Generator/Electrical question

Started by shmily524, June 29, 2009, 12:59:52 PM

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shmily524

June 29, 2009, 12:59:52 PM
This is no a building question exactly, but I was hoping MD or others would be able to help me...

I just bought an older RV to stay in while working on the cabin...

Does anybody know if I can run a laptop or tv while running the onboard onan genset? i.e. does the generator produce damaging electricity or do I need to charge the batteries and use and inverter?

I am trying to get an entertainment solution for the kids on rainy days.. Any advice would be appreciated.

Phssthpok

#1
June 29, 2009, 01:22:59 PM
Assuming the genny is in proper working condition, the odds are that it will be putting out a cleaner sine wave (which electronics and motors love) than most on-board inverters which generally put out Modified sine wave. There is, however, the possibility of voltage fluctuations which may or may not have an effect on the happiness of your electronics.

Most modern electronics seem to be a bit more tolerant of MSW inverters these days, so I probably wouldn't be too concerned with 'needing' to run the genny in order to watch a movie.

If you're REALLY concerned, there are 'pure sine wave' inverters available which will make your electronics happy, and keep you from having to run the genny all the time.

shmily524

#2
June 29, 2009, 02:42:32 PM
Thanks a bunch! That is very helpful.

Phssthpok

#3
June 29, 2009, 02:55:13 PM
I suppose I should add in that I highly recommend The 12v Side of Life for the RV/12vdc system newbies.  ;)

glenn kangiser

#4
June 30, 2009, 12:58:12 AM
I have run my laptop on everything from modified sine wave - small cigarette lighter inverters (likely the worst)  to my 4024 trace inverters to generators with no problem.  The Onan if working properly is a good generator unit.
"Always work from the general to the specific." J. Raabe

Glenn's Underground Cabin  http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=151.0

Please put your area in your sig line so we can assist with location specific answers.

MountainDon

#5
July 01, 2009, 02:44:34 PM
Better lete than never...    ???

I've had zero problems with running anything (within the power range of the generator) off the RV generator.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.

archangel

#6
July 09, 2009, 09:25:02 PM
A lap top does not run off the AC, the house AC runs the "AC adapter/power supply", and that sends the 12V to 18V DC that charges the lap top battery and your computer runs off that power.

The power supply will clean up the power for the lap top.
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