[BC] Chicago generators

[RichardBJohnson at comcast.net]

This is what I have.
http://www.generac.com/Portables/GP/Products/GP_17500E/

I obtained it from Home Despot (!) initially. I had a problem with the neutral wire coming unglued which burned out all my Smoke detectors by putting almost 240 volts where 120 should be! I fixed that by rewiring the panel using UL approved methods and contacted the manufacturer. Generac incorporated my advice into their production and paid for the alternator.

The alternator provides good frequency and voltage regulation. However, the harmonic content makes my APC computer supplies cycle on and off unless I put a high load on the alternator by turning on my clothes drier or electric stove. That quiets down the APC boxes. It is likely that the load of a transmitter would do the same.

I removed the handle (which gets in the way) and piped the exhaust out of my shed. It sits in a shed I built for it, my motorcycle, and "outside stuff." The shed is large enough to house a transmitter, BTW and even has four windows!

I run an underground conduit to my house and have a manual transfer switch. I also have a 20A 120v feed to my shed so I can leave a trickle charger on the battery as well as run power tools, a heater, and lights.

Cheers,
Richard B. Johnson
Book: http://www.AbominableFirebug.com/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark A Garrett" <MA-Garrett at wiu.edu>

Richard:

Is your Generac one of the permanent home installed units or is it a portable unit.  Do you know if the generator portions are made differently for the permanent home based units.  The reason for asking is that the National Weather Service replaced their failed Onan unit with a Generac home unit and so far the transmitter seems to like it. 

Mark Garrett
Tri States Public Radio