Comparison Tagred TA3500GHX vs Volt Polska HEXA-GEN 3500

— Copper. Copper winding is typical for advanced class generators. The copper alternator is characterized by high conductivity and low resistance. The conductivity of copper is 1.7 times higher than the conductivity of aluminium, such a winding heats up less, and compounds made of this metal endure temperature drops and vibration loads. Among the disadvantages of the copper winding, one can only note the high cost of the alternator. Otherwise, generators with copper winding have high reliability and durability.

— Aluminium. The aluminium winding of the alternator is typical for low-cost-class generators. The main advantages of aluminium are light weight and low price; otherwise, such a winding is usually inferior to copper counterparts. An oxide film is created on the surface of aluminium, it appears everywhere, even in the places of contact soldering. The oxide film undermines the contacts and does not allow the outer protective braid to securely hold the aluminium conductors.

The working volume of the engine in a gasoline or diesel generator (see "Fuel"). Theoretically, more volume usually means more power, but in fact, everything is not so clear. Firstly, the specific power strongly depends on the type of fuel, and in gasoline units, also on the type of internal combustion engine (see above). Secondly, similar engines of the same power can have different volumes, and there is a practical point here: with the same power, a larger engine consumes more fuel, but by itself it can cost less.

The operating power of the engine installed in the generator. Traditionally stated in horsepower; 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.

First of all, the rated power of the generator directly depends on this indicator (see above): in principle, it cannot be higher than the engine power, moreover, part of the engine power is spent on heat, friction and other losses. And the smaller the difference between these capacities, the higher the efficiency of the generator and the more economical it is. However high efficiency affects the cost, but this difference can pay off with regular use due to fuel savings.

Fuel consumption of a petrol or diesel generator when operating at half power, and for combined models when using petrol (see “Fuel”).

Fuel consumption usually increases with load. However, generator efficiency is not always linear - fuel consumption may vary disproportionately with different loads. In this case, the approximate amount of fuel consumed by the generator when operating at half power (50% of the rated power) is given. Knowing the fuel consumption and tank capacity, you can at least estimate how long one fill-up will last.

Existence in the generator of an output with a direct current and voltage of 12 V. The main function of this output is to charge car batteries, as well as power devices originally intended for cars (recall, 12 V is the standard voltage of on-board networks in cars).

The following types of 12-volt outputs are found in generators:

- Terminals. Terminals are used to connect wires directly without using any plugs. This connection is the most reliable.

- Socket. Socket outlet for a plug with two flat pins, designed to connect 12-volt consumers. Holes in sockets come in different layouts, which you need to pay attention to.

- Cigarette lighter. The so-called "car socket", which in many cars is combined with a cigarette lighter socket (hence the name). Such connectors are used to power various automotive devices and accessories.

— 12V output. The presence of an output with direct power and voltage of 12 V in the generator. The main purpose of this output is to charge car batteries, as well as to power devices originally intended for cars (recall that 12 V is the standard voltage of on-board networks in passenger cars).

— USB charging port . The presence of a USB connector (one or more) on the generator for charging various devices. Most modern smartphones and tablets can be charged via USB, and this charging method is also found in many other devices — from cameras and flashlights to electric screwdrivers and radio-controlled models. The standard supply voltage through this connector is 5 V, but the power may be different, it should be specified separately.

— Smartphone control. Synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control the generator remotely. Thanks to this, the user does not need to approach the device to, for example, start or stop it. Additionally, synchronization with a smartphone allows you to monitor the parameters of the generated electric power remotely and in real time. On the other hand, this will require a constant connection to the Internet and specialized software that must be installed on the smartphone.

— Autostart (ATS). A function that allows the generator to turn on automatically under certain conditio...ns, without any action from the user. Autostart is mainly used when using the generator as a backup power source: while the main power is working, the unit is turned off, and if the voltage in the network disappears, ATS starts the engine, and power to the load begins to flow from the generator. Note that the presence of autostart is indicated only if the generator is initially equipped with an ATS electronic unit; models with the ability to connect such a unit are placed in a separate category (see below).

— ATS socket. A connector that allows you to connect an external autostart unit (ATS) to the generator; the unit itself is not included in the kit. For more information on autostart, see above; here we note that some users do not initially need this function, but may need it in the future — for example, if the generator is initially used for building a house, and then it is planned to be installed in the same house as a backup power source. In such situations, this configuration option will be optimal: when buying the generator itself, you will not have to overpay for the ATS unit, and later, if necessary, you can buy and connect such a unit separately.

— Automatic voltage regulator (AVR). An automatic regulator that allows maintaining a constant voltage level at the generator output. Such a regulator smooths out the differences that occur due to changes in the engine speed; this is especially important when connecting devices that are sensitive to power supply stability. It is worth noting that the presence of an AVR is almost mandatory for synchronous generators (see "Alternator"), but in other varieties this function is not found: in asynchronous and duplex units it is not applicable in principle, and in inverter units the role of the regulator is played by the inverter itself, and they do not require additional electronics.

— Display. A dedicated display mounted on the generator body. Typically, this is a simple LCD screen capable of displaying only numbers and some special symbols. However, even such a screen can display various useful information: voltage, frequency, engine hour meter data, low fuel warning, error code failure messages, etc. This makes control more convenient and visual.

— Hour metre. A device that counts the total time that the generator engine has been running since it was first turned on. This helps determine the overall wear of the engine and the need for repair/replacement, which can be useful both during long-term use of the device and, for example, to assess the quality of the product when buying a used generator. It is usually impossible to reset the hour meter without serious intervention in the design of the device.

— Voltmeter. A device that displays the power voltage produced by the generator. The voltmeter can be made in the form of a separate pointer scale, or its readings can be displayed on the generator's own display (see above). In any case, this function allows you to carefully monitor the unit's operating mode and reduces the risk that an unacceptable voltage will be applied to the load.

— Parallel connection. The presence of special connectors in the generator design, through which two or more units can be connected to a single electrical network (usually with the help of an additional device). This type of connection is used when one unit is not able to handle the entire load and the connection power exceeds the capabilities of the device itself. Also, such a scheme has gained popularity if one of the units is planned to be used as a backup power source.

— Remote start. The remote control generator is included in the delivery set. It is made in the form of a wireless key fob and allows you to turn on/off the device remotely without approaching it.

The electric generator has wheels for moving from place to place. Most often, the design provides for a pair of wheels and a pair of parking supports: during working hours, the supports play the role of brakes, and when moving, they need to be raised above the ground and the generator rolled on two wheels; however, there are models on 4 wheels. Anyway, this feature greatly simplifies transportation: it is much easier to roll the unit than to carry it on weight. This is especially true in light of the fact that the weight of a modern generator can exceed 100 kg: several people will be needed to carry such a weight, while wheels often make it possible to manage by one person.