[aprssig] RE: aprssig Digest, Vol 6, Issue 35

[Komljanec Family]

You didn't mention the model of Honda generator. Is this a true alternator
machine? Honda have a line of "inverter" generators that actually provide AC
output through an inverter.  Inverters have to be designed very carefully to
not produce "birdies" or RF noise.  This is the common issue with many of
the inexpensive inverters available on the market, especially the "modified
sine wave" variety.  Problem is exactly what you describe, below 100 MHz.  

The first switch mode inverters had this issue.   Complaining about it were
all the boaters who had interference with TV CHs 2 to 6.  Higher quality
inverters came out with improved RF noise control. I've had good luck with
the Statpower (now Xantrex) ProSine.   Buyer beware. 

TonyK
VE3TK   

Message: 22
Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 10:37:17 -0700
From: "J. Gary Bender, WS5N" <WS5N at mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: [aprssig] Quieting Honda Generator (was) Portable Ops
	from 12v	via 115 VAC
To: TAPR APRS Mailing List <aprssig at lists.tapr.org>
Message-ID: <20041231103717.977379 at eM3000>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I have the 1KW Honda generator in use on my camper.  I love it in that it
starts 
easily, has a handy 12 VDC charging output, and runs all night on the load
of 
the furnace even on very cold nights.  However, it also wipes out reception
on 
my 3-22 MHz SW receiver, and does a number on AM broadcast as well.  It
covers 
the bands with birdies.  FM seems to be ok.  

I have not tried it yet with an HF rig, but my guess is that the generator
will 
only be useful for recharging batteries between operating periods.  Has
anyone 
had any experience using these generators with HF gear?  Have you found ways
to 
suppress RFI?  Are you limited to VHF and above while it is running?  I
guess 
something easy to try would be a 100' extension cord and seeing how it
behaves 
with physical separation from the radios.
--
J. Gary Bender, WS5N
Tijeras, New Mexico USA