pooch692000

Looking for sub $100 gas generator to power my ev peak 100 watt quad lipo charger in the field. Thanks in advance

Propworn

My Feedback: (3)

Make sure what generator you need. Some electronic equipment does not like anything but pure sine wave output that can only be delivered by an inverter type generator. Even a modified sine wave generator can damage and shorten the life of simple electronic devices.

Dennis

loopdeeloop

My Feedback: (4)

Harbor Freight and my local farm store carry the very generic 800 watt 2-stroke generators for less than $90 bucks. They are light and noisy but that's about all you get for that money.

DaveHickey

If you want to filter that output make sure your generator has 12V output and run it across a 12V lead acid battery, like the one in your car and power your charger off of the battery..

Propworn

My Feedback: (3)

Most inexpensive smaller generators have a single side ac outlet and are not pure sine wave output. When I used one of these I had an old analog battery charger and did exactly that. Ran the charger to the battery and ran the rc charger off the battery. Seemed to work ok. I have since upgraded because I run twin server power supplies for my chargers direct from the generator. 24 volts at 47 amps.

Dennis

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

I would suggest considering $200 or so for a proper inverter generator, like this one for example

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Po...0AAOSwD8ZZ8RkN

ive been using one for 3 seasons, charging 10s 5000maH packs for my F3A planes at the field.
Quiet, sine wave output via inverter, very light and easy to carry.

Just change the oil frequently (true for all small generators) and it should serve you very well.

TacticalKarma

There are actually a lot of different budget friendly generators. I can name of few

bessiebeardsley

that's true. therea re alot of generators on the market these days

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

The one I linked above is down to $219
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sportsman-1...cAAOSw3Rhc3HEy

Knock on wood, it’s been flawless charging 2 10s 5000mAH flight packs for seasons now

the important thing is to make sure it’s an inverter output; I would be hesitant to recommend any non inverter type today

bessiebeardsley

It's an interesting option I have to say. There are a lot of different options online when it comes to generators and for people who are not super knowledgeable when it comes to that specific part of the industry. I have been looking online for a few good options in regards to a car generator and honestly it's kind of scary to see that there are so many option. I have been doing a lot of research and I read a lot of reviews when it comes to which generator is the best and what specifications are the most useful for a specific car and what in the end I need. I chose one and I am really happy with the generator I chose and it didn't even cost me that much.

daveopam

My Feedback: (9)

I would forget the generator and put a deep cycle battery out there with a small solar panel. Both can be had from a local farm supply. Not portable but very effective.

David

ltc

My Feedback: (3)

I have considered a deep cycle (Lead) battery in the past, but the energy density doesn’t compare well at all to a small 20lb 700W inverter generator. Perhaps I should revisit my initial numbers.
You would ideally need 2 12V batteries in series and the solar panel could only provide perhaps 200-300W/hr max recharge rate... not ideal for my 10s5000 flight packs.
And at $200, these Chinese small inverter generators are hard to argue with.
Are they Honda or Yamaha quality? No, but at 1/3 the price, they’re well worth it IMHO.

TacticalKarma

I would be afraid to have a gas generator.