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Elapsed time when running the generator
It occurred that this tip may help others. When I exercise my generator I take an iPhone pic of the counter just after I put it under load. That way I don’t have to remember a number while I’m doing other things. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #1 –
Another use for a smart phone....

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #2 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
When I exercise my generator I take an iPhone pic of the counter just after I put it under load. That way I don’t have to remember a number while I’m doing other things.

I used the phone's timer to remind me to shut the generator down after the half hour run.
If I took a photo of it, I would probably forget to look at it

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #3 –
I boon dock and use my generator almost every day for something.
It gets plenty of exercise.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jota  - 
I boon dock and use my generator almost every day for something.
It gets plenty of exercise.

For those of us with lots of solar, the generator almost is never run.
Our 2003 has less than 250 hours, most of it done in the driveway during the monthly exercise run.
Even when boondocking, we rarely run it except in hot weather.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
For those of us with lots of solar, the generator almost is never run.
Our 2003 has less than 250 hours, most of it done in the driveway during the monthly exercise run.
Even when boondocking, we rarely run it except in hot weather.

Larry


I only have 160 watts of solar. Just enough to help with the two T 105's I have.
My 96 has just over 2000 hours now.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jota  - 
I only have 160 watts of solar. Just enough to help with the two T 105's I have.
My 96 has just over 2000 hours now.

Good thing you own an Emerald generator, in commercial service, they usually run twice as many hours as the newer 4000-watt Microquiet generators, before needing a rebuild.
The Emeralds have two cylinders, run at 1800-RPM and have an oil filter, compared to the Microquiets single cylinder, 3600-RPM and no oil filter.
The Emeralds are less stressed and wear much slower, in return, they are more noisy.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #7 –
I agree. The Emerald is a bit noisy, but the trade off of having a more robust unit is worth it.
Mine has had some issues, biggest being the voltage regulator failed.
But nothing that hasn't been fixable.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #8 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
It occurred that this tip may help others. When I exercise my generator I take an iPhone pic of the counter just after I put it under load. That way I don’t have to remember a number while I’m doing other things.

One thing I regret on my portable generator (Honda 3000) is that it doesn't have an hour counter. I started a generator log so I can keep track of run time for maintenance purposes.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #9 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
One thing I regret on my portable generator (Honda 3000) is that it doesn't have an hour counter. I started a generator log so I can keep track of run time for maintenance purposes.

12-volt hours meters are available and not very expensive.
Enm DC Hour Meter, Electrical, 2.31 in, Round T40A45 | Zoro.com

HONEYWELL HOBBS HOUR METER 85094 + | Aircraft Spruce

 Amazon.com: Searon DC 12V 24V 36V 48V 60V 72V Mechanical Engine Hour Meter...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #10 –
I got a cheap one for my home generator.  The meter part just sticks on with double stick tape and it uses the same sensing that non-contact voltage sensors use.  Just wrapped a wire around one of the wires in the genny and it rolls the numbers when it is on. Easy-peasy installation.

Linda
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #11 –
Thanks, I didn’t know there was a way to hook up a meter. I will check it out.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #12 –
I make an entry in the logbook when I exercise then generator.  Date,  mileage starting and ending hours off the meter.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #13 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Thanks, I didn’t know there was a way to hook up a meter. I will check it out.
Most portable generators, and many small engines, have a 12-volt output, usually for battery charging.
Connect the hour meter to the 12-volt supply, it will only run when the generator is running.
If there isn't a 12-volt supply, use a 120-VAC hour meter.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Most portable generators, and many small engines, have a 12-volt output, usually for battery charging.
Connect the hour meter to the 12-volt supply, it will only run when the generator is running.
If there isn't a 12-volt supply, use a 120-VAC hour meter.

Thanks, Larry. With a little more research under my belt, it appears the 12v hookup requires splicing into the wiring. Am I correct on that?  If so, I would prefer not to do that with a new generator that has a 4 year warranty. So I’m thinking the inductive wrap type around the spark plug lead might be the way to go but don’t know how well those work.

Although I prefer a mechanical type counter, I may have to go with a digital meter. But then I worry about the battery dying and losing the data. Any thoughts?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #15 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
With a little more research under my belt, it appears the 12v hookup requires splicing into the wiring. Am I correct on that?  If so, I would prefer not to do that with a new generator that has a 4 year warranty. So I’m thinking the inductive wrap type around the spark plug lead might be the way to go but don’t know how well those work.

Although I prefer a mechanical type counter, I may have to go with a digital meter. But then I worry about the battery dying and losing the data. Any thoughts?

Take a 120-VAC timer and adapt it to plug into one of the 120-VAC plugs.
Does your generator have 12-volt output?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #16 –
Here is a photo of the control board. Honda 3000is.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #17 –

Take a look at your photo again, the 12-volt outlet is the center of the control panel "DC 12V 12A" is the clue.
At the bottom of the link below,  a 12-volt accessory plug and cord s shown. The outlet is 'hot' where generator is running.
Honda EU3000iS Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda...

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Take a look at your photo again, the 12-volt outlet is the center of the control panel "DC 12V 12A" is the clue.
At the bottom of the link below,  a 12-volt accessory plug and cord s shown. The outlet is 'hot' where generator is running.
Honda EU3000iS Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda...

Larry, I was going to send you a personal message so as to not clutter up this thread anymore but wanted to attach a photo. The PM function doesn't seem to support attachments so will ask here.

Just to make sure I understand, are you saying I could use the DC charging cord, like the one pictured below, to hookup a mechanical hour meter?

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #19 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Larry, I was going to send you a personal message so as to not clutter up this thread anymore but wanted to attach a photo. The PM function doesn't seem to support attachments so will ask here.

Just to make sure I understand, are you saying I could use the DC charging cord, like the one pictured below, to hookup a mechanical hour meter?


"The PM function doesn't seem to support attachments so will ask here."

Correct.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #20 –
The hour meter is an electric motor turning a 'geneva escapement'. I don't know that I would call it mechanical, but it isn't electronic as in digital LCD. Probably easier to get a 110VAC hour meter and have it plugged in to the load connection, along with your loads. I'm surprised that expensive generator wouldn't already have a meter. How do you know when to change the oil, or air cleaner?  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #21 –
Thanks, Ron. Yes, non-digital is what I mean when I say mechanical, similar to the link that Larry provided earlier. My concern with the digital type is losing the hour count if the battery dies.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a dummy in electrical and electronic things!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #22 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Thanks, Ron. Yes, non-digital is what I mean when I say mechanical, similar to the link that Larry provided earlier. My concern with the digital type is losing the hour count if the battery dies.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a dummy in electrical and electronic things!

Every hour meter I have used, seen or installed retains the reading if the power is cut, never seeing one with a reset button.
Running a 12-volt or 120-Vac meter, the way it operates will be the same.
I suggested using the 12-volt outlet since you will probably need all the 120--VAC outlets in case of a power outage and dealing with 12-volt is always safer than 120-VAC.
Your choice.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Elapsed time when running the generator
Reply #23 –
The electronic hour meters have non volatile ram. As it counts, the memory is updated. When power goes off, it is just stored in the memory. It stays there until incrementing again. Near impossible to tamper with the number, or erase it, or start over from zero again. Like the odometer on a car.   When I added a generator to my previous (non LD) motorhome, I put in a 110VAC hour meter to help me keep track of oil changes/air cleaner maintenance. The microlite 2800 watt Onan. Just enough to run one 13,500 BTUH air conditioner, and nothing else.  Then I ordered my Lazy Daze in 1999. The Microllite was quieter than the Emerald, a step backward.
    You could have a plugstrip type distribution box for your generator use at home.      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB