small generator
 

looking for a good small generator to take to the field what do you guys reccomend?

RE: small generator
 

what are you powering. generators are REALLY anoying, if you can get a inverter and just use your car battery.

RE: small generator
 

just my chargers and anything else electric that might be needed

RE: small generator
 

I'd recommend an 800W 12v inverter that runs off your car's system. Or a Triton charger that is powered by 12v.

If you're set on a generator, the Honda line is excellent.

RE: small generator
 

ive been looking at the small honda generators that are quiet running was wondering if anyone else makes this style generator

RE: small generator
 

Look in Harbor Freight;)

RE: small generator
 

For the price of a generator, you can get some very good 12V input chargers that will run off your car battery without draining it. I run mine off my starter battery, a 7AH gell Cell. Icharge it every three or four weeks of active flying and it always has enough power for starting and charging. And, I don't have to drag a 50 lb generator around, keep a gas can for it, and anoy the other flyers with the noise. .

We have a solar pannel and charger for a 12V car battery in our shed. Our tractor battery was going dead in the summer when we didn't need to mow. THe electric flyers put in a couple taps off the battey in the shed and a table to charge their batteries between flights. On a busy day, itt's not uncomon to see a couple chargers on the small table doing their thing.

We also have a small 1200W generator for power tools if needed, but it doens't get much use.

Don

RE: small generator
 

I use an 800-900w generator that I bought from Harbor Freight Tools for $129.00. It's not loud at all, and you certainly can't hear it over all of the gas and Nitro plane engines running.
I put it in front of my van and run an extension cord to the rear. With the gen in front of the van, it blocks nearly all of the sound of it running.
I'm running 2 chargers off of it at all times, a Triton EQ, and a Turnigy Accucel-6, both of which are 5 amp max charge rate. Running the generator constantly, 4-5 hours, running both chargers, it only uses about 1/2 a gallon, so no need to carry a gas can. It holds 1 full gallon of fuel mixed with 3.4 oz of 2 stroke oil.
I usually take 3-4 planes with me when I fly, and the packs are constantly being recharged. I love the setup, and nobody has ever said anything about the noise. The Honda generator that is comparable in size to mine is a bit quieter, but expect to pay $400.00+ for one. The one I have is about 1/2 as loud as a regular weedeater, so not too bad.
Where I park my van is only about 25' or so from our pavillion where the pilots and spectators will hang out and chat, you can't hear the generator running.

RE: small generator
 

A German firm named Fischer makes a "Panda" line that is like a BMW vs. the Honda. Super quiet (they are installed inside high-end sailboats). But they cost 6X to 8X as much, too.

You could buy a lot of spare batteries for $10,000 and charge them at home.

Come to think of it, you can buy a lot of spare batteries for $600, too.

RE: small generator
 

Get Yourself a Honda,

Bob

RE: small generator
 

The Honda is the most quiet one I have used. In my van there are some electric plug in's like lighters for computers, I just plug into one of those for my charger. I also have one of those road side jump starters I use for my starter and fuel pump. Other then one guy with a trailer I have never seen anyone at the field with a generator.

RE: small generator
 

i remember reading in the Jet forums about a Honda "clone that was sold for under 300 at home depot or lowes cant remember

RE: small generator
 

if you are just charging battery's use your car battery (or buy a spare car battery) and use a computerized charger (most are designed to run off of 12v), and a car battery should last you quite a while (not to menton when you get home charge the car battery w/ the same comp charger) no sense dropping 200+ bucks on something that you could do for free or 60 bucks if you bought a spare car battery. go buy yourself another airplane :D

RE: small generator
 

Yep just upgrade the car battery and get a nice inverter. less hassle and your car will start better in the winter;);)

RE: small generator
 

Second the extra battery. I ended up purchasing a Marine Deep Cycle battery. I can charge my Lipos all day long with out running out of juice. I ended up buying it new at Auto Zone. Several weeks after buying this one, I came across an Optima Marine Deep Cycle battery at a garage sale for $5. It was a steal, I believe it is rated at something like 900 CCA.