[Jewelry making - Article 00032] - Re: [Orchid] Generator for Outdoor Show

[Katherine Palochak]

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    Hans, I'm no electrical expert, but we have been living off-grid for
    23+ years. That means no commercial electricity, everything generated
    on-site by solar, wind or generator. Believe me, we've done it all,
    including converting 110 v. equipment to run on straight 12 v. 

    First, realize that a generator has the initial cost, which is
    up-front for the generator. What will be of concern to you, besides
    the noise and the smell, will be the maintenance and repairs. Just
    how handy are you? Do you have any kind of mechanical background?
    Will you know how to adjust a carburetor? Clean and gap a plug?
    Change the oil, clean the air and fuel filters? Did I mention
    generators are loud? Will this drive customers off? 

    A 5KW generator is way overkill for a 1/4 hp motor. You have to
    realize that a 5KW generator is going to produce 5KW of power, and
    will use the same amount of fuel whether it's utilizing all 5KW or
    only 1/4 hp. A 3KW generator sucks up about a gallon of gas per hour,
    if it's running efficiently. How much gas did you want to haul? 

    A washing machine is a whole different game, because it requires a
    surge capacity. It's a different type of machine. Your facetor is a
    fairly simple machine with a direct drive. Unless you're planning on
    running a washing machine at your venues, don't buy a generator for
    running a washer. It's not necessary. 

    You mentioned running 10 100 watt light bulbs. Instead of using
    inefficient incandescent light bulbs, consider switching to low
    wattage higher efficiency halogen or fluorescents to get the same or
    better quality light, with lower power requirements. Yes, you will
    have to go to specialized suppliers to get the quality you want, and
    they will be about 2-3 times as much in cost as what you get from
    Home Depot, but they will last 10 times longer. 

    Now, to get you around to where you want to go, consider getting
    some flexible solar panels and an inverter, with a couple of deep
    cycle batteries for a backup. It'll still weigh less and be no more
    cumbersome than hauling around a generator and gas. Cost outlay will
    be less in initial start up, way less in maintenance costs, and very
    little maintenance chores. No noise, no fumes, and the tree huggers
    will love you for being green friendly. If 10 light bulbs and the
    facetor is what your power requirements are, a 400 w invertor will do
    the trick, and in a pinch, can be run off your car battery and
    alternator. Remember, the voice of experience speaking here. Been
    there. Done that. Still doing it. 

    If you need more info on where to get started, contact me off-list
    and I'll get you in touch with people and places that sell the
    equipment you need. Usual disclaimer. 

Katherine Palochak
kpalchk AT trib.com
P.S. You can also use the equipment in your own home as a backup during the
infamous California rolling blackouts.



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