Black Max generator

[pkthomas]

I am looking at a BM903500 generator. Does anyone have one? If so, what is your opinion?

I am looking for power quality. For lights or an electric heater our harbor freight generator it's great. But not to run any electronics. The UPS in between the computer and generator went nuts.

[Happy Vibe]

It does not say it is an inverter style so I would think you will have the same issue you have with your harbor freight generator.

[TURBS]

I don't have an inverter generator however I've had the same generator for 4 years and no issues with electronics.

TURBS.

[Happy Vibe]

It's a crap shoot if it is not a converter style, some will be clean enough to work with electronics and some will not. UPS's can be more sensitive as they monitor the power line and will try to change between battery power and line power if it thinks there is something wrong with the voltage coming in.

[wolfe4656]

The problem with those type of generators is you must run them at 3600rpm to maintain the constant voltage and are much nosier. The inverter generators the speed and sound slow down depending on the load and the power is cleaner.

[techntrek]

UPSs are sensitive to poor quality waveforms, wavering voltage, changing frequency, etc.

Computer power supplies aren't. Starting in the 90's they had to start conforming to standards that included dealing with the issues I mentioned. Back then I remember reading about tests on power supplies with wild voltage spikes, etc, and the output voltage remained steady. They'll even accept DC input instead of AC.

Today, the power supplies in TVs, receivers, and lots of other equipment meet those same standards. Throw whatever you want at them and they will work fine.

[Flybob]

It does not appear to be an inverter generator, but there are a few gotchas in the owners manual.

"Equipment not capable of tolerating +/- 10% voltage deviation or +/-3% frequency deviation may be damaged by this generator."
This may trigger some UPS.

"This equipment can produce sparks and may require a spark arrestor to prevent fires. "
This will prevent you from using it in many state and federal campgrounds.

[B and B]

The Blackmax is more of a circular saw or sump pump type generator. The unit may work a AC unit, fridge and hot water heater just fine. Most Modern portable electronics are not freq sensitive for charging i.e. 50/60 hz so they would work, The big issue is how far it sags when a big load like the toaster or AC turns on. That is what will pop electronics.

I would look at some other low budget like Champion or a Generac from Home Depot if money is tight. I see form Yahoo search Sams Club is selling the Blackmax for $199.00 on Black Friday, worth a try maybe, if it doesn't word you can always garage sale sell it after.

Brian

[techntrek]

Originally Posted by B and B

...Most Modern portable electronics are not freq sensitive for charging i.e. 50/60 hz so they would work, The big issue is how far it sags when a big load like the toaster or AC turns on. That is what will pop electronics..
Brian

Very unlikely, as I mentioned above they are designed with very high input voltage tolerances. 85 volts AC is common on the low end, and even the worst genset won't hit that mark for more than a few milliseconds during a motor startup situation. Even then, power supplies can tolerate a complete dropout for those few milliseconds due to power stored in the capacitors.

There is a lot of hype out there about how electronics need "clean" power, and while that is very true internally, it is the power supply's job to provide that clean power, not the consumer.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by pkthomas

I am looking at a BM903500 generator. Does anyone have one? If so, what is your opinion?

I am looking for power quality. For lights or an electric heater our harbor freight generator it's great. But not to run any electronics. The UPS in between the computer and generator went nuts.

I don't have experience with the Black Max, but do have a 3500/4000 watt Champion that does the job. It's not quiet like an inverter type, but I don't seem to have a problem with electronics in the RV when using it.

It comes with a 30 amp RV outlet, which I also like. The reason I mentioned this is because I saw a sale in today's newspaper where Tractor Supply is selling these for $250 today......sans the wheel kit which is extra.

[GJones]

Originally Posted by wmtire

I don't have expereince with the Black Max, but do have a 3500/4000 watt Champion that does the job. It's not quiet like an inverter type, but I don't seem to have a problem with electronics in the RV when using it.

It comes with a 30 amp RV outlet, which I also like. The reason I mentioned this is because I saw a sale in today's newspaper where Tractor Supply is selling these for $250 today.

X2. Mine has performed very well also. I bought it for a TT I owned. I have a class c now with onboard generator but kept the Champion because I liked it so much.


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