Karaoke Forums

Hello to you Guru's - here's the deal - I've obtained a Mobile DJ Trailer - 22' long Giant Jukebox. (Ebay - cheap). I want to use it for parades and need advice on generators and was wondering if any of you have any suggestions or warnings on sizes, makes, models, wattages. Equipment inside is 800W Pyramid Amp, Laptop, External HD, outside - 4 12" speakers. A/C Unit also may need to be turned on depending on heat outside.

I know it's a weird one but you guys are the best and I appreciate all your help. (and to think just a year ago all I had was one little unit and about 200 cdgs) Picture of Trailer attached if it works

It all looked pretty simple until you mentioned A/C... How sure are you about the A/C? Without it, you can pick up a 3 kw generator and have no worries. Buying new will run you anywhere from 500 to 1400. Used you can probably do better. To know how much more you'd need with A/C, I'd have to know how big the A/C unit is. Google "Portable Generators" to learn more.

If you go this route, I would recommend getting a ups for your amp and laptop. Many generators don't have great voltage regulation which will shorten the lifespan of your hardware.

I have a motorhome with a 4kw generator, and it has no problem running an airconditioner, and microwave and most everything else. Personally I would look at a 5kw unit. make sure it will do 220 volt as well as 120 volt.

Personally I like the yamaha brand of generators. as they are ball bearings vs plain bearings (in the briggs, and kohler).

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Thanks again, You guys are the greatest!

I always run a UPS for all my shows for my hard drives and laptops. (Laptop costs more than most of my other gear)

The A/C would only be required for no wind above 80 temps since the outside is black on the edges-see below. You know-when its hot

Without the air, on hot days, I'd toast and so would my equipment - especially since, obviously, this is all outdoors and as you can see there isn't much room for wind to blow thru.

My better half & I have taken your idea's into consideration and have found a generator at Sears for only $499 vs same one at home depot for $799. It is a 3600 W Generator with automatic circuit breakers with 220 as well as 120 capabilities and plugs.

Thanks for the quick replies - Respectfully Pat

fine looking rig there! good luck

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Remember to take into consideration how loud the generator itself is and the impact on the show.

I looked into getting a generator when I was going to live off grid for a summer and found that hands down - Honda won in both how quiet they were and in reliability.

Glad you found a generator locally though! I was likely going to have to get one shipped (for a small fortune!). Nice trailer BTW, I checked it out on e-bay when you posted a while back and it looks REAL nice.

Swampy,
If you can find a copy, check out the Nov. 2003 issue of Consumer Reports. Some generators, (the ones that they list as fair), can damage "motorized equipment, and sensitive equipment such as computers".
"Wattage: Many fall far below claims", says Consumers Reports.
"Inverter technology. Improves power quality via a microprocessor-controled circuit. Currently, however, models that offer it have low wattage and a high price."

Personally, I would reccomend one that has pleanty of extra power,(headroom). If you don't have headroom, the bass notes may cause a voltage drop that will subtract from the mids and highs. You will be at the greatest risk of having this happen when the A/C cycles on.
Refigerators, A/C units, vacuumes, and industrial motors will cause this to happen in the home, and when you're using a generator you will be at an even greater risk.
You may get a large voltage spike when the start-up cycle ends.
A QUALITY power conditioner is a must!
A simple surge protector is not enough.
Carvin has a 15 amp, rackmount, conditioner for $150.
It would probably be prudent for you to spend several times more, and get one with a huge capacity.

Good Luck!
Kojak

And if ya get one ya don't like we could use it here in Florida after one of our many hurricanes.... .....okeydokie? just a lil humor folks..

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When I was young, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,  then I became an adult  and  realized  that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends...

That weather you got going is atrocious. And so are the Tampa Bay Buc's.. he he