Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 19, 2003 05:01am | #1

   For newly registered participants here, the first post has to wait until cleared by the sysops moderator due to a security problem in recent history where an internet troll/saboteur registered under multiple names often and polluted this fine board. Sorry it inconvenienced you.

   It is true that any sensitive electronic equipment should not ne run off a generator. This can include tool battery chargers, computers, and cable boxes. The reason is that there is uneven current . I don't know if UPS devices help mellow out the flow or not.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Stogman | Aug 19, 2003 05:24am | #2

   Thanks for the information!  Today I finally found my first posted message.

   No more computer when the power is out!!

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Aug 19, 2003 06:43am | #3

   "Better" generators boast votage stabilized output.

   I think Honda and Yamaha generators offer this feature.

   Coupled with that, there are UPS devices that offer voltage stabilization.

   Some of APC's BackUPS models offer AVR, which is important for sensitive electronics.

   I have two APC BackUPS Pro units (1100 and 650) with AVR that protect my computer and peripherals.

   This is in addition to a well laid-out 200-amp service panel and a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the computer stuff.

   So....it is possible you could use your Coleman if a UPS units with voltage stabilization feature is introduced between the Coleman and your computer.

   Just keep in mind not all UPS offer AVR, which I think should be a feature that is mandatory if you are shopping for a UPS device.

2. 
   caseyr | Aug 19, 2003 07:38am | #4

   I am almost a decade removed from this stuff, but from what I remember of UPS's is that there are at least two types.  One type, generally the cheaper ones, use a "voltage rider" circuit and kicks in AC created from the batteries when the line voltage disappears for a few cycles.  Normal power from this type is directly from the AC line.  The other type always runs off the batteries, which are constantly recharged, so the wave form is always from the electronics in the UPS.  All UPSs that I studied had at least some circuitry to clip voltage spikes and compensate for low voltage "brown outs".  Since all the guts of a computer run off of DC current, I am not sure how much of a problem poor wave form AC input is as long as the AC input is reasonably within design limits.  However, a nice smooth sine wave would certainly run less risk of developing harmonics that could get past the power supply filters and possibly mess things up. 

2. 
   junkhound | Aug 19, 2003 07:47am | #5

   Run it off the generator.

   The power supplies in present computers (since 1998 anyway, generally forward converter topology with lots of inbuilt safeguards) are all built to operate from either 120 or 240 V.  The worst that could happen to you operating off a 120 Vac generator is a dropout (like when the fridge and freezer come on at the same time you fire up the toaster <G>) and losing the last few minutes of input (whatever timing you have your auto backup setting at)  . 

   I run on a generator whenever needed, no concerns.   Same deal with running off an inverter off the car battery, the power supply in the computer will do a good job of protection. 

   Lightning is a whole other story.

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 19, 2003 05:03pm | #6

   So, in layman's terms, the generator can leave you with power drops but lightening can give you power spikes which are worse?

   I know from talks with the local power co. guyy that we can suffer line variance of +/- 25% pretty regularly anyway.

   I also know that my whole crew and I ruined a bunch of 14.4V batteries and chargers when working off of an older generator a few years ago..

   Excellence is its own reward!