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Bob Minchin[_4_]

wrote:
On May 5, 7:39 pm, Roger wrote:
Anyone know whether it's possible to add soft start to a tool that
wasn't born with it - maybe by using some external plug-in wizardry?

I have a Lidl compressor which, according to my power meter, takes about
750 watts[1] when running.

I tried to run it today from my Honda 2kW (peak - 1.6kW continuous)
inverter-based generator, and the genny didn't want to know - presumably
because of the high start-up current.

Would a soft start help and, if so, can it be retro-fitted?

[1] Probably 1000VA with a non-unity power factor because the indicated
current was about 4 amps
--
Cheers,
Roger
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You can add soft start to machinery - with an inverter (I guess the
same as in your genny, just with lots of user settings on it) - but I
don't think it will reduce the current draw.

I bought an old 3-phase bandsaw, and added an inverter to that (an
Omron IIRC), and it has endless settings for things like ramping up
the Hz - and every other imaginable characteristic of power
management.

Does an excellent job, but not cheap.
This type of inverter can ONLY be used to run 3 phase motors and will be
useless for the OP.

Bob