fran1 replied:

You've answered you're own question.
if the light gets brighter it's obivious that that there's surge.
fran1

nickoff replied:

Most generators, of the cheaper type, reqiure a load connected to stabize the output voltage. This load must be resistive, not inductive. I use a 150Watt halagon light.However, this might not apply to the more expensive inverter type sets, as their voltage control is much better. This will reduce the amount of flicker you get with the lights.

Nick.

Member - Omaroo (NSW) replied:

Why not look at the latest offering from Scorpion - a 1000W pure sine wave unit for $299. It may have a more stable 240v output than the $99 GMC jobbies....

Footloose replied:

Depends what you are trying to run off it. Fine for lights etc but they have a habit of blowing power supplies in electronics. I have one that I use purely for loss of power in storms etc. Great for lights but I'll get the gas camping stuff out to make a cuppa :))

hl replied:

Don't worry about it... The voltage on them varies a little bit, especially with a light load. They DO NOT produce spikes, so a line filter is useless and not requred. There is nothing I can think of that would not run ok with these small gennies (within it's power rating, of course)

Cheers

Ron173 replied:

I had a similair small gennie before I upgraded to my current 2.8kva which we use mainly for elec barbie grill superb in fire bans, plus almost anything else.

Previous one like yours was same on small lights, put a bit of load on it and it will stabilise better, also found mine quietened down with a medium load on it, small halogens around 150w work good.

note : in all time weve been camping, we use genny when we feel like it, dont usually camp next door to other people, cept on a site where no need for it, never had a complaint bout noise, one night another camp appeared close to me, and being winter I had heater on in van, (baby with us) approached bloke to see if it was bothering him................ what genny was reply. Two power cords and exhaust pointing away from you, usually with vehicle in between, never hear it.

I think people go over top bout genny noise, the bush is huge and room for everyone.

Ron

skippie replied:

g,day ron
I finally found my manual which states
it is not recomended to connect any electronic equipment to the generator
without a voltage or surge protector(this refers mainly to computors tv & stereo)
but it looks as tho 150 w halogen lamp will do the trick.
thanks for you're help.
lau