Local Carnival

Hello,

I am hoping my question is of relevance to forum members and that someone out there may just have answer or other guidance.

My disco company is looking to take part in a local street parade, the idea is to have 1 or possibly 2 400W (not active) speakers connected through to a 1000W amp, mixer and generic laptop in the car boot playing loud music to the group of dancers from a local school in convoy behind us.

The problem is of course how and what do we use to power all this electrical equipment? HSS Hire have quoted us for a petrol generator to give power equipment reaching up to 2200W, however another supplier has asked have I thought about how loud the power generator could actually be?

This is a one-off annual event which we need power for a maximum of 3 hours, we are not looking to spend a lot on something which only sees the light of day once a year so a real inexpensive solution to suit a very infrequent need.

Can anyone offer some words or wisdom? Links, advice, etc..

Thank you.

Many options, many of which won't suit you. I'd avoid a petrol 2.2 KvA type, as it's unlikely to be well regulated, and I'm led to believe its output isn't good for laptops. It's fairly noisy as well.
What you want is an inverter type generator. Here's one which may or may not be powerful enough. It's quiet as well, and light.

To avoid generators altogether we have two routes. A 12v PA mixer/amplifier could be loud enough for your needs, as long as you get one which drives normal speakers, as opposed to 100v horns. .
Alternatively, I hear very good things about these battery powered speakers, such as this sort of thing. , particularly the 15" ones.

Hope this has been some help, and not just baffled you.

Iff HSS are talking about this http://www.hss.com/hire/p/1600w-portable-generator you'll be fine and it will be very quite, inaudible above the noise of everything else.
As long as all cable is sutable terminated and of a Ho7rn grade you will be fine

I may have misinterpreted your initial post, but it seems you are intending to operate the generator in a car being driven in the parade. You do realise these generators produce exceptionally toxic fumes don't you?

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Originally Posted by Chris1984

Iff HSS are talking about this http://www.hss.com/hire/p/1600w-portable-generator you'll be fine and it will be very quite, inaudible above the noise of everything else.
As long as all cable is sutable terminated and of a Ho7rn grade you will be fine

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I think he'll struggle, that one's 110v only. ;) It was the first one I found.

The issue of fumes from a petrol engine is one reason why I'd prefer a battery powered solution.

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Originally Posted by Excalibur

I think he'll struggle, that one's 110v only. ;) It was the first one I found.

The issue of fumes from a petrol engine is one reason why I'd prefer a battery powered solution.

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cough cough - it isn't the 110v one they use the same image for the 230v version.....

had missed the car boot bit.... thought it was a float....

in that case somthing like this http://caraudiosecurity.com/pt2200-2...ier-2200-watts

If the setup is to be in a car following, why not use a decent sized inverter?

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Originally Posted by Chris1984

cough cough - it isn't the 110v one they use the same image for the 230v version

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Oh deary me. :o:o I will hang my head in shame. Upon reading further I see the little blighter does indeed provide 240v. Sorry for doubting you Chris. Mind you, it's not a lot to ask to have a picture which matches what's on offer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Excalibur

Oh deary me. :o:o I will hang my head in shame. Upon reading further I see the little blighter does indeed provide 240v. Sorry for doubting you Chris. Mind you, it's not a lot to ask to have a picture which matches what's on offer.

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well thats HSS for you - Hopelessly cough Services.... :-)

Battery speakers would be my advice. You could also tow a small trailer and put the generator & PA in that. You have to ask how loud does it have to be really? If its a small parade with people lined on the roadside, just hire 2 x 15 inch battery speakers. Massive crowd then you will need something with a better louder, basier sound. I can't comment on car stereo systems as I don't know anything about them.