Ramsond Sinemate 2500 Digital Inverter Generator

[TozerBGood]

I just bought a Ramsond Sinemate 2500 Digital Inverter Generator for $550 to use with my 24’ 5th Wheel. I had difficulty finding any reviews on it, so I've posted one here. I've only had it for a week, so I can't vouch for it's durability, but I'll try to post a little more at a later date.

I tested it with the AC for about 20 minutes and it ran it just fine. No alarms or anything. My AC isn't humoungous or anything (it's either 11,500 BTU or 12,500 BTU - it's hard to tell which from the AC nmodel# table). The generator appears to be just big enough to run the AC, but if I had to run the Microwave too, the AC would have to go off first.

It’s quipped with one standard 15 Amp and one 30 Amp Receptacle, and also one 12VDC receptacle rated for 8.3 Amps. I doubt I’ll ever use the last Item…my experience with the DC is if you’re batteries are really low, it just trips the breaker. Better to use a 15a Battery charger plugged into the AC side.

It’s advertised at 62 Lbs which I haven’t double checked, but if you have a bad back, I suggest you get some help lifting it into the back of your pickup,

It’s also advertised at 59db, but my observation is that it’s considerably louder than my friend’s 3500w Yamaha which is advertised at 52db. While I can’t prove it, I’m guessing the 59db was measured with the ECO switch on.

The ECO switch is supposed to save fuel, and if you’re just trying to charge your batteries in your RV, or maybe even using your microwave, it might be ok for that. But I did notice that with the ECO switch turned on, it didn’t idle too smoothly…it was surging and on the verge of cutting out when not under any load. It might be I just needed to pull a little load to make it run more smoothly. But the surging would tend to be an irritation to you or your neighbors if you were in a campground. Also, I wouldn’t recommend using the ECO switch at high elevations (5000’ or more according to the manual).

Speaking of the manual, it doesn’t mention anywhere in the manual that it has a battery operated start switch. It does have one (which is a good thing of course), and I thought that should be made clear to any prospective buyers.

It’s nicely compact, and has teensy wheels which are only useful if you’re rolling it on pavement. I’m using a dolly to haul it around with it, because the ground is a little bumpy at my place.

Prior to buying the generator, I went back through the seller’s feedback reviews and found a few reviews of people who had bought one over 6mos to 1yr ago. I contacted those people to see what they thought of the unit after having it a while. The 2 people that responded to me we’re fairly pleased with it.

I would have bought a Yamaha if I could have afforded it, but for $550, I’m not complaining. I’ll try to post some more on this after I take it bow hunting this fall.

TozerBGood
“Everything Take Longer And Costs More”

[Ron2]

TozerBGood,
I purchased a Rasmond Sinemate 2500 a little over a year ago and so far I haven't had any problems. I have a 1996 Vectra GT with basement air so I don't run the A/C using the Rasmond. My unit doesn't have the 30 amp receptacle, just two 15 amp receptacles. I don't have a battery operated start switch but I do have those usless little wheels. I do a lot of boondocking and have built a low wooden platform to set my unit on because cooling air is drawn in from the bottom of the generator and will suck up dust/leaves from the forest floor. I notice surging ocassionally while the ECO switch is on but really not that big of a deal to me and I think all generators measure their dB level in the ECO mode. I'm sure it is as good as any Chinese generator on the market and like you I can't justify the high cost of a Yamaha or Honda. All of my boondocking is done above 4000 ft and close to the 5000 ft level. As a mater of fact we are headed out next week for a week of boondocking and will run the Rasmond most of the time. Cost was my #1 reason for purchasing the Rasmond and since it is bright yellow you can't lose it.
Ron

[TozerBGood]

Good idea with the wooden platform - I never looked at where the air intake was. I'll probably do the same.

I'm curious how well does your generator start with the rope pull when you haven't used it for a while. I have an older chinese 1000W which after 1 yr it wouldn't start at all without starter fluid to help it. You just don't want the smell of starter fluid on you when you're bowhunting if you know what I mean. So that was one of my biggest fears with the Ramsond.

On the Noise thing, I agree with you, the noise is not that bad, it's quieter than a Coleman. But I suspect the noise on the Ramsond is louder than 59db no matter what mode it's in, compared to my friend's Yamaha which he bought used for $1800. Just a few weeks ago, we were all sitting around the camp, with his generator running just 10' away from us - it was sitting in the back of the pickup. It was almost unoticeable - just a quiet hum. So I only point this out about the Noise level of the Ramsond for the purpose of prospective buyers trying to decide what to buy.

TozerBGood

[Ron2]

It took me a while to figure out how many pushes on the primer bulb to get it to start easily. At first I either didn't push the blub enough or left the choke on "full choke" to long and it was taking too many pulls to get it started so I used starter fluid to start it. After some experimenting I now push the primer blub 15 times, two pulls on full choke, and then slide the choke to about half choke and it starts easily. Like I said most of my boondocking is done above the 4000 ft level so yours might be different. I don't know if it helps but I also start my generator monthly and let it run for about 20 minutes even if I do not plan on using it. I also use Stabil in all of my small gas engines.
I purchased mine on eBay and have noticed many similar style generators which makes me believe they are manufactured by the same factory but the case is colored differently.
I think we would both agree that for the cost difference the learning curve is worth it.
I worked around jet engines all of my life so I probably couldn't tell the difference between 59dB and 159dB. I know my Wife has told me that my favorite word is "huh"!

Ron

[Ron2]

TozerBGood
I wanted to update you on my Ramsond Sinemate 2500. Since I operate my 2500 above 5000 ft most of the time I contacted their Tech Department and asked about purchasing a smaller diameter main fuel jet and replacing it per the owners manual. Their "tech person" informed me that smaller jets were not available and he didn't know if they could even be replaced because of the auto throttle. I replied informing him of the page number and paragraph in the operation manual and also told him I could not endorse his generator anymore because of the lack of parts support.

Ron

[TozerBGood]

Thanks for that bit of info Ron2 - I'm surprised the guy even spoke english.

Do you observe a difference in operation at higher elevation? I got the impression from your first post, that it worked ok at 4000-5000 feet. Maybe missed something there.

Either way, It does pretty much suck that they don't back up what's in the brochures/advertisment/manual. Those bastards!

I suspect it may have never even dawned on "padovaimports" that this review on the Ramsond Sinemate could very well cause them a lot less sales. They're the main distribitor on Ebay. I happen to know from trying it, that this page comes up on one of the first few hits when you search Google for reviews on the generator.

It's not my intent to do them any harm, but dog-gon-nit...people have a right to know this kind of stuff before they buy one.

If I was the distributor, and I heard that people were saying the Ramsond Parts Support is a farce, I'd get right on it...wouldn't you?

With that in mind, I think I'm going to send "padovaimports" a little message and inform them of this and point out that this could directly affect their sales. Maybe it'll do some good, maybe it won't...but sure doesn't hurt to try. It probably wouldn't hurt to make someone at the Ramsond website aware also.

Thanks again for the feedback Ron2. Hope you have fun boondocking. I'll be elk bow-hunting in September. I'll check back in after that.

TozerBGood
“Everything Takes Longer And Costs More”

[Ron2]

TozerBGood,
I did an internet search and found the Ramsond webpage so I actually emailed someone at Ramsond Corp. The person I emailed was Christian Sirois at 4051 Haggerty Rd. W. Bloomfield, Michigan 48323 email: tech@ramsond.com Phone number 248-363-8302.
Yeah, I did say that it works well at 5000 ft or below but we have some trips planned at the 7000+ ft level and I'm concerned about running it continously at that level. I'll probably give it a try with the auto throttle function turned on but if it doesn't perform correctly I will try it with the auto throttle function disabled. I live at the 3000 ft level and everywhere I take the motorhome is "up" (unless I leave the state) so if I replace the main jet I don't think it will run excessively lean at the 5000 ft level to burn any valves but running excessively rich will cause me to do more maintenance because of carbon buildup.
I agree with you about "doing any business any harm" but the instructions say to replace the main fuel jet for operations above 5000 ft. and we have many areas in this country above 5000 ft and they should state in their sales pitch that parts aren't available. I'm going to do some research on the manufacturer of the carb and see if I can find the high altitude main fuel jet. I'll be using the Ramsond in Yellowstone for a week in mid Sept. so I'll get back to you with an update.
Elk bow hunting in September........you must live in the Mountain West. Good luck with your hunt.

Ron

[Speeder]

Tozer,
I really appreciate your observations. I am considering this very same unit because it has the rare electric start option on a small lightweight generator. I'm hoping I could modify the switch for remote start.

I get the feeling that the people selling these on Ebay aren't all that knowlegable about anything other than campground applications. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you for some opinions.

If I wired up a remote switch and even a choke cable, do you think I could get it started from a remote location? Or, does it require you to stand in front of it and fiddle around to get it going?

Does it run very hot under load? If I had it in a confined area with a ventilation blower feeding it, do you think it would be OK? (don't most RV applications run air cooled generators in confined spaces?).

Has it worked out OK so far for you? I've seen some satisfaction posts but also some others that were downright violent about poor quality and non-existent parts/service.

Thanks

[Max Hubrich]

Hey Ron2,

I used to re-size carburetor jets upward and downward years ago in my "Hot Rod" days.

Just get you a set of "number" drill bits, use the bits to determine the current hole size, fill in the current "jet" hole with silver solder and re-drill it to a smaller size to suit you. You understand then, that you have just gone into the R&D mode as an engineer. Your responsible for any damage to the engine operation you may incur. I was young and a kid when I did that stuff and never worried about liability and such---

Good luck,

[Ron2]

Thanks Max. You know I just might try that if I can't get a lead on a replacement jet. I think I will practice my silver soldering first and then become a R&D engineer, it wouldn't be the first thing I have ever screwed up in my life.

Speeder I think you would receive negative post on almost any product because different people have different expectations. Cost is a factor for me and I realize I'm not going to get Mercedes quality in a Kia but of course I am not going to pay the same amount for the Kia. I do my own maintenance on my RV, my airplane, and my cars, and I will tighten up a few loose bolts on my Rasmond and given time to do the research I'm sure I can find parts for the Rasmond but it would be nice if the distributer had a link or access to parts, after all my Rasmond 2500 was $500 less than the Honda 2000.

Ron

[TozerBGood]

Speeder - I can't remember if I replied or not, but remote switch should work as long as it maintains contact until it starts. I'm picturing you in an RV on a cold morning, and you can hear when it fires up, so you'd let off on the button when you hear it...am I correct? The only snag is it has a pushy squeezy primer bulb. So if you wanted to chance it, and shell out the money to buy the generator, re-engineer it for the remote start (that is...assuming you don't really actually need to push the squeezy primer bulb), and after doing all that...if it didn't start, you'd have to get out there and prime it.

So how important is the remote option? If you're ice fishing in Wisconsin, I wouldn't even bother with the Ramsond. But all I'm doing is using mine in the Summer and Fall for the most part, and I actually haven't even done that yet. In Eastern Oregon in the fall, it can snow and get down into the15-20 deg F at night and early morning, but usually it's fairly warm for the most part.

This by the way, leads me to another discussion that I've seen a lot of people do, and it keeps the small engine repair people in business. RON2 says he runs his periodically, which is a good idea, but many people tend to forget to do that (generator out of sight-out of mind - it's a common problem). So before stowing your generator for longer periods of time, make sure and shut the fuel valve off while it's running, and run the gas out of the carb. Otherwise the lacquers in the gasoline will coat up your little gas orifices etc, and you'll be back to using the starting fluid. Just the other day, I spotted a 1999 Honda 3500 rope start generator, at a garage sale. The guy said he'd been using WD 40 to get it started, and he'd only used it 3 tankfulls of gas. It looked like almost new, he said he had paid $1600 for it new, and he sold it to me for $250. It just wouldn't start...that's all. So I took it home, opened up the carb and found the small orifices were completely plugged with hardened lacquer from old gas. I cleaned it out with carb cleaner, put it back together, and it ran like a charm. I put it on CraigsList the next day for $550, and before the end of the day, within 2 hrs of posting it, a guy came over and gave me $500 cash for it. Maybe I was just lucky, but the small engine repair business depends on that kind of stuff.

So now you might think why didn't I keep the Honda and get rid of the Ramsond (the idea did cross my mind). Well, the Honda 3500 had a sturdy frame with wheels that were big enough to roll it around, but was considerably heavier than the Ramsond. Lifting it in/out of the pickup...Hmmm...I'd probably hurt my back. Also, the Honda didn't have an electric start...another back saver reason for keeping the Ramsond. Also, the Honda was not inverter duty, and I use a laptop out in the boonies to download GPS waypoints to a TOPO Map program. Finally, the Honda 3500 was not the Expensive Quiet model...it's not a true comparison, but for what it's worth...it was louder than the Ramsond!!!...; and besides that, I had to do a lot of explaining to my wife when I bought the Ramsond...how on earth could I justify getting rid of it after I just bought it. Now that would have been a real dilemna.

So back back to the Ramsond...I will be giving mine the big test in a couple of weeks, and let you know how hot it runs. At this point, I haven't even run it for more than 30 minutes, but it didn't seem like it got too hot. I wouldn't recommend running it inside an RV compartment though - it needs to sit outside on the ground or a platform like RON2 does so it can get clean fresh air.

[TozerBGood]

Max - When it comes to drill bits, I'd spend a little more and get COBALT bits. See - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

TozerBGood
“Everything Takes Longer And Costs More”

[Ron2]

I just wanted to update all of you that own a Rasmond portable generator on my last trip, we were at 7750 feet for over a week and the temperature dropped to the low 40 degrees each morning. I used the Ramsond every day for over three hours. I left the unit outside overnight with the choke in the "full choke" position to prevent debris from entering the carb. Each morning I would push the primer about 20 times, switch off the "economy" mode, and pull the rope and it started on the third pull every time. I would slowly open the choke and once it was running smoothly I would switch back to the econmony mode. We ran all electrical units except the air conditioner. I'm pleased! There were several Honda 2000's near by and my son-in-law said he really didn't notice any significate difference in noise level. I'm not selling these generators, I just wanted to let you that own one know of my latest experience.
Ron

[TozerBGood]

I had problems with my Generator on my hunting trip. After about 3-4 days, it started only putting out 33 volts on the AC side, and when I started pulling covers to see if any loose wires or shorts, I discovered that the Air Cleaner housing was completely cracked all the way around right where it bolts on to the carburetor. So the whole air cleaner is loose inside the generator. The air cleaner problem isn't really related to the 33v AC, but it is a problem that needs to be fixed. I've communicated with the Ramsond Corp and will let you all know how it comes out.

The only good news is that I shot a monster 6x7 bull elk this year (biggest elk I've ever shot - last year I shot a 5x6 which looks puny next to this bull)! I've attached a picture of it which you can see by going to this link.

http://home.comcast.net/~EbayAuction1/2009Hunting-6x7.JPG

I shot this bull at 30 yrds right behind the front right leg - the arrow busted through the back part of his shoulder plate, and reached his heart. I shot him in the Heppner Unit of Eastern Oregon, on Thursday Sept 24, 2009 at approx 6:37PM. He ran over 100 yds but couldn't go far because the arrow broadhead was slicing up his heart as he ran. We found him in about 20 minutes (after we'd calmed down a bit). There was one other young man at the water hole with me from our hunting party. He had first taken a 60 yd shot at the bull and missed, causing the bull to run forward a little and stop, where I finally got him broadside at 30 yds.

I unofficially scored him at a 312, but then I've never done that before, and you have to wait 60 days to get an accurate score. If you look closely at his rack you'll see several tips busted off, indicating he'd been fighting a lot. We'd seen him fighting with another 6 pt bull just 2 nights before and while they were fighting, there was no less than 1 4pt, 2 5pts, and another 6pt all standing sentinel around the 2 fighting bulls. I've never seen anything like that before. There was also 3 cows there, and across the meadow, my son was on 2 other bulls.

We'd been trying to get any of these bulls for about 8-9 days - bugling, cow calling, stalking. There were 3 gated roads into this area, and each day there was at least 1 to 3 pickups parked at these gates. The place was so over hunted...over bugled...over cow called...none of which was working...the bulls were too cagey-smart for that stuff - they would answer calls, but only to locate you the hunter...so they could stay clear of you.

So finally I discovered a water hole near where we'd last bugled a bull that morning which I believed was the big herd bull (who only had 3 cows... LOL) that very morning in the trash thicket next to this water hole, and I thought I might catch him trying to get a drink in the afternoon. So whille everyone else was napping at camp at 2pm in the afternoon, I went and sat on the water hole that afternoon with the other young man in our hunting party. Nobody else in our camp believed me when I said that bull was in the thicket next to the water hole. Well my hunch obviously paid off, and I got the bull when he was coming out to get a drink. Ironically, the next day..., everyone in camp was saying they were going to go sit on a water hole that day...but it didn't help them any. You have to know that the bull is in the thicket next to it..LOL!

TozerBGood
“Everything Takes Longer And Costs More”