Date:         Tue,  1 Nov 94 09:05:26 EST
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         psellers@ha.osd.mil (Pete Sellers)
Subject:      RE: generator article (another viewpoint on electricity :)

After my bad experience with an inverter (mentioned in a set of messages 
this past summer), we opted to purchase a generator.

We have the Honda "EX" unit.  Although it is advertised as "extra quiet" it 
is not absent of noise! Considering the purpose for which we have it, noise 
is the most serious impediment.

With folks spanning three age-generations in the campsite, creative use of 
the unit no longer amazes me.

So far, it has been the equal of all tasks and power demands
(the worst instance was a 1.5 Cu ft refrigerator, a 600 watt microwave, a 
small hot plate/warmer, a light set, a CD player, and extension cords ... 
all at the same time).

I didn't notice a strain and really considered it no problem until I 
started to think about all that was demanding power from the unit at one 
time.

We have tried alternative means to get the "younger" members to join us. 
Having sufficient electrical power for the "toys" seems to be the condition 
for us to keep the peace and get maximum participation. So now we just call 
it ...

"Roughin' it ..... Smoothly"! :)

As for the noise,

Rule #1 is respect for the environment and the neighbors.

We have tried several methods of 'noise abatement' ...

Since we normally have luggage and tag-a-long junk (stuf) anyway, we move 
the generator off a distance then build a barricade around using the things 
we take out of the van (of course we leave a safe distance from the 
generator)

I've experimented with light-weigth material which can be transported then 
arranged around the unit as a baffle.

Bottom line, we're convinced that having the generator is a benefit and 
will continue to use it.

I'd really like to hear ideas and suggestions from others about how to 
decrease the noise.

* * * * * * * * * * 
Pete Sellers
"Constant And Never-ending Improvement"