How powerful generator is needed for this PA system

[krneki]

We're going to have an open-air gig where we'll have to use electrical generator to power up our system. Here's the list of equipment we plan to use:
- 2x EV ZLX12P
- 1x FBT MAXX10SA
- notebook with MIDI controller (source of music)
- 2 or 5 channel mixer
- lightmaxx cls-3

I was wondering how powerful electrical generator should we get in order to make sure there won't be any problems? Where's the bottom end line in specifications? Could we actually damage the equipment if generator wouldn't output enough power?

[Excalibur]

Hello Marjan. Three things.
First, welcome to the forum, good to have you here. Nice to have someone not from the UK.

Second, please pop over to the newbies section and introduce yourself, it's nice to know who we're advising, and it can help us to give better advice.

Third, generator size. Anything you use must have AVR ( Automatic Voltage Regulation ), otherwise voltage fluctuations can damage sensitive equipment. I've just got a 2.8KVA unit, and that should be a good size for your needs.
Within reason, bigger is better than smaller. A helpful hint is to have something like a halogen floodlight or two running from it, as this will tend to smooth out voltage when the load from your PA varies.

[SamV]

I'd suggest 3x Max possible load. It's what we usually do and never had any issues. Go for diesel over petrol.

[velocityroadshow]

You want to add up the amount of current you're going to be pulling or the total amount of power (watts) this can normally be found in the manuals. That's the maximum you'll need so find a generator that's produces a current larger than that. Bigger then better IMO.

[krneki]

Maybe I could get Honda EU10i and EU20i, so I was thinking to power up 1x FBT MAXX10SA with EU10i and everything else with EU20i (2x EV ZLX12P, notebook and mixer). Lights are optional. Do you think that could work? Could there be any grounding issues?

In fact I could even power notebook and mixer with 12V to 230V inverter from accumulators. In that case, it would look like this:
EU10i: 1x FBT MAXX10SA
EU20i: 2x EV ZLX12P
1000 W 12-230V inverter from acc: notebook and mixer

What do you think guys? Is that combination rock-solid?

[DJ Jules]

What do you think guys? Is that combination rock-solid?

If you're looking for Rock Solid I would go with the original recommendations and hire a decent spec Diesel generator that is up to the job. Having said that, the Honda generators you've mentioned will give good stable power within their stated capacity as they're based around inverter technology (from memory they actually generate 12V DC and a built in inverter turns this into 240V AC). Just make sure that you don't overload them and you fill them up before you start as you'll be lucky to get 4hrs out of a full tank at full load :D

Julian

[deltic]

Maybe I could get Honda EU10i and EU20i, so I was thinking to power up 1x FBT MAXX10SA with EU10i and everything else with EU20i (2x EV ZLX12P, notebook and mixer). Lights are optional. Do you think that could work? Could there be any grounding issues?

In fact I could even power notebook and mixer with 12V to 230V inverter from accumulators. In that case, it would look like this:
EU10i: 1x FBT MAXX10SA
EU20i: 2x EV ZLX12P
1000 W 12-230V inverter from acc: notebook and mixer

What do you think guys? Is that combination rock-solid?

You are overthinking this, I run a full outdoor PA including 18"active subs from a Honda eu10i on it's lower setting without any problem

[SamV]

Running an EU10 solely is gonna be running it at near a full duty cycle which isn't good for it or your electronics. Stick a meter on it and you'll see that there will be voltage drops if the volume is loud and there is bass.

I recommend overcompensating. Above all else DO NOT USE TWO GENERATORS WITHOUT BONDING THEM. And also don't forget to earth it.