cheap (but safe) 1 kWh power station?

[Whitenuckler]

I had an APC brand UPS that refused to work on our old Coleman generator. It worked fine on the Yamaha inverter replacement.

Did you happen to measure the output of the old Coleman? Sometimes the voltage regulator boards can go bad. Also, the frequency can be off too if the engine is not regulating the proper RPM.
The inverter ones have far more regulators, so they they maintain 60Hz and 115VAC. I have an inverter type that I use(d) for camping with 30A 120V, and run it on propane. Then some monster house 240V 30A that weighs a ton. It's pure steel and copper, no electronics.

 

[begreen]

It was a new generator. The voltage was ok, around 120vac but I didn't have anything to measure frequency. Regular stuff like refrigeration and lights didn't mind it, but the UPS wanted cleaner power.

 

[sloeffle]

My CFL bulbs flicker with my generator, that's why I know it's not producing clean power. I checked the frequency and it wasn't horrible but it wasn't as good as grid power. My generator isn't grounded either, and I read that can help. If the generator has 30 - 40 hours on it, I'd be surprised. It's a Champion 3500W gas generator.