Portable Generator Power

[ScaryTinker]

I've been asked to whip up a Prop-1 based solution to control a gag in a charity tent haunt.  The only AC power available is provided by a smallish on-site portable generator.  Using the wallwart sold by EFX-Tek do you thing there would be any problems using this 'dirty' power?

Thanks

[menehune]

I have heard horror stories about portable gasoline generators having bad regulation when lightly loaded.  Some stories said the output voltages could swing as high as 150Vac. 

Does the generator power other booths and area lights or is it only going to run the electronics in your booth?

If you have a small generator (1kw or so) I would connect around 10% of the rated power as "constant on" incandescent lights (2- 60W bulbs or one 100W bulb) to give the generator a stable load.  That should help the regulation when the prop's loads turn on and off.

If the generator is a trailer mounted "genie", those units generally are diesel powered and have better regulation since they are rated to run motors and other large loads.