Smokin-It User Forum!

General Discussions => Anything Goes!! => Topic started by: Grampy on July 16, 2015, 08:58:28 AM

Title: Portable Power
Post by: Grampy on July 16, 2015, 08:58:28 AM

Has anyone ran their SI off of a portable generator? I have an event at the lake next weekend and I am responsible for ribs and chicken and I really would like to use my SI instead of my old stick burner but power is not available. I have a 2000 watt portable generator that should handle the SI without any problems but I just wanted to see if there is anything I should worry about before trying it? I certainly do not want to do something and ruin my #2. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: AlinMA on July 16, 2015, 09:21:01 AM

The only issue that I see is run time vs smoke time. Also have ample fuel.

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: SuperDave on July 16, 2015, 09:49:46 AM

I would do a quick test at home first.  I know when I use my Honda 2000 while camping, it is quiet in idle mode but when under a load, it can be quite loud even in eco mode.  If it ran high throttle for an entire smoke, you might get lynched no matter how good your food is. 

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: Limey on July 16, 2015, 10:34:13 AM

I don't see any problems about running the SI off a genset(apart from the noise and pollution issues). If you are running an Auber I would be concerned about voltage spikes and lack of a true sine wave. At the very least protect the Auber with some kind of surge suppressor.

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: Grampy on July 16, 2015, 11:24:40 AM

Quote from: SuperDave on July 16, 2015, 09:49:46 AM

I would do a quick test at home first.  I know when I use my Honda 2000 while camping, it is quiet in idle mode but when under a load, it can be quite loud even in eco mode.  If it ran high throttle for an entire smoke, you might get lynched no matter how good your food is.

SuperDave noise wont be an issue. This generator is relatively quite plus the generator should only be under a constant load while the SI is coming up to temp. Once it reaches temp it should cycle up and down when the SI heating element kicks on and off.

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: Grampy on July 16, 2015, 11:25:38 AM

Quote from: Limey on July 16, 2015, 10:34:13 AM

I don't see any problems about running the SI off a genset(apart from the noise and pollution issues). If you are running an Auber I would be concerned about voltage spikes and lack of a true sine wave. At the very least protect the Auber with some kind of surge suppressor.

Limey, no Auber just running the stock analog controller.

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: Limey on July 16, 2015, 04:53:40 PM

You should be fine. Have a great time and showcase the SI!

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: DivotMaker on July 16, 2015, 06:01:13 PM

I'd do it, Jimmy!  No sensitive electronics to worry about, just raw power to a heating element.  Go for it!

Title: Re: Portable Power
Post by: Grampy on July 16, 2015, 07:43:39 PM

Thanks to all who replied. Just for insurance I emailed Steve and asked his opinion and he said no worries go for it.