No but I think we both got by the same ice storm..I ended up getting one also, very nice to have item.Now its a must have to get the coffee..

I've always heard that you can damage sensitive electronics with generators that have power output that is uneven. There are much smarter people here than me on AC generators. You may want to research that aspect.

I agree with tomplum. Personally, I would not run a wide screen TV as you said you did. Or any other expensive delicate electronics. Honda makes an Inverter type Generator that is supposidly safe to run computer/TV's and stuff with. They are generally way more expensive than a "normal" generator.
Something to do with true sinosoidal waves and other fun stuff.
For what it's worth I bought a Chinese generator a couple years back and it's been great.

+1 on the sensitive electronics.

If you need to run them, then I'd put a power conditioner in line before the device. Some but not all UPS have them. You'll pay extra for that feature but they are very useful to have even when connected to normal power. Under power can do as much damage as overpower. We lived in an area that had power drop offs and lost a TV and VCR over a few months.

I am not sure what it would cost to have a line conditioner sized for your TV and Dish components.

How are you powering all of this stuff? Did you install a generator transfer switch or are you running extension cords?

Since you said you tried a bunch of things and hesitated to try the stove and water heater, I'm thinking you somehow have all of your circuits tied into the generator.

I am using a transfer switch. I had a electrician wire everything up for me last week. The reason I don't use the stove or water heater I'm afraid it would be close to the limit wattage of the gen and I want to try to keep it at 50 to 60% of the rated wattage. I read somewhere they should last a lot longer that way. As far as the electronics I could use a new TV anyway. My wife says the TV we have is fine but if it accidentally fry's it maybe I can get a new 50 in. LCD. LOL. I will check into the line conditioner as this sounds like a good idea. This generator stuff is all new to me so any help is greatly appreciated. I ran it again today trying to get enough hours on it to change oil and did notice that the clock on my MW and bedside alarm was running fast. Checked the RPM's on the Gen and it was at 3790 to 3810. I assume it was running at to many cycles. 60+ Dropped it to 3600RPM's and will see if this helps. Thanks for the replies.

Hi,

People have had good results with Honda Inverter generators for sensitive electronics. Check out the Honda 7000is. This generator has an inverter circuit. It actually generates in DC and then uses power electronics to make the 120/240v sine wave. The advantage is that the generator can run at any speed an not be limited to 3,600 rpm, i.e. it is more efficient. A nice side effect is that the power output has a very clean wave form suitable for sensitive electronics.

Warmest regards, Mike.