Crystal Control Generator: What is it and do I need it for my event?

Clients often ask whether our generators are “crystal controlled” without actually knowing what it means.  Allow us to explain.
A generator is crystal controlled (sometimes erroneously called “crystal sync”) if it contains an electronic governor.  The governor is the device which maintains the generator engine RPM very close to its specified value, usually 1800 RPM, which maintains the frequency of the AC power very close to 60 Hz (formerly known as cycles).  Some generators have mechanical governors which typically keep the power between 58 and 62 hZ.  Electronically controlled generators are far more precise and typically keep the power within ¼ Hz of 60 Hz. They also have a much faster response to load changes.

Sidram Power crystal sync generator rentals

Do you need it? Well, like a lot of things, it depends….

If you are powering a bunch of coffee makers and toasters, the answer is no.  These are simple machines which are very forgiving of power variations.  If you are powering electronic equipment, the answer is yes.  Complex electronic equipment can operate erratically or even shut down if the power strays too far from 60 Hz.
At Sidram Power, ALL of our event generators have electronic governors because we want to always provide the highest quality power for our customers.  Bring anything you want; audio, video, computers, or toasters.  Our generator rentals will provide the correct power for it.

KVA - KW chart for generator rentals

Have you had problems understanding conversion of amps in relation to KW or KVA ratings?  Well you are not alone – we get questions on this subject often.  So for your convenience, we have made a Power Factor Chart available to our customers 24/7.  This chart does away with manual calculations, and also shows the amps/KW/KVA relationship in a way that is much easier to understand. Now generator rental selection can be correct the first time. As always you can call our staff to ensure that your selection is correct.

isolation and step up or down transfomer rentals

One of the advantages of AC power (versus DC) is the ability to use transformers to change the voltage. Electric utilities use thousands of transformers throughout their distribution systems and many commercial and industrial facilities use transformers extensively.

Not surprisingly, the temporary power industry uses transformers too.

Portable transformers have two primary used: they can change the voltage, either step-up or step-down, and they can provide electrical isolation. For example, some events might require 480V power, 220V power, and 120V power simultaneously. Rather than using multiple generators to provide the different voltages, it is often more economical to use a single generator and one or more transformers to satisfy the requirements.

In a concert situation, producers traditionally order 2 separate generators for lighting and sound. The primary reason for separate generators is that the electronic dimmers used in lighting control have the potential, under certain circumstances, to introduce hums and buzzes into the sound, and using separate generators eliminates that possibility. Another way to isolate the audio from the lighting, usually more economically, is to use an isolation transformer and one generator. In this case, the transformer does NOT change the voltage, merely protects the audio from unwanted interference.