The Champion 46539 is a 3500-rated-watt, 4000-peak-watt portable generator with both push-button electric start and wireless remote start. This portable generator is household and RV ready with two 20-amp duplex receptacles and two 30-amp outlets.
Parts
The Champion 46539 generator is shipped in a big carton with all the nuts and bolts required for attaching the wheel kit to the frame of the generator. An oil funnel, bottle of oil, spark plug socket and remote key fob are also included.
Assembly
You might need about 30 minutes to assemble and prepare the Champion 46539 generator for its first start. You need to install the wheel kit, support leg and handles. The battery leads have to be connected. The engine requires oil and fuel.
Attach the wheel kit and handles before you add oil and fuel because you have to tip the generator on its side to add the wheels. Please notice that you will have to use your own tools for assembling the generator. You will need the following tools: 17 mm wrench, 16 mm socket wrench and pliers.
Weight
The Champion 46539 weighs about 125 pounds. It is a good thing that a wheel kit and handle is included with the generator, otherwise it would be difficult to move around.
Engine
The Champion 46539 has a 196 cc four-stroke engine. Do not mix the oil and gasoline. The engine oil and gasoline are added separately.
A bottle of engine oil and an oil funnel are included in the box with the generator. The oil capacity is 0.6 qt. For the most part, 10W-30 automotive oil will do the trick. Just remember that you should never attempt to start the engine without sufficient oil, yet do not to overfill the oil pan.
The engine has a low oil shut-off which automatically stops the engine if the oil level drops below the minimum level. Furthermore, if the generator is not standing on a level surface but on an incline, then this might trigger the low oil shut-off and prevent the generator from running continuously.
The engine runs on gasoline and its fuel tank has a 3.8-gallon capacity. Do not overfill the tank because fuel expands due to heat from the engine below and might be forced out of the tank if it is overfilled.
Noise Level
The Champion 46539 is a noisy generator, but not more than any other 3500-watt open frame portable generator. Its specifications state a noise level of 68 dBA, but we do not know the exact parameters used to determine this number.
Should you buy an open frame inverter generator?
If you want a quieter open frame portable generator, then you might have to look for a 3500-watt inverter generator. Overall, open frame inverter generators are much quieter, yet more expensive, than ordinary open frame generators.
A hybrid style generator incorporates the best of both design styles. For example, the Champion 100573 is a 3500-running-watt open frame inverter generator with both electric push-button start and wireless remote start. It is a few decibels quieter with a noise level rating of 64 dBA. You can learn more about the Champion 100573 open frame inverter generator on Amazon.
Receptacles
The power panel of the Champion 46539 gives access to the digital meter, ignition switch, battery switch, circuit breakers and ground terminal. There are four receptacles: one 30-amp twist lock receptacle, one NEMA TT-30R receptacle and two 20-amp duplex receptacles.
Battery
The Champion 46539 has an automatic battery charging circuit which slowly charges the battery when the engine is running. However, if you do not use the generator regularly, then you should connect the battery to an automatic battery charger with a trickle charging function.
The wireless receiver control module consumes tiny amounts of power from the battery. For that reason, you are advised to turn off the battery switch when the generator is not being used. This prevents the receiver control module from drawing standby current from the battery.
Electric Start
The product manual recommends pressing and holding the electric start button for five seconds before releasing it. Wait for ten seconds and try again if the engine has failed to start. It usually starts after the second or third attempt.
The electric start and wireless remote start system opens and closes the choke automatically. Therefore, only use the choke lever when pulling the recoil starter. Use the choke position only for one pull before returning the lever to the “Run” position. You should avoid fouling up the spark plug or flooding the engine with too much fuel by using the choke position continuously.
The recoil pull cord acts as a backup starting method if the battery charge is too low to turn over the engine. You might have to use an automotive battery charger to fully recharge the battery about once per month.
Please note that there is a voltage delay of about 15 seconds that only occurs when you use the wireless remote control to start and stop the generator. There is no voltage delay when using either the recoil starter or the electric start button.
Wireless Remote Start
You have to be within 80 feet from the generator or the remote start key fob will not be able to start it. There are a few things that you must do before you press the wireless remote start button. First, make sure the generator is nice and level, otherwise the oil shut-off system might turn off the generator. Second, always turn off and unplug appliances before starting or stopping the generator. Third, turn the fuel valve, battery switch and ignition switch to the “ON” positions.
Now the generator is ready for a remote start. You can press and release the start button on the remote key fob. The remote start system will try to start the generator automatically for up to six times. You should never hold down the wireless remote start button or press it repeatedly.
There are a few possible reasons why the generator might fail to start when using the wireless remote system. The battery of the remote key fob might be dead or the generator’s battery might need a full recharge. You should also check if the battery switch is turned on.
The remote control key has its own small internal battery, which will need replacement after regular use. Buy and insert the same type of battery when the old one is depleted. It might be a good idea to remove the battery from the remote control if it is not going to be used for a long period of time.
Champion 46539: Conclusion
The key feature of the Champion 46539 portable generator is the wireless remote control system and key fob. It gives you the ability to start or stop the generator remotely without leaving the comfort of the house or recreational vehicle. It might also be more convenient for elderly people who do not want to struggle with the physical exertion of pulling a recoil starter rope. In light of that, proper battery maintenance is very important.
All things considered, the Champion 46539 is a good portable generator that offers both electric push-button and wireless remote start at an affordable price. It works great for household appliances or recreational vehicles, even though it might be a little too loud for some people.