I am getting ready for my first outdoor show (I sell organic children's clothing) and I want to purchase a portable generator so I can use lights at my booth and also not have to worry about my dyeing which I use to accept credit cards. Even though I am new to this, I don't want to buy a so so portable generator that doesn't charge for long and is loud. I'd rather try buying a generator that can last for years. That being said, I've noticed that some shows have specific generator requirements. What portable generator do people love or recommend? I've seen the Black and Decker 400 mentioned but it's discontinued and more recently the Honda & I have read about, thoughts on any of these or something new altogether? Anything I should consider before purchasing?
Thanks for all suggestions.
Where will you put it? Please be considerate of the vendors around you. I had a 3 day show. Our neighbor put her generator outside our tent. We firmly told her to move it. So she put it outside her other neighbors tent.
We have a little battery powered charger about the size of a small shoebox with a carrying handle that charges our and can run lights for a few hours. Zero noise and no fumes.
If you want I'll post the product name and info when my husband gets up.
Yvonne, yes I would love the specific info once your husband gets up. I am new but know enough that I would never put any of my stuff in another persons area. :-) I would most likely keep it towards to back behind my table.
Lin, Now that you mention it, i have heard something about a marine battery. I feel like I don't even know where to begin with deciding on which battery/iverter is decent and meanwhile keeping in mind I don't want to surge any of the electronics plugged in. I had settled on the Black and Decker 400 until I went to Home Depot last week and learned they only carry a 500 and 900 series now.
If you do get a generator be very considerate of you neighbors. The noise and fumes from a generator can be very bad. We were stuck next to a food vendor at a show several years ago and it was horrible. We have never gone back to that show. They keep asking g us to return and have assured us that we would not be near the food vendors but no thanks. It was a horrible experience.
I'm reviving this thread because I have my first show coming up in May and they allow 'Quiet Generators'. I also asked them about the Marine Battery option and they said that was fine. The show goes until 10pm, so I need something that will light my tent well. I want people to really be able to see my items.
I feel a little overwhelmed at all of the different things that I've heard, so if anyone has used either a 'quiet generator' or a battery set up could you please let me know what you used or if you know of one that doesn't work could you let me know that as well so I avoid it?
Thanks ahead of time!
A deep cycle battery (marine battery) s a better investment than a car battery (and the cost is about the same). A car battery is meant to deliver a large amount of power for a short time (to start a car) A deep cycle battery is meant to deliver a lower amount of power for a long time (8-9 hours). A deep cycle battery can handle being running ALMOST flat, but a car battery will get ruined if you run it down too much.
If you can get a car battery CHEAP, then go with it. For us, the $12 difference, we'd rather have the deep cycle.
Power inverter is rated in terms of the number of watts, the more watts the more expensive they are. We have one that is 300 watts (got on sale for $20).
We use LED bulbs so this is actually is slightly more power than we needed, because our bulbs are 5 watts each, even though we will use more than a dozen lights. We got these bulbs off Ebay for cheap, bulbs that we could fit into our halogen lights (the halogen bulbs were 35-50 watt).
So maybe set out a table/tent in your backyard at night, and arrange your
lights to your satisfaction. Then add up the wattage on the lights, and you will have an idea what you need. LED and fluorescent are lower wattage and if you can't afford to switch over and buy a large amount of lights right away, just keep an eye out for them at good prices.
For outdoor shows that run multiple days, we brought a little trolley/handjack so we could wheel away the battery every night to charge it up.
I forgot to mention that people will also need a battery charger, the same type you use for charging your car battery. So if you don't already have one, keep an eye out for a sale. Since I live in a cold climate, a charger is a necessity here.
Bev, the battery is heavy (ours weighs about 55 lbs.) but safe to transport in your vehicle, and you can leave it on the cement during a show. That's why we have a little folding rolling trolley that can take that weight, and we roll it back and forth every day.
What you are probably referring to is the idea of "don't leave your car battery on the cement over winter" because car batteries would get so cold that they would run down so much that they couldn't be charged up. The Deep Cycle battery is more durable.
My partner says that Sears and Walmart carry good quality deep cycle batteries, of course you can shop around.
Features
More power. Same legendary quality.
The EUi delivers 10% more power than the previous EUi - enabling you to power more of what you need, in the same lightweight, compact package. Whether it's an extra refrigerator at home, a larger saw on your construction site, a larger TV at your tailgate party, the EUi gives you the power to get more done.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Voltgent.
Power for microwave, refrigerators, hair dryer, small AC units, and much more
The EUi can operate a wide variety of appliances, making it perfect for portable use at home, camping, on the jobsite, or much more. Take a look at the applications tab for more examples.
Honda My Generator app + Bluetooth® capability
Honda's exclusive My Generator smartphone app offers remote generator operation and monitoring with impressive performance and unmatched convenience. The app includes wireless stop, operation monitoring, and service reminders, utilizing Bluetooth® connectivity.*
Learn More
CO-MINDER: Advanced Carbon Monoxide Detection System
CO-MINDER™ continuously monitors carbon monoxide (CO) levels. It automatically shuts down the generator before detected CO levels near the generator become dangerously high.
Learn More
Honda GXR120 Engine - Commercial grade reliability
The EUi is powered by the Honda GXR120 Commercial Series engine. The GXR120 delivers exceptionally quiet, smooth, fuel-efficient performance in a small, lightweight package.
The size of a generator's engine directly correlates to how much power it can produce. At 121cc, the GXR120 is at the top of its class - ensuring the EU always produces the power you need to get the job done.
Originally developed for heavy duty construction equipment, the GXR120 also delivers superb durability and reliability.
Super quiet - less noise than normal conversation
So quiet, your neighbors will thank you. The EUi operates at 48 to 57 dBA, which is less noise than a normal conversation. This makes it ideal for camping, supplemental RV power, and any other activity that requires quiet operation.
Learn More
Easy starting, every time
The EUi is designed for quick and easy starting. Honda's automatic mechanical decompressor system significantly reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine. Operational contact points are color-coded in gray to quickly guide the user through the starting operation.
Lightweight and compact
Weighing just over 47 pounds, the EUi is incredibly lightweight and portable. Thanks to Honda's inverter technology, it's easy to transport and store.
Fuel efficient - runs up to 8.1 hrs on less than a gallon of fuel
Thanks to our exclusive Eco Throttle System, the EUi offers great fuel efficiency. Runs 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single tank, depending on the load. This makes it great for overnight power.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Super Silent Generator| ClearAir Series.
Learn More
Advanced inverter technology - reliable power for computers and other sensitive equipment
Honda's inverter technology means stable, clean power in a smaller, lighter package. The precision of Honda's inverter technology ensures our inverter generators produce power that is as reliable as the power you get from your outlets at home.
Learn More
Double your power with parallel capability
Need more power? Add a second EUi for additional power. Two identical models can be paralleled with an optional cable for up to watts of power.
The EUi will also parallel with EUiK1/T1 models. Find a complete serial number list at the link below.
Learn More
Easier oil changes
A bigger oil filler opening, longer spout, and larger oil drain gutter make for easier and cleaner oil changes.
Fuel shutoff ("Fuel Off" position)
The “Fuel Off" position allows the engine to continue to run until the majority of the fuel in the carburetor is consumed and the engine shuts off. This helps prevent stale fuel issues and is useful when storing the generator.
Better overall durability
It's the little things that show a product's quality and durability. Like the stamped metal recoil rope insert on the EUi - reducing potential damage to the body of the generator.
Or the increased ventilation area, resulting in improved cooling of key components.
Or the improved stator/rotor configuration, using some of the highest quality and most powerful magnets available.
Protected by Oil Alert®
Protects the generator by shutting the engine off when low oil is detected.
USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler
Meets USDA standards for areas where spark arrestors are required for operation.
Electronic Circuit Breaker
Protects the generator from an overload condition.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Mitsubishi Diesel Generator.