Northstar 8000 W Honda generator, feedback

[Chris Szilagyi]

Hello:

I've been trying to do some research on generators, and Honda has been
highly recommended. I was curious how the Northstar 8000 Watt Honda
13 HP generator rates (item #165914-1501). I was curious how clean
its power is (would it be safe for sensative equipment like computers;
the description at Northern mentions using it for computers). I've
seen some talk about the models that have inverters & voltage
regulators, and wasn't sure if this Northstar model has either.
Personally, I would be using it for emergency purposes to run a couple
computers, well, furnace fan, etc.

I would appreciate all feedback on this generator, good or bad.

Thank you very much for all responses!
--
Chris

[SteveC1280]

My personal unprofessional opinion is that you'd be OK powering computers with
the Honda generator. Even if the voltage is a little 'dirty'. Reason being,
every computor has a power supply a.k.a. power converter that filers and
regulates incoming AC voltage. It will 'condition' the power to meet the
requirements of the computer. BTW, your computer works mostly on low DC
voltages like 3.3, & 5 volts. And maybe 12 or 24 volts to drive the fans. The
power supply 'derives' these voltages from the AC line.
Remove the 'remove' in my address to e:mail me.

[m Ransley]

Are looking at a Northstar generator with Honda motor or a Honda
generator sold by Northstar. The Honda EU series is computer safe the
Northstar is probably not. Notrhstar will have the specs and ck out
Hondas site. Hondas cost 2.5 times more, but also last alot longer

[Chris Szilagyi]

Post by m Ransley
Are looking at a Northstar generator with Honda motor or a Honda
generator sold by Northstar. The Honda EU series is computer safe the
Northstar is probably not. Notrhstar will have the specs and ck out
Hondas site. Hondas cost 2.5 times more, but also last alot longer

I'm looking at the Northstar 8000 generator with the Honda 13 HP motor
(sold by Northern Tool & Equipment Co., item # 165914 in their
catalog), not the Honda EU series generator. I have seen mutiple
posts recommending Honda generators, as well as posts saying that the
Northstar generators are also OK, so I was curious as to how this
Northstar 8000 generator stacks up to the actual Honda generators. I
understand the Northstar is cheaper than an actual Honda, yet it uses
Honda engines... so is it a decent generator??? I guess that's what
I'm trying to find out. The specs in the catalog and website are
limited.

I'd appreciate any additional feedback on the Northstar 8000 or the
equivalent Hondas... thanks much!!
--
Chris

[Jim]

Post by Chris Szilagyi

Post by m Ransley
Are looking at a Northstar generator with Honda motor or a Honda
generator sold by Northstar. The Honda EU series is computer safe the
Northstar is probably not. Notrhstar will have the specs and ck out
Hondas site. Hondas cost 2.5 times more, but also last alot longer

I'm looking at the Northstar 8000 generator with the Honda 13 HP motor
(sold by Northern Tool & Equipment Co., item # 165914 in their
catalog), not the Honda EU series generator. I have seen mutiple
posts recommending Honda generators, as well as posts saying that the
Northstar generators are also OK, so I was curious as to how this
Northstar 8000 generator stacks up to the actual Honda generators. I
understand the Northstar is cheaper than an actual Honda, yet it uses
Honda engines... so is it a decent generator??? I guess that's what
I'm trying to find out. The specs in the catalog and website are
limited.
I'd appreciate any additional feedback on the Northstar 8000 or the
equivalent Hondas... thanks much!!

The Honda powered Northern (Northstar) 8000 watt generator is the
model I own. Purchased in the summer of 2000 for $1199; with wheel kit
and cover it was $1400. Even though one of the wheels has developed
problems I still strongly recommend getting the wheel kit (and the
cover). If you do a Deja search on ***@aol.com + Northern you'll
find some posts I made about it.

I'm happy with it.. we've had to use it twice for outages, as well as
using it around the house for when we needed power without an outlet
nearby. We do try to run it at least every other month (with load) and
drain the old gas out and refill with fresh gas every 6 months. This
unit has a tank drain on the fuel tank.. at least my unit does.

With load managing, it will run the well pump, water heater, electric
stove, lights, TVs, computers, etc. The only things we don't ask of it
are the central AC and electric heat.

Evem though it's a 13 hp, pull starting isn't a problem..

Any other questions.. just ask.

Regards,

Jim

[GaryDaniel]

But will it run electric heat if needed with lights

[trader_4]

Post by GaryDaniel
But will it run electric heat if needed with lights
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/northstar-8000-w-honda-generator-feedback-564746-.htm

That would seem to depend on if the electric heat is a 1500 watt
portable or a 25KW whole house system.

[Dean Hoffman]

Post by trader_4

Post by GaryDaniel
But will it run electric heat if needed with lights
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/northstar-8000-w-honda-generator-feedback-564746-.htm

That would seem to depend on if the electric heat is a 1500 watt
portable or a 25KW whole house system.

Plus a refrigerator and the other stuff we don't think about unless it's not working.

[Bob_M]

Post by Chris Szilagyi
I've been trying to do some research on generators, and Honda has been
highly recommended. I was curious how the Northstar 8000 Watt Honda
13 HP generator rates (item #165914-1501). I was curious how clean
its power is (would it be safe for sensative equipment like computers;
the description at Northern mentions using it for computers). I've
seen some talk about the models that have inverters & voltage
regulators, and wasn't sure if this Northstar model has either.
Personally, I would be using it for emergency purposes to run a couple
computers, well, furnace fan, etc.
I would appreciate all feedback on this generator, good or bad.
Thank you very much for all responses!

We have performed some tests for powering our small data center with
honda generator(s). I do not know the model number but honda has a
unit that generates DC power which is put through an inverter and
yields power clean enough to power our computer systems flawlessly.
You might want to check out honda's site.

BTW - I have a honda 6500 generate that has performed flawlessly since
1985 with little maintenance other than oil changes and fluid changes
every couple of years. It also outputs 220V which is needed for my
well pump and some other devices.

Good luck.

[m Ransley]

Sure the Northern is cheaper , get their specs on voltage swing % and
sign wave and voltage stabilation, if any. Honda EU can last 4 times as
long since motor operation Rpm is voltage dependant. You will get
superior electronics with probably any honda. Honda EU are also much
lighter as the gen is part of the motor. Also Honda sells 2 grades of
motors. Northern will help as they sell both. But if you have the $
look into Onan, Kohler, Yamaha. And dont forget DB ratings, sound
level. Many are loud, EU series you may not even hear at 30ft. My
Generac can be heard 3000 ft away. There are many other online dealers
that just specialise in generators, Northern is very limited in what
they offer. If I were to do it again Id go Honda EU. Unregulated units
can swing 35% in V and HZ, regulated apx 6-7% , Honda EU 1% = grid
power. You really get what you pay for. I personaly would not even run
a TV on unregulated gens. My friend blew out 3

[Chris Szilagyi]

Post by m Ransley
Sure the Northern is cheaper , get their specs on voltage swing % and
sign wave and voltage stabilation, if any. Honda EU can last 4 times as
long since motor operation Rpm is voltage dependant. You will get
superior electronics with probably any honda. Honda EU are also much
lighter as the gen is part of the motor. Also Honda sells 2 grades of
motors. Northern will help as they sell both. But if you have the $
look into Onan, Kohler, Yamaha. And dont forget DB ratings, sound
level. Many are loud, EU series you may not even hear at 30ft. My
Generac can be heard 3000 ft away. There are many other online dealers
that just specialise in generators, Northern is very limited in what
they offer. If I were to do it again Id go Honda EU. Unregulated units
can swing 35% in V and HZ, regulated apx 6-7% , Honda EU 1% = grid
power. You really get what you pay for. I personaly would not even run
a TV on unregulated gens. My friend blew out 3

According to the catalog specs for the Northstar 8000, it has "6%
total harmonic distortion for use with voltage-sensitive equipment
like computers...". I am assuming this means the voltage swing is
around 6% as you mentioned for regulated units. However when I asked
one of their sales people if it has a regulator, she said no. I'd say
the way to go with the non-genuine Honda would be to use a UPS (with
built in voltage regulation) with any computer or TV, etc. That would
also guard damage if the generator runs out of gas, etc.

I appreciate the suggestions, I will post any further information that
I gather on this.

Thank you,
--
Chris

[m Ransley]

To get 6% it must have a regulator, so someone is giving you wrong info.
6% isnt bad but you will need to do your own test upon purchase. I used
electric space heaters to easily and acuratly load it to full load. And
set it to 120v 60Hz at my normal loading. Look at other units, Yamaha
is worth a look. But a Honda EU can outlast anything at 50% load because
it will be turning 1800 rpm. 10000- 14000 hrs you could get running it
easy. Compare that to 2-3000 hrs for 3600 rpm units. Again Honda costs
2.5x more but can outlast all small units if run at low load because
amps are rpm dependant.

[m Ransley]

www.southwestfastener.com has about every make model and size

[m Ransley]

If you use it alot consider NG or a Tri fuel unit. Conversions are
offered. A unit on Ng will last even longer.

[Larry Caldwell]

Post by Chris Szilagyi
According to the catalog specs for the Northstar 8000, it has "6%
total harmonic distortion for use with voltage-sensitive equipment
like computers...". I am assuming this means the voltage swing is
around 6% as you mentioned for regulated units.

No, THD is a measure of harmonics distorting the mathematically pure
sine wave. Through Fourier transforms, you can describe any wave form
as the sum of a perfect sine wave and its odd and even harmonics.
Getting within 6% of a perfect sine wave is pretty common for any
rotating field brushless generator. No regulation required. The THD
says nothing about the stability of frequency or voltage.

[m Ransley]

OK larryc, his gen may be CRAP - for home electronics, if I
understand you.

[Larry Caldwell]

Post by m Ransley
OK larryc, his gen may be CRAP - for home electronics, if I
understand you.

It depends on the electronics. A computer, for instance, uses a solid
state switching power supply that is good for almost any wave form,
anywhere between 90 and 230 volts, anywhere between 50 and 100 Hz. An
APC UPS puts out what they euphemistically refer to as a "modified sine
wave", which is actually a square wave with rounded edges, about 50%
THD.

With a generator, as with commercial line power, the electronics killer
is a high voltage transient. Any high power switch opening, like a pump
switch or water heater switch, can create transients large enough to fry
solid state power supplies. Your little $9.95 Wal-Mart surge protector
will not do the job, assuming the generator is even grounded.

Buying an expensive generator buys you nothing for protection. If you
want to run sensitive electronics, buy one of the solutions available
for conditioning dirty power in an industrial installation, or keep your
heavy loads off the generator while you are using your electronics.
Continuous loads are fine. It's the switch opening that creates the
transients.

[Art Todesco]

Honda does make a genset with a built in inverter .... I don't know
about the "Nortstar 8000W" unit. The inverter puts out pure sine wave
and is supposed to be very well regulated. BTW, I just replace a
traditional genset in a TV production truck with an Auragen unit. This
generator belts off the truck engine and puts out some high voltage
which runs an inverter. Wow, what a great unit. Power is very, very
clean, even when the AC is starting. The problem is that the Auragen is
pretty pricey, about $5K wor a 5.5KW unit and the vehicle must be
modified. Auragen people did the install included in the above price.

Post by Larry Caldwell

Post by m Ransley
OK larryc, his gen may be CRAP - for home electronics, if I
understand you.

It depends on the electronics. A computer, for instance, uses a solid
state switching power supply that is good for almost any wave form,
anywhere between 90 and 230 volts, anywhere between 50 and 100 Hz. An
APC UPS puts out what they euphemistically refer to as a "modified sine
wave", which is actually a square wave with rounded edges, about 50%
THD.
With a generator, as with commercial line power, the electronics killer
is a high voltage transient. Any high power switch opening, like a pump
switch or water heater switch, can create transients large enough to fry
solid state power supplies. Your little $9.95 Wal-Mart surge protector
will not do the job, assuming the generator is even grounded.
Buying an expensive generator buys you nothing for protection. If you
want to run sensitive electronics, buy one of the solutions available
for conditioning dirty power in an industrial installation, or keep your
heavy loads off the generator while you are using your electronics.
Continuous loads are fine. It's the switch opening that creates the
transients.

[Abby Normal]

Use a small UPS.

[Chris Szilagyi]

Post by Chris Szilagyi
I've been trying to do some research on generators, and Honda has been
highly recommended. I was curious how the Northstar 8000 Watt Honda
13 HP generator rates (item #165914-1501). I was curious how clean
its power is (would it be safe for sensative equipment like computers;
the description at Northern mentions using it for computers). I've
seen some talk about the models that have inverters & voltage
regulators, and wasn't sure if this Northstar model has either.
Personally, I would be using it for emergency purposes to run a couple
computers, well, furnace fan, etc.
I would appreciate all feedback on this generator, good or bad.
Thank you very much for all responses!

Thank you for all feedback. I decided to purchase this generator. It
seems to be a good value and fits well with what I will be using it
for. I like the fact it has a Honda GX390 engine, built-in voltage
regulation (with claimed "6% total harmonic distortion"). The product
description does not mention voltage regulation but I did call to
confirm it does have it.

It was delivered by truck and the small grounding post was snapped off
the front panel (due to rough handling during shipping probably). A
quick call to the Northstar customer service got right through and
they are sending out the new piece.

I would also like to mention that the wheel kit for this is highly
recommended.

So far so good. If I run across any problems I will definitely post
them.

Thanks!!
--
Chris

[Tony Hwang]

Post by Chris Szilagyi

Post by Chris Szilagyi
I've been trying to do some research on generators, and Honda has been
highly recommended. I was curious how the Northstar 8000 Watt Honda
13 HP generator rates (item #165914-1501). I was curious how clean
its power is (would it be safe for sensative equipment like computers;
the description at Northern mentions using it for computers). I've
seen some talk about the models that have inverters & voltage
regulators, and wasn't sure if this Northstar model has either.
Personally, I would be using it for emergency purposes to run a couple
computers, well, furnace fan, etc.
I would appreciate all feedback on this generator, good or bad.
Thank you very much for all responses!

Thank you for all feedback. I decided to purchase this generator. It
seems to be a good value and fits well with what I will be using it
for. I like the fact it has a Honda GX390 engine, built-in voltage
regulation (with claimed "6% total harmonic distortion"). The product
description does not mention voltage regulation but I did call to
confirm it does have it.
It was delivered by truck and the small grounding post was snapped off
the front panel (due to rough handling during shipping probably). A
quick call to the Northstar customer service got right through and
they are sending out the new piece.
I would also like to mention that the wheel kit for this is highly
recommended.
So far so good. If I run across any problems I will definitely post
them.
Thanks!!
--
Chris

Hi,
Up here in Alberta, NWT, Honda is choice. Always starts good in
extreme cold. And reliable.
Tony

[florida]

replying to Chris Szilagyi, florida wrote:
how much oil does the generator take need to change

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/northstar-8000-w-honda-generator-feedback-564746-.htm

[Colonel Edmund J. Burke]

how much oil does the generator take need  to change

Not sure, sailor. Bend over an' I'll check.
LOL