Generators (again)

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rickryan.com

rickryan.com

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Dec 9, 2009
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Got my annual "need a generator" call. After sending her to the rental place, who will charge $300 for DIY, I googled a Honda eu3000 and noticed that runtime is rated at 7.1 hrs minimum to 20 hrs max. I can rent it locally for $72/day so I may offer it for the client but wanted to ask, has anyone here used it? This gig will call for DJ, 100 ft string lighting (750 watts) and generator. Here's what I'm thinking about charging

DJ (reception) - $850
ceremony - $150
string lighting - $250
generator - $275

Total of $1525 and no hassles on their part. I'm just not sure how trustworthy this unit is. Would appreciate any input.
 
I could be wrong but I believe Cap has one of those
 
The $275.00 you are thinking of quoting the client is for the rental of two generators?
 
rickryan.com said:
My time is worth something.
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Yes, but the last time you started a thread like this, I said then that you needed to rent two generators if it's you providing them. If the client wants to only rent one and it craps out, it's on them. If you only rent one and it craps out then it's on you. Since this is going to be the most important piece of equipment out of everything you will bring to the gig, I don't know why you don't think it's prudent to have a backup same as you would for your other mission critical gear.
 
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DJ TJ said:
Yes, but the last time you started a thread like this, I said then that you needed to rent two generators if it's you providing them. If the client wants to only rent one and it craps out, it's on them. If you only rent one and it craps out then it's on you. Since this is going to be the most important piece of equipment out of everything you will bring to the gig, I don't know why you don't think it's prudent to have a backup same as you would for your other mission critical gear.
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There is land power available, but for some reason the venue owner is telling them they can't plug-in (I've used it before). I'm probably going to just call the venue lady and ask what the deal is. If she'll change her mind, I'll take the rental off. I'd charge more if I'm renting 2 units.
 
I would quote the client 300 same as they were quoted and just rent two of them.
At your cost you will still be netting approx $130-140 after fuel usage for your time.
I don't know why the big discrepancy between what the client was quoted and what you can rent for unless they were quoted for an industrial sized unit. You don't even need to tell the client you are renting two of them since if you are providing it they don't have to concern themselves with the logistics of it anymore.
Their only concern is that you can assure them that you can put on an unstoppable performance.
 
I agree with 2 units .. the eu2000 is probably sufficient, since it's similar to a 15A circuit (the 3000 will do a full 20A). 2 units will allow you to have 1 at the ceremony area and 1 for the main system. The ceremony one can then be repurposed for lighting to keep any potential noise separate.
 
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steve149 said:
I agree with 2 units .. the eu2000 is probably sufficient, since it's similar to a 15A circuit (the 3000 will do a full 20A). 2 units will allow you to have 1 at the ceremony area and 1 for the main system. The ceremony one can then be repurposed for lighting to keep any potential noise separate.
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My problem with the eu2000 is run time. It's rated a 3.4-8 hours and the eu3000 is rated at 7.1-20. I see what you guys are saying about 2 units but still not sure if I want to go that route. It just doesn't make sense that the venue is telling them they can't plug into outlets that are literally 10 feet away and already energized. I think the better play is to get the deal then I'll call the venue lady (which I spoke to just a few weeks ago at an engagement shoot) and see if I can't work it out for them. By the way, we're also doing an event 3 weeks prior to this one and plugging in is not an issue at all.
 
steve149 said:
I agree with 2 units .. the eu2000 is probably sufficient, since it's similar to a 15A circuit (the 3000 will do a full 20A). 2 units will allow you to have 1 at the ceremony area and 1 for the main system. The ceremony one can then be repurposed for lighting to keep any potential noise separate.
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Uhhh, Not quite! More like 4 amps for a very short time,,,,but actuality a little more than 3 amps continuous.


p=A x v.
These are quite small gen sets.
 
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rickryan.com said:
Got my annual "need a generator" call. After sending her to the rental place, who will charge $300 for DIY, I googled a Honda eu3000 and noticed that runtime is rated at 7.1 hrs minimum to 20 hrs max. I can rent it locally for $72/day so I may offer it for the client but wanted to ask, has anyone here used it? This gig will call for DJ, 100 ft string lighting (750 watts) and generator. Here's what I'm thinking about charging

DJ (reception) - $850
ceremony - $150
string lighting - $250
generator - $275

Total of $1525 and no hassles on their part. I'm just not sure how trustworthy this unit is. Would appreciate any input.
Click to expand...
We use powerhorse from northern electric. Half the price and we use them at our work! I have 5 3500w powerhorse and have used them in the rain, mud and saltwater. Heck we had one go under water for a hurricane and we flushed it out and it is still running!

But my personal one for my house and dj stuff is a 8000w max,5500w constant. I run a long extension to get it away from sound. And I put a board between the gen set and the show!

And I run 100:1 2 cycle oil in it at all times. It runs about 300 degrees cooler on the exhaust side and runs quieter!
 
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My quick take on generators. I always bring them in pairs. I never leave the house with only one. I always make sure one is enough to do the job in case one fails. I also more sure it runs on 50% or less giving them them longest run time. After hearing stories of other guys generator problems and dealing with it myself once 10 years ago. A park had problems with their generator they were supplying. Their backup( which took them 30 mins to get)!was under powered and the breaker kept tripping because the genius DJ doing the pre show wouldn't keep the volume down.
As the town' s mayor comes to me ( I was doing the Outdoor Movie later in the evening) and asks me will we get though the night? I replied I hope so but they're not my generators. But let me tell you next year I'll have my own plus a back up and this will never happen again. Lesson learned, always have your own generator and backup if you are running on generators only power. Except If it's one of those large professional truck or trailer mounted generators. I can't imagine if that job is been a wedding, 30 mins without music then the other issues. My generators also saved my butt during Hurricane Sandy. My power was out for 5 days and my moms house for 12 days. Put one at each house so we had some power but the only issue was getting enough gas. The generator are extended run but not if most gas stations are closed because there is no power. Lol
 
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DJKLEEN said:
Uhhh, Not quite! More like 4 amps for a very short time,,,,but actuality a little more than 3 amps continuous.


p=A x v.
These are quite small gen sets.
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Uhhh, 1800 running watts divided by 120 volts = 15 running amps (a = p / v). The Honda website uses a more conservative 1600 running watts, so they list 13.3A running amperage and 16.7A max. If you get less than 4, there is something wrong with the unit.

From Honda's website ( Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators ):

Engine Honda GX100
Displacement 98.5cc
AC Output 120V 2000W max. (16.7A) 1600W rated (13.3A)
Receptacles 20A 125V Duplex
DC Output 12V, 96W (8A)
Starting System Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity .95 gal
Run Time per Tankful 3.4hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load
Dimensions (L x W x H) 20.2" x 11.4" x 16.7"
Noise Level 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53dB(A) @ 1/4 load
Dry Weight 45.6 lb.
Residential Warranty 3 Years
Commercial Warranty 3 Years
 
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steve149 said:
Uhhh, 1800 running watts divided by 120 volts = 15 running amps (a = p / v). The Honda website uses a more conservative 1600 running watts, so they list 13.3A running amperage and 16.7A max. If you get less than 4, there is something wrong with the unit.

From Honda's website ( Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators ):

Engine Honda GX100
Displacement 98.5cc
AC Output 120V 2000W max. (16.7A) 1600W rated (13.3A)
Receptacles 20A 125V Duplex
DC Output 12V, 96W (8A)
Starting System Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity .95 gal
Run Time per Tankful 3.4hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load
Dimensions (L x W x H) 20.2" x 11.4" x 16.7"
Noise Level 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53dB(A) @ 1/4 load
Dry Weight 45.6 lb.
Residential Warranty 3 Years
Commercial Warranty 3 Years
Click to expand...
Yep. Your right.,,,, my calc was wrong.
 
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steve149 said:
Uhhh, 1800 running watts divided by 120 volts = 15 running amps (a = p / v). The Honda website uses a more conservative 1600 running watts, so they list 13.3A running amperage and 16.7A max. If you get less than 4, there is something wrong with the unit.

From Honda's website ( Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators ):

Engine Honda GX100
Displacement 98.5cc
AC Output 120V 2000W max. (16.7A) 1600W rated (13.3A)
Receptacles 20A 125V Duplex
DC Output 12V, 96W (8A)
Starting System Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity .95 gal
Run Time per Tankful 3.4hr @ rated load 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load
Dimensions (L x W x H) 20.2" x 11.4" x 16.7"
Noise Level 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53dB(A) @ 1/4 load
Dry Weight 45.6 lb.
Residential Warranty 3 Years
Commercial Warranty 3 Years
Click to expand...

I see there's also an extended capacity fuel tank that can be used with the EU2000.

IPI Industries Breeze Extended Run Generator System — BERG System: Single Feed, Model# HND1.2-000iS | Generator Fuel Extenders| Northern Tool + Equipment

It adds 6 more gallons to the unit's 1 gallon reserve. If it works right, this could be a great way to make those EU2000s able to cover an entire event.
 
Agree with renting a pair, not a singleton. Rental generators can be flaky. Also, I would want generators with a sine wave output. Most are square wave, and that can be damaging to electronic gear.
 
rickryan.com said:
I see there's also an extended capacity fuel tank that can be used with the EU2000.

IPI Industries Breeze Extended Run Generator System — BERG System: Single Feed, Model# HND1.2-000iS | Generator Fuel Extenders| Northern Tool + Equipment

It adds 6 more gallons to the unit's 1 gallon reserve. If it works right, this could be a great way to make those EU2000s able to cover an entire event.
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Yea, I was going to post a similar one: Generator Brands - Honda - Honda EU2000 - GenXDirect

Also, there are conversion kits to propane, and a 20lb tank will run for quite a while. https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Conversion-Connection-Regulator-Complete/dp/B00U9RTZZ0
 
Dessicant said:
Agree with renting a pair, not a singleton. Rental generators can be flaky. Also, I would want generators with a sine wave output. Most are square wave, and that can be damaging to electronic gear.
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The Hondas seem to be pretty good in that category ... Here's someone who measured a few inverters: Power quality from various backup devices
 
Well, I think we have Capped off this thread? LOL
Honda EU2000 are popular. Wish I had gone that route 10 years ago!
 
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