Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss BRUSHLESS ALTERNATOR

If I understand standby generators correctly, all generators are not brushless alternators? With this said I understand that a brushless alternator is the only type a computer will function properly with as the other has breaks and the computer would go down. Am I correct? I am looking at a standby system so I would like to obtain the proper one.

Deaner, I'll kick this off by recommending good power conditioning in front of the computer regardless of what type generator is decided. I doubt any generator most of us could afford puts out as nice a regular sine wave as we'd like to feed out computers.

I am trying to find out which generators are brushless and if this fact is correct. I have e mailed one of the generator companies and I probably will not find out until Monday or Tuesday.

Deaner, I have a cheap 6500 watt back-up generator that is brushed. It runs my computers just fine. As long as the power cycles between 55-65 and voltage is between 110-130, your puter will be fine. The cheaper generator's voltage tend to fluctuate and your monitor may lighten and brighten some, but that's about the worst that will happen.

Theo is right on adding the power conditioner. They will "clean" the electrical noise and make things a LOT better on a gen-set.
I use this one available on ebay for about $120 http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4445

From what I learned during research on solar power systems (and the heart of the system; the inverter), the sine wave that Theo alludes to is key. True sine wave, the type you get from utility power, is ideal. Modified sine wave is also very good and usually works well with most computers.
(borrowed from the www): The problem with wave form only comes into play when specialized pieces of equipment need to be powered. Here are a few devices which could have problems when they are connected to an inverter producing a modified-sine wave signal: oxygen concentrators, fax machines, laser printers, high voltage cordless tool chargers, equipment with variable speed motors, electric shavers, and garage door openers. Knowing this, make sure you are not shaving while you are on an O2 machine while faxing something from your laser printer while the hired help is using the circular saw to fix the header where the garage door is attached, as he makes sure the door opener now operates.
I don't know if brushless has a direct correlation with the wave form. Tom G would probably know.