The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is a portable dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 6,000 W and a starting wattage of 7,250 W. (Read full specs)
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| Highest Price $1,241.40 Lowest Price $949.00 Current Price $1,099.57 |
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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO
In short, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is a portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO provides a 120/240V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 6,000W and a starting wattage of 7,250W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 5,500 running watts and 6,500 starting watts. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
Enjoying a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator offers the versatility of starting with either a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism or a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). The PGDA70BiSCO can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
In terms of its run time capability, the PGDA70BiSCO, furnished with a 3.6 gallons fuel tank, can maintain operations for around 8.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.42 gallons per hour). It also provides around 8 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH) of operation with propane.
The PGDA70BiSCO generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Pulsar generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles. In addition, because the PGDA70BiSCO is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24 x W19 x H22 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Despite its weight of 118 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its set of 2 wheels and its telecospic handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The PGDA70BiSCO's control panel
A digital data center, one of the features of the PGDA70BiSCO's control panel, gives you information on the frequency, fuel level, voltage, lifetime run hours and power output, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
The unit also benefits from Pulsar's CO Sentry carbon monoxide detection. The sensor monitors for the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas around the generator, and shuts down the engine is increasing levels of CO gas are detected.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO features extra accessories: key fob, tool kit, propane hose and funnel.
Product Video
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 5500 and 6500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO weighs just 118 pounds and thus, it is one of the lightest 5500 to 6500 rated wattage dual fuel generators.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 62 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the most quiet of the products of similar type and power.
- Concerning its runtime, the PGDA70BiSCO provides around 8.5 hours at a 50% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its type and power range. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Firman H05752 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 12 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator provides better fuel efficiency than most others in its wattage range, consuming approximately 0.42 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the DuroMax XP7000iH. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.38 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5500-6500W generators, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Dual Fuel
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- USB-C port
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (118 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (62 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- No 50-amp output
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 312 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,000 W | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 7,250 W | 6,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 50/25 amps | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 60.4/30.2 amps | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8.5 h | 8 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A and USB-C) |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 118 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24 x 19 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 62 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, key fob, propane hose, and battery |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 814726027629 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
About Pulsar
Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.
Warranty Information
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4797 W | 6272 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Total | 4780 W | 5200 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4540 W | 7240 W |
Does this model have a floating neutral or bonded neutral? (Asked September 04, 2023)
Neutral is bonded.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO Review after 15 run hours.
I bought my Pulsar generator a few weeks ago, but I wanted to put some time on it before my review. First, this is a GREAT generator. It’s a bit less expensive that others in its class, but it really doesn’t lack anything major. I would gladly buy it again. Now for some points:
1. My meter works 100%. It remembers the total time used, even after a complete shutdown. So while I see in Dave’s review he has a bad one, it’s not hard to replace. The meter is attached to the front control panel with 2 screws and just one connector in the back. So It can be replaced by the owner in 10 minutes, rather than shipping the whole unit in for repair. But again, mine works fine.
2. The generator itself is labeled “Neutral Bonded to Frame”, even though the owner’s manual is incorrect. But to use it as a whole house generator, it needs to be a floating neutral to comply with the National Electrical Code. After I questioned Pulsar, they responded with a solution. It was only a 10-minute fix. I removed the fuel supply knob, the flare fitting for the propane connection, and the screws attaching the control panel. Inside at the very bottom of the 120-volt GFI receptacle is the neutral to ground connection. There is NO grounding bus bar, just this ground screw on the receptacle. There are 2 white neutrals under one spade lug connection. Remove the spade lug with 2 white neutrals, put the ground screw back with the remaining ground wire, and tape up the neutrals well. Push it in and reconnect the panel. All neutrals are floating now, which is code required for a house connection using an interlocked generator breaker in your panel, and a house with it’s neutral to ground connection at the service panel.
3. I’m only using the 240/120 volt L14-30R receptacle for my house connection, so I didn’t care that the 120v receptacles are dead while on 240 volts.
4. The gas gauge works fine using gasoline. It’s impossible for the gauge to read an external propane tank level, as there is nothing that reads the tank’s level. But the gasoline level works fine.
5. Maintenance is very easy. I broke-in the generator for the first 5 hours as required, but I changed the oil 4 times in the 15 hours I’ve used it. Oil changes are very clean, because there is a hose you pull out that drips into an adjacent oil pan. Not a drop goes inside the frame. Same for filling it up. They give you a threaded funnel that connects to the dip stick hole, so oil is simply put in the funnel and doesn’t drip all over the frame. Also, the carburetor bowl has a clear hose attached to the bowl plug, so that too can drain the carburetor bowl gasoline outside of the frame. I wish my car was this easy.
6. All in all, a great generator at a very reasonable price.
Well Made but some Advertised Features are Missing
I purchased this PGDA70BiSCO dual fuel generator at Home Depot. This compact 7500 watt generator appears very well made and has clean, curved lines, not the typical clunky look you get with many generators.
The unit has 3 power outlet jacks: 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI, 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R), 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) as well as USB-C and USB-A jacks.
The remote electric start is nice and so are the USB-A and USB-C jacks. I confirm they will “Super Fast Charge” the current Samsung smart phones, for instance, so they provide at least 25 watts. The Carbon Monoxide sensor is a good feature too. This generator runs on gasoline or LPG (propane). There is no provision for natural gas. I tested with propane only.
The collapsible moving handle is well made of lightweight aluminum and functions well, making it easy to roll around this 118 Lb. generator. The Low Idle feature is great in that the generator runs slower and quieter until an increased load is detected. This will save fuel. There is a handy Digital Display Center. It does have minor issues to be mentioned later. It shows percentage of maximum load, Percentage of fuel remaining, Volts, Amps, Power in Kilowatts, and current run hours (NOT Total hours!). It also has LEDs for Overload, Power and Low Oil.
The generator has an automatic, timed electric start cycle. After holding the start button (or remote control button) for one second, there is a pause of a few seconds before the first electric start attempt is made. If it fails to start after 10 seconds, it pauses again and retries. On propane, the generator always took 3 tries of the starter before jumping to life. I did not try with gasoline. I also tried starting the generator using the pull cord. It took 5 or 6 pulls.
Both Neutral and Ground are bonded to the frame, despite some Pulsar misinformation saying “Neutral Floating”. The provided owner’s manual shows some different panel labels to the actual generator. The manual picture shows “Neutral Floating” on all power jacks but the actual generator says “Neutral Bonded to Frame”.
The engine does not have an oil filter or magnetic drain plug to catch metal particles which is a negative. The acoustic foam and foam tape seals on the plastic panels are not high quality neoprene types, but cheaper polyurethane, and will most likely turn to dust with time.
The Owner’s manual is pretty much useless and is basically an initial setup and starting procedures manual. The functions of various switches, sockets and digital meter is mentioned very briefly or not at all, and few or no details on how they work. Even the extendable, collapsible handle isn’t mentioned.
There is a VOLTAGE selection switch on the front panel that says 120V ONLY or 120/240 V. Despite what Pulsar says in their advertising, videos and even in the owner’s manual, I confirm that the PGDA70BiSCO DOES NOT supply both 120 & 240 Volts when the switch is set to 120/240 Volts! Only 240 Volts appears on the central L14-30R 4-pin 30 amp jack. All 120 Volt plugs are dead until you select 120V ONLY. Of course you then lose 240 Volts. I confirmed this with tech support who stated that the published specs and videos are incorrect. It’s either 120 Volts OR 240 Volts but not both, they said. Very disappointing for my needs and misleading to say the least. This was one of the reasons I bought this generator over others.
Also, despite what Pulsar states, the digital hour meter DOES NOT show total time. It shows current run time, which is a pretty much useless. The meter resets to zero when you turn the generator off. How dumb is that? So much for timing oil changes or just knowing how much time the unit has run since new. Tech Support said that some of their other models have a switch to toggle between current run time or total time. Not this one. Speaking of the LCD meter, it continuously toggles through Voltage, Current in Amps, Power in Kilowatts and Run Time in tenths of an hour. If the mode switch is set to 120 Volts, the meter will show that voltage reading only. If set to 120/240V the meter briefly shows the 240 volt reading first, followed by the 120 volt reading for a longer duration. The meter does not show frequency as stated in the owner’s manual or advertising. It would be nice if there was a HOLD button to stop toggling so one can monitor one parameter, say Amps or Watts for instance.
There is a vertical fuel meter on the digital display but it always showed ZERO fuel remaining. I only used propane, so perhaps that is why. Again, no mention of how to read the meter or if it only responds to gasoline. There is a vertical percentage percent of maximum power which did work.
When calling Tech Support to try to figure out why there was no 120 volt current in the 120/240V mode, I was on automatic hold for exactly 10 minutes before being asked to leave a phone number. I did this 3 times over a four hour period hoping I could talk to a live person, and then gave up and put the generator aside. I then wrote an email. Only the next day did someone respond to my phone messages, but this tech person was not well versed in the generator’s operation and did not have a solution for either the 120/240V issue or the problem with the total hours meter resetting. Later that day a knowledgable person responded to my email and confirmed that my problems were due to incorrect published information on the “soft launch” of this new model.
I should also mention that one side cover arrived with a crack, obviously sustained at the factory when someone tried to force the side cover in place, no doubt with a mallet. The packaging was perfect. No big deal. Pulsar said they could send me a new cover to install.
The 3 year warranty is nice. The generator was very well packed and came with remote control, 1 liter of engine oil, a screwdriver, spark plug wrench, oil funnel, and a propane hose and regulator. Also included were one each NEMA L14-30P 120/240V 30 amp plug, NEMA TT-30 RV 120V 30amp plug, NEMA 5-20P 120V-20 amp plug, and owner’s manual.
Overall, this seems a good value if you are willing to live with the aforementioned shortcomings.