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Since: June 3, 2023 |
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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO
In a nutshell, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO
The dual-fuel technology of the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 6,000W and a starting wattage of 7,250W. If propane-powered, it gives 5,500 rated watts and 6,500 starting watts. In addition, the device is parallel capable (parallel kit not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music). Its starting mechanisms include a conventional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the PGDA70BiSCO can also be remotely started (key fob included).
The running time of the PGDA70BiSCO, with its 3.6 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 8.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.42 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 8 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the PGDA70BiSCO generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready. In addition, since the PGDA70BiSCO bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L24 x W19 x H22 in), the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 118 lbs. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its set of 2 wheels and its telecospic handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The PGDA70BiSCO's control panel
Monitoring of the PGDA70BiSCO's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours, voltage, frequency, power output and fuel level and is one of the features of its control panel.
In addition to this info, when the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
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 typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, propane hose, key fob and funnel.
Emissions
The Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
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 generators of similar power (between 5500 and 6500 W).
- Weight-wise, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO has only 118 lbs, which renders it one of the lightest generators which produce 5500 to 6500 rated watts.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 62 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the PGDA70BiSCO, reaching around 8.5 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Predator 6500, with around 14.5 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This inverter generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.42 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the A-iPower SUA7000L, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.36 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4792 W | 5792 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 4790 W | 5380 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
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.