get a diesel generator for cheap too.

Oregonconversion · November 30, 2009, 09:06:26 AM

I'm not looking to build a generator. I'm looking for a good brand that won't break the bank.

PCC · November 30, 2009, 09:30:26 AM

I just installed a generator for a customer that was 14Kw, and it cost under $5k, with the sound package and the ability to auto-start/auto-switch.

The way I hooked this one up, there is a switch to set for auto start/off/manual start (driver's option to activate), and when the shore power is connected, the generator will not start. The inverter was used to cover the time between losing shore power and the generator starting.

Presuming you want to run on your inverters until the load peaks, then we set the system up to read your power load/consumption, and also the battery voltage levels, and if either prompts the need for the generator to start, it will start and recharge the batteries, and provide the power you will need.

The system would be like a huge uninterupted power supply, like offices use to keep computers running when the power fails - only much bigger

Oregonconversion · November 30, 2009, 09:43:33 AM

Btw I'm looking to spens under $1500

PCC · November 30, 2009, 09:47:59 AM

What capacity do you need (kilowatts)? How many amps at 120V?

I may be able to find a unit for you. Let me know.

Keith

Oregonconversion · November 30, 2009, 09:56:55 AM

3-6K

PCC · November 30, 2009, 10:01:46 AM

Will try to find you one.

Keep breathing !!

PCC · November 30, 2009, 10:04:43 AM

Take a look at this webpage.

http://www.surplusrecord.com/cgi-bin/adpop.pl?617583

PCC · November 30, 2009, 10:08:23 AM

Another one to try.

http://usedportablegenerators.info/

JohnEd · November 30, 2009, 05:37:55 PM

Oregon,

I have a 5K that has a seized shaft. It is all OK in the engine and electrics. Just sat outside for too long. I think replacing bearings would return it to operation cheaply. It is free to you. I have a fork lift to put it in your truck or wagon. ONAN Manuals and stuff is on line but I forgot the numbers. You can't beat this price. I would only ask that you pass it along to another Knut when you are finished with it. They last forever I am told. This is a gas model that can be converted to propane.

When can I expect you in Eugene, Orygun?

John

Oregonconversion · November 30, 2009, 07:21:19 PM

Thank you John!!! can you PM me your number? I can come down in the next couple of weeks.