Portable generators.

[Wulf202]

the little ones also can do damage to sensitive electronics just during regular running. they can screw up a fridge if they run out of gas and sputter.

[00tec]

An insulated box with some decent fans blowing in/out would circulate enough air I think. You'd have to build about a 4'x4' box to stick it in so it has plenty of breathing room, but can't you direct the exhaust away from the engine and through a sound deadening baffle? Am I talking crazy here? I'm thinking I could build this type of box for about 50 in materials if I had the tools. (circular saw is necessary, nailer would be nice)

You could, but by redirecting and baffling the exhaust, you will reduce the engine's power.

[Buckaroobonsai]

Unless you have a higher end generator with one built in, I would use a good power strip with surge protector, or better yet a power conditioner.

the little ones also can do damage to sensitive electronics just during regular running. they can screw up a fridge if they run out of gas and sputter.

[Wulf202]

surge protectors don't stop the low voltage issues caused by the generators.

by the time you buy all the stuff for the cheap generator you're nearly at the price of the Honda.

cry once

[HoneyBadger]

alright alright. I guess I'll just sell a kidney and get a product that works from the start. I didn't think about the power loss.

So with larger generators you don't have to worry about damaging your goods when they sputter? Can you explain this a little better? Sorry, I'm a noob to generators, but you guys are teaching me lots of good stuff.

[00tec]

alright alright. I guess I'll just sell a kidney and get a product that works from the start. I didn't think about the power loss.

So with larger generators you don't have to worry about damaging your goods when they sputter? Can you explain this a little better? Sorry, I'm a noob to generators, but you guys are teaching me lots of good stuff.

The expensive ones have all kinds if electronic goodies inside to smooth out the ripple of the output. When the engine starts to die, the rpm surges up and down producing peaks and valleys in output, hondas have circuitry to smooth it out.
This kind of thing isnt typically very harmful to something like an old fridge, deep freezer, or fans (unless they have fancy electronics), but TVs, computers, etc, it can kill.

[00tec]

A little different, but has anyone built their own? I can get a good sized generator head, and was thinking of putting on a steel yard cart with a small engine, belt (or chain) driven with an alternator on it as well. Would make a nice generator/jump starter. Water cooled would be even better.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Sparky should chime in on cost etc. I have been wanting to do this for awhile.

[Buckaroobonsai]

Under $200 for a decent power conditioner, and yes, that's why I said, "better yet". So with my $300 3500w generator and my $130 Monster MP HTS, my entertainment system has been running just fine every time I needed it, for the past several years. That and a light, fan and the fridge. When the power goes out, I don't cry, I laugh!

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-HTS.../ref=pd_cp_e_0

surge protectors don't stop the low voltage issues caused by the generators.

by the time you buy all the stuff for the cheap generator you're nearly at the price of the Honda.

cry once

[Great-Kazoo]

A little different, but has anyone built their own? I can get a good sized generator head, and was thinking of putting on a steel yard cart with a small engine, belt (or chain) driven with an alternator on it as well. Would make a nice generator/jump starter. Water cooled would be even better.

There are a few places on line that do some interesting things. You can make a stick welder from a lawn mower, generator from a lawn edger etc.
Just depends on how involved and how mechanically inclined you are.

http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Generator-...tor&id=4774983

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/528290..._solar_panels/


Regarding cheap vs, higher end. To me it means how much and the needs / use of an item you want to invest in. Having dealt with the Eu's this baby will surprise you between decibel output and performance, sure it is not cheap but that's your choice. I have a large 6500 unit that does most of the house less ac Due to size keeping a generator this size "quiet" is a lesson in mental masturbation. Can it be done, sure, but at what price money wise.
We've all tried to save a few dollars on projects and all said the same thing when completed. NEXT Time i'm just going to spend the money for one ready to go.
So decide if you want quiet and pay up front or mess around trying different kinds of sound proofing. It's your choice. me i don't care what it sounds like, as long as it works.