Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#81
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
In sci.electronics.repair Cydrome Leader wrote:
I can't imagine a 2 stroke aldi generator would even last long enough to destroy any electronics. the thing must last about 2-3 minutes tops before seizing, assuming it even starts out of the box. I dunno anything about the Aldi one but several years ago I bought a cheap 2 stroke, 800w, made-in-china one from Menards for $100 or less and it's still working fine. We had a nasty ice storm, lost power and after the house dropped to 60, it was either do something or find a hotel. It chugged along for hours sitting outside in 20F degree temps, we have hot water gas heat so it only needed to run the circulation pump. Just did a quick mod to the electrical on the furnace and ran a heavy guage cord thru a drilled hole in the wall. Since then I've used it several times, usually starts on the 3rd or 4th pull, even after sitting a year or more, stale gas and everything that goes with it. Don't get me wrong, contruction wise it's a peice of crap but seems to be hanging in there just fine. If I lived in an area that has regular outages, this thing wouldn't be in my top 10 list (or top 100) but for the occasional use and price, it's just not as bad as you think. -bruce |
#82
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:28:28 +0000 (UTC), Cydrome Leader
wrote: In sci.electronics.repair Arfa Daily wrote: "Rod Speed" wrote in message ... "Arfa Daily" wrote in message ... "Martin Brown" wrote in message ... On 11/07/2012 10:37, D. T. Green wrote: On just buying a 800 watt 'two' stroke petrol generator from Aldi, we have heard from someone who says that he has got one; and that his is running very roughly, and is really noisy. Also it says in the instructions that it is *not* suitable for connecting to televisions or other sensitive electronic equipment. Likely it is not just acoustically noisy but electronically noisy too and the ignition system radio emissions will cause snow on a portable TV. It might be so rough and ready electrically either voltage or frequency wise that it could fail or wreck some old sets completely. I'd expect most modern switched mode PSUs to cope with almost anything but then you are taking a risk since the maker says it is unsuitable. I would have said the exact opposite of that. Linear supplies with a nice big chunk of L in the way, are pretty much unconcerned about such nasties as spikes, whereas switchers will fail if you just look at them wrongly on a day with a Y in it ... Like hell they do. However, that said, I would agree with everyone else that using this with modern electronic equipment would not be a good idea. That's just plain wrong with modern switch mode power supplys. I repair hundreds of the things, and irrespective of the topology of any individual design, most work by the skin of their teeth. Left alone, in general, today's generation are fairly reliable, but in my experience, subject them to the slightest abuse, and they fail - often catastrophically Arfa I can't imagine a 2 stroke aldi generator would even last long enough to destroy any electronics. the thing must last about 2-3 minutes tops before seizing, assuming it even starts out of the box. So you lack a grasp of reality. Reliable 2 cycle engines are quite common - they have been used in chain saws, outboard motors, and a variety of other uses for more than half a century. The chief cause of premature failure is some idiot (look in to a mirror for an example) failing to properly mix the oil and gas. The generator (actually an alternator) is also trivial. By incorporating a small permanent magnet into the rotor it would be trivial to build a self-energizing alternator; output voltage regulation would be done by stepping the output voltage down, rectifying it, and varying the current to the rotor windings, just as is done in an automotive alternator. That output voltage should be quite stable. Admitedly, frequency regulation would be poor. They probably use an air vane governor for speed regulation. As far as the original question, I wouldn't suggest anyone try to use one for any application the manufacturer says is unsuitable. But I would be more concerned about the unstable frequency than the output voltage. I've seen many LCD monitors whose power supply is rated for input voltages ranging from 90 to 275 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz. PlainBill |
#83
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:01:23 +0000 (UTC), Bruce Esquibel
wrote: In sci.electronics.repair Cydrome Leader wrote: I can't imagine a 2 stroke aldi generator would even last long enough to destroy any electronics. the thing must last about 2-3 minutes tops before seizing, assuming it even starts out of the box. I dunno anything about the Aldi one but several years ago I bought a cheap 2 stroke, 800w, made-in-china one from Menards for $100 or less and it's still working fine. We had a nasty ice storm, lost power and after the house dropped to 60, it was either do something or find a hotel. It chugged along for hours sitting outside in 20F degree temps, we have hot water gas heat so it only needed to run the circulation pump. Just did a quick mod to the electrical on the furnace and ran a heavy guage cord thru a drilled hole in the wall. Since then I've used it several times, usually starts on the 3rd or 4th pull, even after sitting a year or more, stale gas and everything that goes with it. Don't get me wrong, contruction wise it's a peice of crap but seems to be hanging in there just fine. If I lived in an area that has regular outages, this thing wouldn't be in my top 10 list (or top 100) but for the occasional use and price, it's just not as bad as you think. -bruce This sounds like the one sold by Harbor Freight Tools. PlainBill |
#84
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:59:42 +0000 (UTC), Cydrome Leader
wrote: In sci.electronics.repair "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: In article , Cydrome Leader wrote: I can't imagine a 2 stroke aldi generator would even last long enough to destroy any electronics. the thing must last about 2-3 minutes tops before seizing, assuming it even starts out of the box. That'll be why they give a three year warranty? Instant money back - provided you have the receipt. Wish others did as well. it could be a 100 year warranty. There's no way such a generator isn't complete trash and won't have the endurance of a birthday cake candle. I've seen more or less the same model run for around 50 hours a year for six years. It rumbled like hell after being run with no oil in the fuel for about three hours one day, but that was maybe a couple of years ago. It's now knackered and consigned to the bin as the governor hunts like mad and it's a ******* to start. Given that it only cost 70 quid that's 25p per hour plus the cost of fuel and oil. They might even get a fiver for it on ebay. -- |
#85
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
|
#86
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
|
#88
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:56:15 +0100, "Muddymike"
wrote: there are great 2 cycle engines, but they don't come from aldi. Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? He clearly hasn't. Just a ****** of a tool snob. |
#89
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:47:52 +0100, "Arfa Daily"
wrote: "Muddymike" wrote in message news9udnX_rbseHBpTNnZ2dnUVZ8hudnZ2d@brightview. com... In sci.electronics.repair wrote: On Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:28:28 +0000 (UTC), Cydrome Leader wrote: In sci.electronics.repair Arfa Daily wrote: "Rod Speed" wrote in message ... "Arfa Daily" wrote in message ... "Martin Brown" wrote in message ... On 11/07/2012 10:37, D. T. Green wrote: On just buying a 800 watt 'two' stroke petrol generator from Aldi, we have heard from someone who says that he has got one; and that his is running very roughly, and is really noisy. Also it says in the instructions that it is *not* suitable for connecting to televisions or other sensitive electronic equipment. Likely it is not just acoustically noisy but electronically noisy too and the ignition system radio emissions will cause snow on a portable TV. It might be so rough and ready electrically either voltage or frequency wise that it could fail or wreck some old sets completely. I'd expect most modern switched mode PSUs to cope with almost anything but then you are taking a risk since the maker says it is unsuitable. I would have said the exact opposite of that. Linear supplies with a nice big chunk of L in the way, are pretty much unconcerned about such nasties as spikes, whereas switchers will fail if you just look at them wrongly on a day with a Y in it ... Like hell they do. However, that said, I would agree with everyone else that using this with modern electronic equipment would not be a good idea. That's just plain wrong with modern switch mode power supplys. I repair hundreds of the things, and irrespective of the topology of any individual design, most work by the skin of their teeth. Left alone, in general, today's generation are fairly reliable, but in my experience, subject them to the slightest abuse, and they fail - often catastrophically Arfa I can't imagine a 2 stroke aldi generator would even last long enough to destroy any electronics. the thing must last about 2-3 minutes tops before seizing, assuming it even starts out of the box. So you lack a grasp of reality. Reliable 2 cycle engines are quite common - they have been used in chain saws, outboard motors, and a variety of other uses for more than half a century. The chief cause of premature failure is some idiot (look in to a mirror for an example) failing to properly mix the oil and gas. there are great 2 cycle engines, but they don't come from aldi. Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? Mike I've always found their tools quite good, and generally excellent value for money. A while back, I bought a compressor and a bunch of air tools from them for a very reasonable price - better than any of the DIY sheds were offering. Agreed, it's not of 'professional' quality, but it is extremely well made, has dual ports, both with pressure gauges, and every last nut and bolt is available as a spare part. It's not particularly quiet, and the tank is not huge, but as a DIY item, it is more than adequate, and has so far given me excellent service. Arfa That is my experience with the items sold by Harbor Freight Tools. If I were a professional whose livelihood depended on his tools, Harbor Freight would not be my preferred source. More than 2 years ago I bought a 'Sawzall' (reciprocating saw) from HFT for $19.99. A professional would have preferred the Milwaukee brand ($120 - $150) whild a dedicated DIYer should have preferred a Porter-Cable product at $80 - $100. I have used it for perhaps a dozen projects from cutting a 2' diameter circle out of a piece of 1/2" plywood (metric conversions available on request) to removing siding and soffit from an addition. PlainBill |
#90
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
In article ,
wrote: Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? Mike I've always found their tools quite good, and generally excellent value for money. A while back, I bought a compressor and a bunch of air tools from them for a very reasonable price - better than any of the DIY sheds were offering. Agreed, it's not of 'professional' quality, but it is extremely well made, has dual ports, both with pressure gauges, and every last nut and bolt is available as a spare part. It's not particularly quiet, and the tank is not huge, but as a DIY item, it is more than adequate, and has so far given me excellent service. Arfa That is my experience with the items sold by Harbor Freight Tools. If I were a professional whose livelihood depended on his tools, Harbor Freight would not be my preferred source. More than 2 years ago I bought a 'Sawzall' (reciprocating saw) from HFT for $19.99. A professional would have preferred the Milwaukee brand ($120 - $150) whild a dedicated DIYer should have preferred a Porter-Cable product at $80 - $100. I have used it for perhaps a dozen projects from cutting a 2' diameter circle out of a piece of 1/2" plywood (metric conversions available on request) to removing siding and soffit from an addition. None of which have much bearing on Aldi. How long a warranty do those cheap brands give? Lidl and Aldi ones are 3 years. -- *A dog's not just for Christmas, it's alright on a Friday night too* Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#91
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Jul 21, 12:28*pm, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , * wrote: Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? Mike I've always found their tools quite good, and generally excellent value for money. A while back, I bought a compressor and a bunch of air tools from them for a very reasonable price - better than any of the DIY sheds were offering. Agreed, it's not of 'professional' quality, but it is extremely well made, has dual ports, both with pressure gauges, and every last nut and bolt is available as a spare part. It's not particularly quiet, and the tank is not huge, but as a DIY item, it is more than adequate, and has so far given me excellent service. Arfa That is my experience with the items sold by Harbor Freight Tools. *If I were a professional whose livelihood depended on his tools, Harbor Freight would not be my preferred source. *More than 2 years ago I bought a 'Sawzall' (reciprocating saw) from HFT for $19.99. *A professional would have preferred the Milwaukee brand ($120 - $150) whild a dedicated DIYer should have preferred a Porter-Cable product at $80 - $100. I have used it for perhaps a dozen projects from cutting a 2' diameter circle out of a piece of 1/2" plywood (metric conversions available on request) to removing siding and soffit from an addition. None of which have much bearing on Aldi. How long a warranty do those cheap brands give? Lidl and Aldi ones are 3 years. While I don't live in Aldi country (cydrome leader does) my impression is that in the States, their non-food items are limited to household goods -- frying pans, steam irons, that sort of thing. Even when I stayed two months in Munich, shopping at least once a week at Aldis, I don't remember seeing any power tools. |
#92
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 20:28:54 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , wrote: Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? Mike I've always found their tools quite good, and generally excellent value for money. A while back, I bought a compressor and a bunch of air tools from them for a very reasonable price - better than any of the DIY sheds were offering. Agreed, it's not of 'professional' quality, but it is extremely well made, has dual ports, both with pressure gauges, and every last nut and bolt is available as a spare part. It's not particularly quiet, and the tank is not huge, but as a DIY item, it is more than adequate, and has so far given me excellent service. Arfa That is my experience with the items sold by Harbor Freight Tools. If I were a professional whose livelihood depended on his tools, Harbor Freight would not be my preferred source. More than 2 years ago I bought a 'Sawzall' (reciprocating saw) from HFT for $19.99. A professional would have preferred the Milwaukee brand ($120 - $150) whild a dedicated DIYer should have preferred a Porter-Cable product at $80 - $100. I have used it for perhaps a dozen projects from cutting a 2' diameter circle out of a piece of 1/2" plywood (metric conversions available on request) to removing siding and soffit from an addition. None of which have much bearing on Aldi. Actually it does. Most of these products come out of China, Usually a single factory is selling the product to a number of retailers, often the retailer specifies the 'brand name'. How long a warranty do those cheap brands give? Lidl and Aldi ones are 3 years. Harbor Freight's warranty is typically 90 days, extendable to 2 years. I'm still using the heat gun I purchaed from them 6 years ago, likewise the DMM, the saw, torque wrench, etc. Again, it's not the length of the warranty, it's how long the tool will last under the purchaser's useage. If a builder saves $100 on a 'sawzall' and it fails under a 3 year warranty, he has lost money because the down time spent getting it replaced under warranty is worth more than $100. For someone like me, I have every expectation any tool I purchase will outlast me (barring abuse or incompetance). PlainBill |
#93
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
In article ,
wrote: None of which have much bearing on Aldi. Actually it does. Most of these products come out of China, Usually a single factory is selling the product to a number of retailers, often the retailer specifies the 'brand name'. Almost all consumer goods like this are made in China. And even the same factory will produce different quality - to the price the buyer wants. How long a warranty do those cheap brands give? Lidl and Aldi ones are 3 years. Harbor Freight's warranty is typically 90 days, extendable to 2 years. That sounds like the dark ages in the UK. I'm still using the heat gun I purchaed from them 6 years ago, likewise the DMM, the saw, torque wrench, etc. All usually reliable items regardless of maker. Again, it's not the length of the warranty, it's how long the tool will last under the purchaser's useage. If a builder saves $100 on a 'sawzall' and it fails under a 3 year warranty, he has lost money because the down time spent getting it replaced under warranty is worth more than $100. Then he buys two at the same time - one as a spare. Because even the best make will fail eventually and he'll be in the same situation. For someone like me, I have every expectation any tool I purchase will outlast me (barring abuse or incompetance). Batteries on cordless tools will fail - you can be sure of that. -- *Husbands should come with instructions Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#94
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
|
#95
Posted to uk.d-i-y,sci.electronics.basics,sci.electronics.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Aldi ?59 petrol generator and television
In article ,
Cydrome Leader wrote: Have you ever bought any Tools or anything for that matter from Aldi? the canned food is extra watery, and I had take the bacon back for a refund once. If you can't master canned food, you've got problems. You've tried all their canned food? But you have no knowledge of their tools? Others here have - including me. And I'd have no hesitation recommending them as excellent value for money. But I don't have their generator. -- *Keep honking...I'm reloading. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Gas Boiler & Petrol Generator | UK diy | |||
Aldi Petrol Hedge Trimmer (This Thursday) | UK diy | |||
very small/light petrol/LPG generator? | UK diy | |||
Aldi petrol hedge trimmer: any good? | UK diy |