Generator frequency meter

[67hat34c]

Someone asked me a while back what I use to tune gen. I used the Datel plug in frequency meter, leave it plugged in full time to monitor ac Hz. Anyhow I copied this link in case anyone here wants one. I gave mine to boatsb when I sold the boat. Have a second one for home gen use.

http://www.datelmeters.com/cgi-bin/...jeb124526880268&command=link--2-wirefreq.html

 

[SKYCHENEY]

This little plug-in has a frequency meter on it as well. I have one that I use at home and on the boat. The best part is that they are cheap (less than $20).

http://www.supermediastore.com/kilw...ntent=datafeed01&utm_campaign=googleBase - EL

 

[MikeP]

some multimeters also have this function; I didn't even realize mine did until I accidentally noticed it one day...

 

[SKYCHENEY]

My Hatteras panel has one right next to the generator start switch.

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

You can get one at Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/search/in...icity monitor&origkw=Electricity Monitor&sr=1

 

[MikeP]

"My Hatteras panel has one right next to the generator start switch."

I think they all do - but it's a lot easier to have a separate meter to check/adjust the freq since you can't look at the genny panel while adjusting the genny speed/freq. MY 16KW NL was running around 56HZ with a heavy load so I stuck the multimeter prongs in a 120vac socket in the genny room and adjusted the genny speed to produce 60HZ loaded which ends up being 62HZ with no load.

In theory, the genny's governor is supposed to automatically adjust speed to maintain the same RPM (and therefore, frequency) at any load but I've found it varies a bit from no load to heavy load.

 

[Brian Degulis]

Why would you need a frequency meter at home? Do you check it then call the power company and tell them to bring it another 10 RPM LOL!!!


Brian

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Why would you need a frequency meter at home? Do you check it then call the power company and tell them to bring it another 10 RPM LOL!!!


Brian

Yes, we have had problems with our power here. We are at the end of the line for Detroit Edison and we get brown-outs, black-outs, spikes, and everything else you can think of.

Also, when the power goes out, I use a generator at home. When on my PTO genset off of the tractor, I have to check the frequency to adjust the rpm accurately.

 

[67hat34c]

Home for back up power, home generator use.

Easy to have one plugged in to a visible outlet at home or on the boat to see if there is an issue. Old mechanical generator governors need adjusting etc. Find this the best way to verify the gen is running properly. The Datel is a very small device and only takes up about same space as a plug in an outlet.

 

[Avenger]

In theory, the genny's governor is supposed to automatically adjust speed to maintain the same RPM (and therefore, frequency) at any load but I've found it varies a bit from no load to heavy load.

Mechanical governors for generators will govern around 2-3% at best. Which means a 1.2-1.8 Hz swing under load. Mechanical-hydraulic governors can achieve true isochronous governing but it is impractical from a cost standpoint. If it's really necessary the somewhat cost effective way to do it is to use electronics. How critical is frequency on a boat?

 

[krush]

Why would you need a frequency meter at home? Do you check it then call the power company and tell them to bring it another 10 RPM LOL!!!


Brian

I bust out laughing when I read this. You know, if u hook up a gen to the grid and run it a higher frequency, u can change the freq on the grid....(no it's not true and I'm joking).

 

[Captned]

When I had my old genset (!#$@$@$$@@ ONAN@$@#@#) the hz were way off and my clocks would run fast, kinda of annoying after awhile.
That Onan was out to get me. Very happy with my Phasor...
Those little plug in meters look really cool, but at $60 a pop, I dont thinks so..

M2C

Captned

Good bye you POS Onan....

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I bust out laughing when I read this. You know, if u hook up a gen to the grid and run it a higher frequency, u can change the freq on the grid....(no it's not true and I'm joking).

You wouldn't be laughing if you had the power problems we have here. You can call and call and they don't really care. A monopoly at its finest.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

I bust out laughing when I read this. You know, if u hook up a gen to the grid and run it a higher frequency, u can change the freq on the grid....(no it's not true and I'm joking).

Call for VARs Krush!! ws

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

When I had my old genset (!#$@$@$$@@ ONAN@$@#@#) the hz were way off and my clocks would run fast, kinda of annoying after awhile.

At least you were never late for any appointments! LOL.

 

[krush]

Call for VARs Krush!! ws

HAHAHA

 

[67hat34c]

60 does seem a little high at first but the utility of this little meter made it worth while. i plugged it into an extension cord and held in one hand while tuning the gen with the other. At first i had to mess with tuning the gen all the time. After a couple of years I mastered the thing and did not have to touch it as often. But I can tell you that having the meter plugged in and being able to see the gen output at a glance was a nice thing to have. I did not want to risk damaging the new ac system if the gen messed up.

I am also one of those guys that likes everthing as perfect as possible and I suspect there are others on this forum. yes you can get away with a fairly large frequency range but why not keep it perfect if you can.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

You don't have to spend $60 for a meter. That one I posted will do the same thing for less than $20. You can plug that one into an extension cord and see it while tuning as well.