Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 09:27:21 pm

Title: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 09:27:21 pm
Today I went out and fired up the generator and let it run for about 5 minutes and turned on both A/C's, coach was off and shore power unhooked.

Is this amount of fluctuation acceptable?

video (https://photos.smugmug.com/Foretravel/Forums-post/i-xv2mbtc/0/6977ba3a/640/20180203_150059-640.mp4)

Thanks
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: MAZ on February 03, 2018, 10:03:56 pm
In my opinion that is OK. I have a digital meter and it may go up and down a volt or two. I am no expert though. More will chime in.

Mark
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: amos.harrison on February 03, 2018, 10:57:52 pm
Looks normal to me.
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 03, 2018, 11:08:17 pm
Ours sometimes fluctuates like that when running both roof airs - other times it is nice and steady.  Never really found any reason for the random fluctuation.  Fresh filters (air, oil and fuel) didn't make any difference.  Doesn't seem to cause any harm, although the variation in rpm does irritate the DW, cuz the generator is located directly under the couch upon which she is usually sitting...
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 11:12:25 pm
Thanks Brett, I just didn't want to keep running it if that was abnormal and burn something up
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 11:14:39 pm
Thanks Chuck, it seems to run pretty smooth under load but like butter with no load  ^.^d
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Caflashbob on February 03, 2018, 11:41:32 pm
Our 97 exhibited this more until I changed the fuel lines
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: John44 on February 04, 2018, 02:54:37 pm
Looks good to me,it's the nature of that type of gauge as opposed to a digital.
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: fkjohns6083 on February 04, 2018, 07:44:17 pm
It may be tune up time.  Fluctuations should be minimized to limit any long term damage to electronics.  Resistive loads really don't care, but electronics can be squirrely in this regard.  Generally speaking, most  alternators run more steadily under load than when idling.  Depends a lot on the regulator.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Hans&Marjet on February 04, 2018, 07:58:53 pm
Steve... are you loaded..??? ;)  hmmmm I mean is the gennie loaded ..???
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: John44 on February 04, 2018, 08:18:12 pm
Both AC's were on,think it was loaded.
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Bill Willett on February 04, 2018, 08:39:40 pm
The analog meter used in the Powerwatch panel are not the best, get a good VOM, Fluke or Siemens, plug it into an outlet and check
 the voltage there.
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 04, 2018, 08:47:59 pm
Steve... are you loaded..??? ;)  hmmmm I mean is the gennie loaded ..???
Yep to the gennie being loaded, both A/C's were blowing good cold air  ^.^d
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 04, 2018, 08:49:49 pm
Both AC's were on,think it was loaded.
Yes Sir both were on, I didnt have anything else I could turn on as I dont have any water in to so I could run the microwave.
Title: Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation
Post by: Super8mm on February 04, 2018, 08:50:57 pm
The analog meter used in the Powerwatch panel are not the best, get a good VOM, Fluke or Siemens, plug it into an outlet and check
 the voltage there.
I do have one that I didnt have with me that measures volts and cycles.  i put it in the truck today so I will have it next time.