Generator help!!

[GrantBakerIII]

I'm trying to choose a generator to buy and I'm confused as to how much power I need.... my charger is a meanwell 2000 watt power supply and my charger is a Hyperion EOS 720 duo. When I'm at home plugged in to a 12.5 amp house outlet I can get 40 amps total if I choose to.

[Kiba]

Your EOS 720 Duo can do 500 watts / port of charge power, figure about 1150-1200W consumption by the time you factor in some overhead and losses.

The Meanwell 2000W series are derated to about 1500W output at 120V input, more power than your 720 Duo can use. That means about 1750W input requirement by the time you factor in conversion losses. To get the full 2000W out of the Meanwell power supplies they need to be run on 220/240V input.

If you want to use the power supply to almost maximum potential in the future with a larger charger, get a 2000W class generator. They're still pretty light and portable, about 40-45 pounds. Most 2000W generators are good for around 1600-1700W continuous output. Your typical 2000W generator will probably max out at its continuous current rating just before the Meanwell 2000W power supply will, but the next jump up to a larger 3000W generator brings a much higher price tag and substantial weight penalty for only another 100 watts or so of power output from the power supply.

As far as which one to get, I'd recommend a Yamaha EF2000is or Honda EU2000i. Both are proven performers. There are other threads here talking about Ryobi, Generac, Boliy, etc, but I don't have any experience with them. I currently use a Yamaha EF2000is at the field running a Meanwell 2000W 48V power supply into an iCharger 4010 and it works great. I have the iCharger input limit current setup so that it runs right at the maximum 1600W continuous rating of the generator.

[GrantBakerIII]

Thank you for your help. I can't really afford a Yamaha or a Honda. I know they are awesome but they are expensive. I did find this generator/inverter. Yes I know it's probably overkill to an extent but it's a pretty good deal when you look at what's available in this price range.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Sportsman-3...2078/300792171

[atkin]

There is an (old) generator thread on here where quite a few people say the Ryobi 2000 watt generator works just fine. It's the same price as the one you posted and is a known product.

I can't find the exact one, but these might help:
https://www.helifreak.com/showthread...yobi+generator
https://www.helifreak.com/showthread...yobi+generator

Originally Posted by GrantBakerIII

Thank you for your help. I can't really afford a Yamaha or a Honda. I know they are awesome but they are expensive. I did find this generator/inverter. Yes I know it's probably overkill to an extent but it's a pretty good deal when you look at what's available in this price range.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Sportsman-3...2078/300792171

[Slyster]

Another option I like.. dual deep cycles. $200 and no PSU's needed nor amperage constraints.

[crazy_for_flying]

How many 6s packs do a pair of deep cycle batteries last for? If im not mistaken you can charge them with your charger correct? And whats the avg amount of charges you can get in the lifetime of those batteries?

All questions ive been wondering and im sure others are too. Ive been considering them over a generator just because they dont make any noise and for me, someone that flies at a local airfield with other pilots, quietness is a huge factor because id like to be courteous to my fellow pilots.

[Slyster]

I can get around 7 or 8 lipos (6s5000) charges per deep. Good savings too in the fact I only need one pack per heli (I only have 2 packs) because I fast field charge in 15 mins. Yes your charger can charge Pb batteries.

The big thread is here if interested.
https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=374446

[crazy_for_flying]

Originally Posted by Slyster

I can get around 7 or 8 lipos (6s5000) charges per deep. Good savings too in the fact I only need one pack per heli (I only have 2 packs) because I fast field charge in 15 mins. Yes your charger can charge Pb batteries.

The big thread is here if interested.
https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=374446

Thanks Slyster Guess ive got some reading to do

[pctomlin]

I have been using the Champion 2000W inverter generator (yellow one) for the past four years and it has been great.

[GrantBakerIII]

Just got a deal on that champion yellow generator for 399. How many amps are you able to pull from this guy?

[Kiba]

Originally Posted by GrantBakerIII

Just got a deal on that champion yellow generator for 399. How many amps are you able to pull from this guy?

The Champion is rated for 1700W continuous output, although several reviews say that's a bit optimistic and 1600W continuous is a more accurate spec.

I'd recommend you pick up a Kill-A-Watt to put between your generator and the charger to verify actual wattage.

https://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Elec...ds=kill+a+watt

That being said, you shouldn't be able to max out the generator with your current 720i Duo, I expect it will pull about 1250W from the generator when maxed out charging at 500W per port.

[GrantBakerIII]

Thank you. The reason this is confusing for me is because I have a little 900 peak 600 running harbor freight generator and I can only pull a combined 13 amps... based on what you're saying I should be able to max out my chargers capabilities before I max out the generator?

[pctomlin]

The Champion will do 40 amps charger output to 6S batteries with a 20" box fan on high speed and barely come off idle in eco mode. This was about 1200 watt load.

[Kiba]

Originally Posted by GrantBakerIII

Thank you. The reason this is confusing for me is because I have a little 900 peak 600 running harbor freight generator and I can only pull a combined 13 amps... based on what you're saying I should be able to max out my chargers capabilities before I max out the generator?

Stop thinking in amps, wattage is what matters. For example, say you're charging at 40A... sounds impressive, but charging a 1S pack at 40A is only 168W at 4.2V cell voltage. For a 7S pack 40A charge current is 1176W. Big difference.

That 600W continuous harbor freight generator probably can't even manage to push your charger to 50% of its capability by the time you figure in charger and power supply losses which usually add an additional 15-20% above and beyond the actual output wattage going to the batteries being charged.

The Champion 2000W you picked up will have no problem pushing your 720i Duo to its full 1000W charge power spec (500W output per port.) My guess is that the power supply will be pulling about 1200W from the generator when you max out your charger at 500W per port. Been a while since I sold my 720 Duos, but I seem to recall them maxing out at 500W or 20A per port, whichever comes first.

[GrantBakerIII]

I see. Thank you for your help.