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Which Generator should I buy?
jackscott:
I want to run 2 Mackie Thump18 subs (both 1200w output power), along with 2 Mackie Thump15a (1300w output each). Also 2 cdjs and a mixer. Which generator do you think would be suitable for this set up?
Update- Sorry I think i posted this in the wrong section. I'm new to this site!
Dave Garoutte:
--- Quote from: jackscott on April 15, 2021, 07:02:36 AM ---I want to run 2 Mackie Thump18 subs (both 1200w output power), along with 2 Mackie Thump15a (1300w output each). Also 2 cdjs and a mixer. Which generator do you think would be suitable for this set up?
Update- Sorry I think i posted this in the wrong section. I'm new to this site!
--- End quote ---
Look at the actual rated amperage draw and you can go from there.
Honda EU and Yamaha EF inverters are arguably the best, with models to 45 amps.
Quiet and reliable.
I would guess the 2000s or 3000s would be about right.
Don T. Williams:
What Dave said! Avoid the "construction" type generators - very noisy and all over the place with voltage and line frequency variations. The inverter type are very good until you need the larger Quiet Power type for larger events.
Steve-White:
I use a Honda EB2800i for smaller setups. Reliable, easy to start and quiet.
https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/EB2800i
I've used the smaller footprint suitcase type fully enclosed generators. Why I got rid of them is the fuel system is very touchy. The tank sits in front of the engine, the carburetor on the small OHV engine is mounted at the head, above the fuel tank when it's 3/4 full or less which necessitates the need for a fuel pump. The diaphragm fuel pumps are not reliable if the generator sits more than about 30 days without being ran.
The Honda EB/EJ2800i are open frame type generators with fuel tank mounted on top. Gravity fed fuel feed, no fuel pump and larger tank capacity plus easy access for maintenance. When finished just turn fuel off and run carburetor dry until it stalls and put it into storage. Mine had sat for a year during COVID, when I fired it up a month or so ago. Use fuel stabilizer and store generator in a climate controlled area to prevent moisture accumulation in the fuel tank when not in use. When running generator, any generator after extended storage, put a dose of Berryman's or Sea Foam into the full tank of gas before starting and run the full tank empty under load condition varying from 50% load to 100% load. Generators can test run without load and appear to be operational and stall when load is applied.
I'm not a Honda Fanboy, any suitable size inverter is the way to go as they are built to be quiet. The Harbor Freight inverters are probably just fine as a lower cost alternative to a Honda.
Run time on the Honda EB2800i I use is 10-12 hours depending upon load. I've used it for outdoor gazebo weddings followed by night time outdoor reception and provided the area walkway lighting from parking area to the gazebo. So, suggest you look at a generator capable of more than just running the PA. Had some food warmers plugged into it and customer was real happy with that.
Brian Jojade:
How often and how long do you need to run this for?
If you look at the spec sheets for the Thumps, the rated current draw for the subs is 150 watts, and the tops is 75 watts. (strikingly less than the BS 'peak' power they advertise...) If you're running the speakers at reasonable levels, ie, not a solid clip light, those values are going to be a fairly close gauge.
So your speakers need about 450 watts, and let's say 200 watts for the rest of your stuff. That puts us at about 650 watts needed for your system. If you need the system to run for 4 hours, that's about 2600 WattHours
So, if you don't want to mess with a gas generator, you could spend more $$ and get a lithium battery supply. The YetiX 3000-Watt Electric Switch Start Lithium Battery Powered Portable Generator has a capacity of 3032 Wh, which should easily be able to run your gear for a typical event.
The battery generators do cost about twice what a gas generator does, but you also have to figure how much you'll spend on gas on the unit, as well as maintenance, etc. If you burn through the tank of gas in the night, that's $6 per time it's used at $3/gallon. If you use it once a week for 3 years the cost starts to even out.
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