Generators & Chargers

Small/Medium Homemade Gas/Diesel/Propane Powered AC Generators

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For costs sake, make your own. Take an old engine and a alternator and bolt up some cheap power.

Learn More about Homemade Generators from my favorite sources:
http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html

http://www.qsl.net/ns8o/genmenu.htm

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Here is what I came up with...
1. Uses a $5 engine from the recycling center (not exactly a clean burning engine, but I don't plan on using for very long...)
2. 28V, 30A DC genny from Aviation Surplus. Ok... It is not much, but it puts out some power. The key is how quick it went together. The cost of the parts purchased add up to about $75.

 
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Small Portable Gas Powered AC Generators

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Honda Page for EU2000i - This is a very quiet generator. Even though it only puts out 1600W continuous (2000W peak), it comes in handy since it only uses a small amount of fuel during use.
Learn More about Honda's EU2000i

Types of Generators - Large Standby Gas/Diesel/Propane Powered AC Generators

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The Generac Quietsource Generator is very quiet. When it is running is about as loud as most central-air units. Learn More about Generac's QuietSource Systems

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Large Generators (and even smaller one) can benefit from having a home away from the house. In some cases the generator can be placed inside of or near a power shed.

Remote Starting Generators

Generac QuietSource Generator

A relay is used from the Outback Inverter AUX port to remote start a Generac Quiet Source generator. The AUX port is connected to the relay coil and the Normally Open Contacts of the Relay to connect the "Start Now" circuit of the Generator.
A cheap relay is used in the PS2AC and Romex is used to run to the generator control box. (Not sure if Romex is a "Legal" control wire...)

Homemade DC Chargers

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A Homemade DC Charger can be made from several types of old industrial power supplies. This unit was easily converted from an old 200Vdc Power Supply to create an 80Vdc power supply by simply rewiring the taps on the AC Transformer. The transformer was normally set for 1:1 wiring. Simply rewire the output to 2:1 and BAM! 120Vac In = 60Vac Out. Once 60Vac goes into the bridge rectifier, and filtering capacitor, it is about 80Vdc VOC. A great voltage to feed into an MX60 or other MPPT charge controller. Program the MPPT Charge controller to limit the current output, based on the amount of filter cap in the input to prevent clipping.

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An Outback PS2 DC Charger takes the best of the Outback Design and makes a 60-80A charger!

Commercially Available DC Chargers

Charles Charger Company