Generator comparitive field study
Generators are essential for fieldwork done by consultants often
exposed to remote areas where electricity is not available.
A Goscor Engines customer recently did an intensive study to
establish which generators are suitable for use with sensitive
equipment such as the Cedip product range where spike and dips
in power supply are very unhealthy for the equipment used.
Prior to doing the comparative study the customer, working in
the field as a logistics consultant, used battery supplies as
equipment power source. He found battery supply as power source
extremely limiting due to limited battery life.
Subsequently the consultant tried using UPS as a power supply
especially when he did demonstration work but also found that
time is a factor as the UPS also ran out of power, often at
crucial points during a demonstration.
Traditional generators were not suitable either as dips and
spikes occurs damaging the sensitive equipment used during
demonstrations.
New generation (Inverter technology) generators were therefore
considered as it includes power saving mode, are capable of
delivering increased power on demand and are also equipped with
a built in inverter circuit that protects sensitive electronics.
These generators also have a 12V output, which is great
especially when batteries have to be charged. Light-weight,
compact in size and low noise levels are also an advantage
especially when field demonstrations are done.
"Based on price and performance if I was looking for a system to
operate my field set-up, I would opt for the Robin Subaru
Generator. I did a demo for our Department of Environmental
Affairs (Marine and Coastal Management - Anti-poaching task
force) using the Robin, and it performed beautifully" said the
client.
The set-up included:
1 x JADE LR
1 x pc (laptop)
1 x 21" LCD TV screen
1 x Video recorder
1 x light fitting
Robin Subaru R1700i generator
The generator did not switch up to provide additional power. It
remained in low power mode, thus providing more than 5 hours
continuous use with no need to top up the petrol. The
demonstration took place less than 10 meters from the generator,
and could hardly be heard above the conversation level.
The only advantage of the more expensive generators, is that if
you require a higher power rating than offered by the single
generator, you can purchase an optional extension that allows
you to connect two generators of the same model and rating in
parallel, thus putting out double the power rating of a single
generator. The output remains clean, spike-free and in phase.
Having taken all features and price into consideration the Robin
Subaru R1700i generator holds its own in the market place as it
is seldom that higher power ratings are required.