Roger Mills 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

If it's a squirrel cage motor or capacitor start, then it'll take a
massive surge at start-up. The only generators I've met that will cope
have been old ones with a massive flywheel on the engine.

--
Tciao for Now!

John.