generators?what r u using?

As you've spotted, the word 'generator' is generally used to identify both a generator and an inverter generator (Yamaha is the only manufacturer I've spotted who shortens the name to just 'inverter').

A generator produces 120 volts alternating at 60 cycles per second (120v AC) by essentially rotating a magnet within a coil of wire.  A generator is a simple machine: to maintain the 60 cycles per second, it must maintain a constant rotational speed.  As you put more load on a generator (i.e. you plug more things in), there is more resistance as the generator tries to spin the magnet and the motor must work harder to maintain the rotational speed.  Although its a pretty good system, there are some drawbacks.  First: as loads are added, the generator must ramp-up power and during this time the voltage and the cycles per second will drop, producing 'dirty' power (brownouts and spikes).  Second: the 60 cycles per second is a fixed requirement (even when there is little or no load), requiring the engine to be running constantly at a high speed.

An inverter generator uses electronics to improve performance.  The generator produces direct current (as opposed to alternating current) and this is run through some electronics to convert it to 120v AC and clean-up the blips in the incoming power as it ramps up/down under load.  An inverter generator doesn't need to maintain a constant engine speed to keep up to the 60 cycles per second as the electronics adjust the incoming power to a standard of 120v AC.  The net advantage to an inverter generator is that it provides cleaner power and is able to idle at a much lower (and quieter) level.

Is a generator hard to use or hook up?

 

Techntrek, I appreciate your additional info.  Thanks, guys!

just installed the hard start capacitor and it runs my a/c like a champ in 94 degree heat.it runs my a/c at 68 degrees for about seven hours and 5 minutes on 1.1 gallons of gas.much better than buying a second generator.  thanks for the tip outbound.