On Sun, 06 Mar 2005 15:40:01 -0800, Walt Bilofsky
wrote:

Has anyone had experience trying to drive a Xantrex inverter/charger
with a small gas generator?

The specs for the Xantrex Prosine 2.0 inverter/charger say that when
it's plugged into shorepower (or an external generator), it will
automatically reduce the charger load to keep the AC source voltage
above a minimum level.

If that's to be believed, I should be able to run a portable 1 KW
generator into the Xantrex, and have it draw as much current as the
generator can serve up, but not overload it. I should also be able to
have AC appliances running off the Xantrex, and still charge the
battery with any AC power left over.

Has anyone actually done that? Or had any experience with that kind
of setup?

===================================

A 1 kw generator is a bit on the light side for a Prosine 2.0 but it
might work at reduced charging current. Much depends on how "stiff"
your generator is at maintaining constant voltage and waveform under
high varying loads. If your generator varys it's voltage and waveform
too much, there is risk of a surging effect when the inverter and
generator start compensating for each other. Speaking from experience
on my old boat, this WILL lead to problems with one or both. If at
all possible, get a bigger generator, or try before you buy.

Wayne.B wrote:

If at
all possible, get a bigger generator, or try before you buy.

Good thought. Hertz Equipment here rents the Honda EU1000i
generators,

So here's Plan A - install the inverter and air conditioning system.
That gives me something that can run off shorepower and, for short
periods, off the battery. Then rent the 1kW generator, try it, and if
it doesn't work, buy the 2 kW which should have plenty of capacity.

- Walt Bilofsky