Sometimes in my Builds I talk about issues that directly relate to the machine that I am building. This is one such case. Hope you do not mind...
I have been doing some research about
generators. Last thing I want to fight at the track is charging issues. And yes I want to be a good neighbor at the track. I want a quiet gen set.
Seems the Alta chargers might be a little finicky when it comes to the generator used. Probably due to the voltage and/or the "dirty" sine wave the cheaper gen sets produce. I personally think the Alta chargers want "clean" voltage. This would mean some type of 240v inverter generator. That narrows down the prospective gen sets immensely. And yes, the cost goes up.
Speaking of clean voltage, I called WEN generators & asked what the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is of the electricity produced. They said less than 25% THD. Now keep in mind, that from what I can find, the acceptable THD for an inverter generator is <5%. And I bet a dollar to a doughnut that most cheepie generators out there are going to be around this "dirty" THD output. You can read what dirty power from a gen set can do
here. If nothing else understand this:
For units that measure greater than 6% THD, the electrical wave can cause sensitive electrical circuits, such as computers or other minor electronics, to lose life. These components may malfunction or operate improperly. Our chargers are more than "minor" electronics. I believe a generator for our Alta's is not a place to be frugal (cheap). 'Nuff said.
Sizing of Gen set: People smarter than me have posted elsewhere on the interwebs, that you should size the generator to be using 80% of its power (running watts) relative to the load you will be using. This makes sense to me. Why run a machine at 100% of its ability/capability , when you can size the gen set for 20% head room and have some room to play with.
The fast charger eats 16 amps @ 240V = 3840 watts + 20% (768) = 4608 watts including overhead. The gen set should produce at least 4608 running watts @240V, if properly sized.
This limits my generator choices, obviously. As of right now, my pick of the chick is a Honda EU6500is/EU7000is. Pretty damn pricey at around 4000 toads. *gulp* I do not like to purchase used electrical items. I might have to look around at the used options that are close to me, if there is any.
Other options are the Briggs Q6500 and the Yamaha EF6300iSDE .
Time to hit up Craigslist...
Also, I have my MSO in hand. Hopefully my MXR will be here the first week of October, or so. I am almost giddy with anticipation! Now I have to design a grafix kit. I will be the first to admit my artistic skills are limited...