AC Generator

[edroelle]

For DrivingMissLazy or any knowledgeable generator people.

A couple of days ago we lost power at the house and ran off the bus generator,a 17.5 PowerTech (Fidelity? generator head).  Two times during the day, the computers restarted.  This indicated to me that we probably lost power for a split second on at least one leg.  There was no other indication of a problem.   This may have occurred in the past while powering the coach, but because it was momentary, we never recognized it.

What might cause this situation?

I have heard of cases where the front generator bearing fails.  Is this an early indicator of that type of failure?

Thanks,
Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[Sean]

Ed,

Bearing failure seldom manifests itself in a split-second power loss.  More likely it would start sounding bad, as bad bearings are wont to do, followed by a more catastrophic failure.

I also have a Fidelity head of about 17kW -- mine is transformer regulated.  If this happened with my unit, I would suspect a loose connection somewhere, either in the J-box or maybe even at the stator somewhere.

That said, if yours is externally regulated, you might have a regulator problem.

Incidentally, Fidelity was acquired long ago by Marathon, and I've had good luck calling Marathon and talking to their engineers when I needed help.

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[Hartley]

Sounds like a typical refrigerator or a/c compressor start surge.

Computers should have thier own UPS's anyway to keep momentary
dips and surges from causing mischief.

[Ncbob]

Ed, there's a distinct difference between a regulated generator and what Sean mentioned. Transformer regulation (saturated field principle) hasn't been around for a number of years and at best was only found in the lower end machines.

I too would suspect generator output leads may not have been made up properly at time of installation or repair and arcing might have created a high resistance problem.

Knowing you and your talent I would advise inspecting each connection and remaking them with new Scotch-loks and proper taping. Then, if the condition persists, you've removed one more unknown from the equation. I have a friend and former employee who is a Magna-Tech Distributor in FL who would be more than happy to help you trouble shoot any more problems. Just PM me....

Bob

[DrivingMissLazy]

I will agree with the experts who have already posted. Quite truthfully if the outage was not long enough for you to see the lights blink, I really do not think there was an outage. The computer power supply will typically ride thru a few milliseconds of outage.

As Sean states, Marathon did purchase Fidelity as well as Lima several years ago. I believe Cat purchased Kato, so there are no longer any small independent manufacturers in the US that I am aware of.

Richard

[TomCat]

I'm with Dr Dave on this one...a computer UPS could have prevented this event, and will 
prevent it in the future.

In spite of my inverter 'sorta' being a UPS for the bus, I have them installed on my electronics anyway.

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Sojourner]

Along all above posted....I might add a good routine practice is while it under load for 15 minutes or more, is to touch or IR temp gun for uneven temperature that can have higher resistance than the rest of the power line or cable. Whenever weak or loose connection presented will get warmer or hotter than good connection. Thrive on high quality electrical parts& at least get a plug assembly rated to your designed ampere load as well wire terminal's ends and fasteners. In other words, is to spot check with hand or IR gun along the power cable from the beginning to end. If you question why one part is much higher temp....take it apart to inspect for looseness or burned or weak contact tension or frayed wire or purchase a better and go higher ampere rated connector.

BTW...UPS is a good insurance to protect my computer since after the 1996 lightning strike power line. A lightning strike about 20 feet from home in Florida and short out phone's outlet but with UPS it keep my computer working during a loud BANG. UPS is always with my computer.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[JackConrad]

Speaking of UPS, we have a whole house surge protector supplied by the power company, which I assume is doing its job. however we do get a lot of intermittent power outages lasting only a few seconds during our summer thunder/lightning storms. Would a UPS help protect our new flat screen TVs and satellite receivers?  Jack

[HighTechRedneck]

A UPS with AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) is definitely a good idea for computers on a bus.  And if the expense is acceptable, wouldn't be a bad idea for any other expensive electronics.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=201476

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0248209

(I don't have any experience with the reseller in the 2nd link.  Just cited to show an example.)

TrippLite, Belkin and APC are some of the popular manufacturers of UPS systems.

[buswarrior]

Yup, UPS is an absolute must have in my mind for any computer.

The first time you are in the middle of something and the lights blink..it just paid for itself!

Belkin rated at 550VA protecting this computer, last one was a Tripplite.

It will properly shut down the computer via a USB cable, if a power off event occurs while unattended, when the battery starts running down.

Their service life is tied to the aging/decay of its internal sealed battery, a topic we are all well familiar with...

Budget for one and get protected!

happy coaching!
buswarrior