Posted by Calnotary on 2/27/09 11:30am
Msg #278910

Honda Generator instead of a Power inverter?

My nephew gave me this generator this past weekend, it is a 2000watts and I was checking the specifications online and it says that it could be used for sensitive things as a laptop or a home pc. Im really thinking in try it to print docs on the road. My question to you here, if anybody has used one before to print docs, I m pretty sure, that nobody but, you never know.

I could go to a parking lot and print docs there, not that I will be printing docs in a residential place and besides it is very quit, it's rated like 50db noise level. I will need to get a verizon aircard at 60.00 per month OUCH!

Thank you for reading this and express your opinions please.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/27/09 11:39am
Msg #278911

What’s it run on?

Am I crazy or would there be a concern for carbon monoxide poisoning?

I don’t pretend to be an authority* on this subject…just a thought that came to my mind. *(Forturnately…we have several AOEs in our midst. AOE=Authority on Everything. )

Reply by Teresa/FL on 2/27/09 12:00pm
Msg #278921

Do the specs say it generates a "pure sine wave". This is what is recommended to power electronics such as printers and laptops.

I also echo Brenda's question regarding what powers the generator. If it can be wired to your car battery or a separate battery as a power source it would work, but if it would need gas of any type, I would not recommend using it in your vehicle.

Reply by Calnotary on 2/27/09 12:21pm
Msg #278927

Thank you Misty for your great suggestion, I will try that. n/m

Reply by Charles_Ca on 2/27/09 12:27pm
Msg #278929

A generator is its own power source and not wired to the car

unless you want to use it to charge the battery in an emergency. Besides the carbon monoxide wihich is a serious problem there is also the issue of gas fumes. Most small engine gas tanks are vented to the atmosphere. If you run it on propane that mighr eliminate the gas fumes in the car but runnign around with a propane tank in most cars vioaltes a number of laws in many states as does having a container of gasoline. I don't see a benefit to having a generator and the cost of most inverters is considerably less than most generators. There is a hybrid device called a motor generator set that uses an electric motor that runs off of 12VDC and drives a generator/alternator that produces 120VAC but you would have surge issues with it and most are designed to run inductive loads like motors. I personally like the inverter best of all they are cost effective, easy to install, safe and if you read the literature carefully and buy a pure sine wave one are safe for your equipment.

Reply by PAW on 2/27/09 12:39pm
Msg #278936

Depends on which model

Honda makes generators as portable power sources for construction and outside work environments and they make "household" generators. Since I frequently loose power (especially during hurricane season), I have a backup "household" generator (8,500 watts) to provide power to our house, including my computers and peripheral equipment. "Household" generators are much better regulated and offer pure sine wave AC power. But, be careful as many generators that run at less than 60% load may generate too high a voltage for your equipment. If you do use a generator to power your equipment, also use an APC BackUPS system that can monitor and filter over/under voltage conditions.

Others have addressed cons to using a generator in a car or small truck. (Not too many pros that I can think of.) Aside from those comments, and to give a simple answer, yes, you could use a generator instead of an inverter. But, it is not necessarily the best alternative.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/27/09 1:22pm
Msg #278944

Yes, I have used a generator to print docs because after the 2004 hurricanes, that was the only available power for two 10 day periods.

Not all generators produce "clean" energy and "clean" energy in a generator is the same as pure sine in an inverter. We have a Honda EU2000i that we use on the boat and for power during outages. While a generator would work to print docs, it's not a very practical way of doing it. I couldn't imagine toting around a generator full of gas in the back of my SUV.

Reply by Calnotary on 2/27/09 2:44pm
Msg #278958

Exactly Becca! That is the model and brand I have. Please let me know if you were able to print without a problem with this honda generator. Oh wait a second my model is EU2000i COMPANION. Thank you all!

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/27/09 5:30pm
Msg #278976

All the Honda EU generators have clean energy output so you will be able to run a laser printer without a problem. Heck you can even run a coffee pot on one of these bad boys.

That's a nice little gift you got. When we got ours back in early 2004 they retailed around $2000 at the Honda dealer. They have come down in price to about $899-$1099 and are still the preferred generator of seafarers because they are easy to bring aboard, easy to stow, quiet and will run on a full tank for 6+ hours. Believe me when I tell you, we wouldn't go boating during the summer in Florida without our Honda...6+ hours of a/c while you sleep comfortably. There's NO other way to cruise.

I saw this while searching the companion.

EU2000iA Companion

2000 watts, 120V
Built in 30A outlet for easy parallel capability with another EU2000i
Ideal for TV/DVD, satellite, fridge, coffee pot, and more
Great for RV applications
Super quiet
Inverter - stable power for computers and more

$1,099.00*

Reply by Calnotary on 2/27/09 6:11pm
Msg #278981

Thank you Becca!! n/m