Honda Generator Question

[stroguy]

Wow Terry, that’s pretty good. I am going to look into that SoftStart. Did you run the 3500 in ESC or just full bore?

[TerryH]

Wow Terry, that’s pretty good. I am going to look into that SoftStart. Did you run the 3500 in ESC or just full bore?

I don't use the ESC.

Here's the link to the SoftStartRV's on Amazon. Super easy install.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1JQHZC6XB&th=1

[stroguy]

I don't use the ESC.

Here's the link to the SoftStartRV's on Amazon. Super easy install.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1JQHZC6XB&th=1

What was your fuel consumption over 24 hours?

Thanks for the link, not to get political, I don’t cater to amazon. I went direct to them and ordered already this AM.

[TerryH]

What was your fuel consumption over 24 hours?

Thanks for the link, not to get political, I don’t cater to amazon. I went direct to them and ordered already this AM.

The Predator will run the main AC for 8-9 hours. I'm guessing from what I saw that will be reduced to more like 6 hours with both. I'm thinking I will get the extended run kit and a bigger tank and use the Predator more now. The Onan is just to loud for me even after using sound deadening mat on the enclosure.

[stroguy]

8 or 9 on the main without ESC. Sounds pretty good. Thanks

[TerryH]

8 or 9 on the main without ESC. Sounds pretty good. Thanks

My usual MO is to swap over to the Predator at 10:00 pm. I go out and check/add fuel at 6:00 or so. Never had it run out yet. Of course consumption varies depending on how much the AC is running during the night but never got less than 8 hours so far.

[traveldawg]

Wow Terry, that’s pretty good. I am going to look into that SoftStart. Did you run the 3500 in ESC or just full bore?

Just to remind folks..... Easy/soft start systems only apply at compressor start-up by limiting the current drawn to get the compressor running. No effect on the system after that (which probably last only a few seconds when the compressor ramps up).

So can't compare the load once running and claim that the easy start reduces normal run current/power.

[TerryH]

Just to remind folks..... Easy/soft start systems only apply at compressor start-up by limiting the current drawn to get the compressor running. No effect on the system after that (which probably last only a few seconds when the compressor ramps up).

So can't compare the load once running and claim that the easy start reduces normal run current/power.

But isn't it the locked rotor current inrush at startup that prevents most of these smaller generators from being able to power Ac's in the first place? Coleman lists the compressor locked rotor amps at startup on both the 15k and the 13.5k at 63 amps. Several times what is required to run the units once the compressor has started.

[traveldawg]

Wow Terry, that’s pretty good. I am going to look into that SoftStart. Did you run the 3500 in ESC or just full bore?

But isn't it the locked rotor current inrush at startup that prevents most of these smaller generators from being able to power Ac's in the first place? Coleman lists the compressor locked rotor amps at startup on both the 15k and the 13.5k at 63 amps. Several times what is required to run the units once the compressor has started.

@TerryH
I should have quoted stroguy's post to begin with. I didn't want him (or anyone else) thinking that by using a SoftStart that the AC would consume fewer amps when running. I wanted to point out that the only thing the device does is reduce the number of amps when the compressor kicks in.

I guess that means fewer locked rotor amps at startup? Or actually limiting the inrush current at start up? I think we're saying the same thing in different ways.

[jkwilson]

LRA is what you’d see if the rotor was actually locked. When starting, the extra current is because of the extra power needed to overcome the inertia of the stationary rotor and connected load. It’s less than LRA but more than running load amps.