Whistler 200/400 WATT User's Manual
Contents
1. Care amp Maintenance Technical Operating Principles Operation Summary Troubleshooting 7 Specifications 6 Warranty Information 1 AC Output Sockets 5b Power Cords 2 On Off Switch 6 Fuse Cover 3 Power LED 7 High Speed Cooling Fan 4 Overload Low Battery LED 8 Power Input Terminal Red Positive 5a DC 12 Volt Power Cord 9 Power Input Terminal Black Negative 2 3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION INVERTER BASICS Important Information About Your New WHISTLER Inverter This manual will provide you with directions for the safe and efficient operation of your WHISTLER inverter Read the manual carefully before using your new WHISTLER inverter and keep the manual on file for future reference Notes Your WHISTLER inverter is designed to operate from a 12 volt power source only Never attempt to connect your Whistler inverter to any other power source including any AC power source e The length of the supplied cables is matched for the current needed by the inverter Making this cable longer will make the inverter less efficient and may cause the cables to heat up e Do not attempt to lengthen the supplied power cables e 110 volts can be lethal Improper use of your WHISTLER inverter may result in property damage personal injury or loss of life e Not recommended for use with medical equipment Check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility with modified sine wave inverters Some appliances may not work2. This filter is available at RadioShack part number 273 105 PROBLEM Low or No Output Voltage Problem Solution Using incorrect type of Use a true RMS reading voltmeter to test output meter voltage See For You Technical Types Section of this manual 20 PROBLEM Low Battery Alarm On All The Time Input voltage below Keep input voltage above 10 5 volts 10 5 volts to maintain regulation Poor or weak battery Replace battery condition Inadequate power being Use lower gauge wire delivered to the inverter 400 watt model or excessive voltage drop Red LED on Equipment has a high Turn inverter power switch start up surge OFF O and then ON l again until the inverter powers your appliance Repeat as necessary to get your appliance started Battery voltage below Recharge or replace 10 volts battery Equipment being operated Use a higher capacity draws too much power inverter or do not use this equipment Inverter is too hot thermal Allow inverter to cool Check for adequate ventilation Reduce the load on the inverter to rated continuous power output shutdown mode TROUBLESHOOTING SPECIFICATIONS PROBLEM TV Does Not Work WHISTLER 200 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Continuous Power sesse 200 Watts i AR TV does not turn on Try rocking the ON OFF ae oai IS Pesk Power 400 P wateke the inverts nahil o Load Current Draw tasases lt 0 leaving the TV
3. ON Waveform ind adda eee ect dude Modified Sine Wave see page 7 Operating Input Voltage Range 11 15 Volts DC AC Receptacle sassen Two 3 Prong FUSES isora One 25 Amp Spade Type Internal a T manoet Approximate Dimensions 57 L P325 W x 1 85 H or start up surge and or to Aprox mate Waiolt 11 Ibs find out if TV is compatible PP S TESS ee eases HE i VETA OAEIAE WHISTLER 400 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS A larger inverter may be Maximum Continuous Power EE T 400 Watts required Maximum Surge Capability Peak Power 800 Watts No Load Current Draw ceeceeceeseeeteeeteeees lt 0 4 A Waveform esaeran e Modified Sine Wave Operating Input Voltage Range 11 15 Volts DC AG Receptacles i a na E RAA Two 3 Prong FUSES oieta Two 25 Amp Spade Type Internal One 15 Amp Glass Type Lighter Cord Approximate Dimensions 7 L x 3 65 W x 1 85 H Approximate Weight 0 0 ceeceeseeeseeeeteeeeeeees 1 3 lbs Under certain conditions your inverter may provide up to 2 times the continuous rating for a brief period 22 23 WARRANTY WARRANTY Consumer Warranty This Whistler is warrantied to the original purchaser for a period of two years from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused modified installed improperly had its housing removed or has a missing serial number There are no express warranties cov ering this product other than th
4. minal on the inverter to the Negative terminal on the 12 volt power source Make certain the connec tion is secure 4 Confirm that the cable you have just installed is prop erly connected Specifically make certain that the cable is connected to the Negative terminals on both the inverter and the 12 volt power source 5 Connect the cable from the RED Positive terminal on the inverter to the Positive terminal on the power source BATTERY o 3 z Remove the cigarette lighter and push the adapter plug firmly into the cigarette lighter socket Make certain both the socket and adapter plugs are clean Note If the equipment or appliance you intend to operate requires more than 150 watts of continuous power this inverter should be connected directly to the power source using the Hard Wire Cables 400 watt model or the optional Hard Wire Adapter P N PPO10DC Failure to do so may result in serious damage to the power cord or to the cigarette socket lighter wiring Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in volt age which may cause damage to the wires and insulation Failure to make proper connection between the inverter and the power source will result in reverse polarity Reverse polarity will blow the internal fuses in the invert er and may cause permanent damage to the inverter Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered under the WHISTLER warranty Making the connection between the Posit
5. returned with its serial number For reference please write your unit s serial number in the following space s n Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty IMPORTANT To validate that your unit is within the warranty period make sure you keep a copy of your dated store receipt You may register your warranty online at www whistlergroup com however for warranty verification purposes a copy of your dated store receipt must accompany any unit sent in for warranty work 25 WARRANTY Service Out Of Warranty Units will be repaired at out of warranty service rates when e The unit s original warranty has expired e Dated store receipt is not supplied e The unit has been returned without its serial number e The unit has been abused modified installed improperly or had its housing removed The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler 200 watt inverter is 15 00 U S and the 400 watt inverter is 25 00 U S If you require out of warranty service please return your unit as outlined in the section Service Under Warranty along with a certified check or money order for the correct amount Payment may also be made by MasterCard VISA and American Express personal checks are not accepted In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum service fee you will be contact ed by a Whistler technical service specialist who will out line options available to you If yo
6. Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments Where fumes or gases may accumulate In Review e Never attempt to operate your WHISTLER inverter from any power source other than a 12 volt battery or group of batteries that total 12 volts 15 OPERATING PRINCIPLES OPERATING PRINCIPLES For You Technical Types 1 Basic Operating Principles WHISTLER inverters work in two stages During the first stage the DC to DC converter increases the DC input voltage from the power source e g a 12 volt battery to 145 volts DC In the second stage the high voltage DC is converted to 110 volts 60 Hz AC using advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration The result is excellent overload capability and the capacity to operate difficult reactive loads The output waveform resulting from these conversions is a quasi sine wave or a modified sine wave as shown on the following page This stepped waveform is similar to the power generated by utilities and has a broad range of applications 145 volts peak 115 volts RMS The modified sine wave produced by your WHISTLER Inverter The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler inverter has a root mean square RMS voltage of 110 volts The 16 majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage and assume that the measured waveform will be a pure sine wave Consequently these meters will not read the RM
7. F O position until the source of the related problem has been identified and resolved Some Powerful Advice Your WHISTLER inverter will work best when placed on a rea sonably flat surface The floor or seat of your car or truck both are good locations When driving with the inverter in operation make certain that neither the inverter nor the power cords will impede safe operation of your vehicle Keep the unit and all cords clear of the steering wheel gas brake and clutch pedals and gear shift 14 To maintain your inverter in proper working condition note the following important safety precautions e MOISTURE Keep the inverter dry Do not expose it to moisture Do not operate the inverter if you the inverter the device being operated or any other sur faces that may come in contact with any power sources are wet Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or death e HEAT For peak efficiency the ambient air tempera ture should be between 50 and 80 F Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents radiators or other sources of heat Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight e VENTILATION In order to disperse the heat generat ed while the inverter is in operation keep it well venti lated While in use maintain several inches of clear ance around the top and sides of the inverter e FUMES amp GASES Avoid using the inverter near flammable materials
8. S modified sine wave voltage correctly and when measuring your WHISTLER inverter output the meters will read about 20 to 30 volts too low To accurately measure the output volt age of your inverter use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87 Fluke 8060A Beckman 4410 Triplett 4200 or any multimeter identified as True RMS For more information on inverters see our Inverter FAQ page at www whistlergroup com faq inverters asp A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet 17 OPERATION SUMMARY OPERATION SUMMARY This inverter is designed to be connected to the power source with the supplied cables or with 8 wire up to 12 4 wire for longer length When utilizing the supplied cables do not attempt to modify or lengthen them When operating this inverter with equipment or appli ances requiring in excess of 150 watts of continuous load use the optional hardwire kit PPO1ODC 200 watt model or the hardwire cables Always make certain that the power cable terminal con nections run Negative to Negative and Positive to Positive Check these connections frequently to ensure that they are secure Make certain the rated power consumption of the appli ance or equipment you wish to operate is compatible with the capacity of your inverter If the rated power consumption of the equipment is in the range of the maximum specified wattage of your convert er test the inverter to ensure that it will opera
9. THE WHISTLER GROUP INC CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 13016 N Walton Blvd Bentonville AR 72712 TEL 479 273 6012 FX 479 273 2927 www whistlergroup com CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER 1201 N Dixieland Rd Rogers AR 72756 Consumer Relations Tel 800 531 0004 Email info whistlergroup com P N 205563 2006 The Whistler Group Inc OWNER S MANUAL 200 400 WATT POWER INVERTERS T WHISTLER Technology for the Way You Live If you have questions concerning the operation of this Whistler product please call customer service 1 800 531 0004 Hours Monday Friday 8 00 am 5 00 pm CT or visit www whistlergroup com Please keep the receipt in a safe place You may register your product online at www whistlergroup com If the unit is returned without a dated proof of pur chase an out of warranty service charge applies Note Your warranty period begins at the time of purchase The war ranty is validated only by your receipt Now is the time to record the serial num ber of the unit in the space provided in the warranty section of the manual INTRODUCTION Dear Whistler Owner For many of us a vehicle is more than just transportation It can be a mobile office communications or entertainment center or simply an expression of our personality Whistler products are designed to make the time you spend in your vehicle more productive more fulfilling safer or just simply more fun Our mission is
10. determine the comparable wattage rating Induction motors as well as some televisions may require 2 to 6 times their wattage rating for startup For further information on the fundamental operating principles of WHISTLER inverters and related technical data see Technical Operating Principles 5 INVERTER BASICS INVERTER BASICS Don t Push It Although your WHISTLER inverter has the capacity to pro vide power output excess current equal to approximately two times its rated wattage capacity for a very brief period it is designed to operate equipment and appliances with start up load wattage ratings no higher than its own maxi mum continuous wattage rating For example the 400 watt model has a maximum continu ous rating of 400 watts Although this model has the capac ity to briefly provide higher watts of power that is excess current it is designed to operate equipment and appli ances with start up load requirements of 400 watts or less Consequently if the start up load rating of your equipment or appliance is the same or approximately the same as the maximum continuous rating of the inverter the inverter will attempt to start loads above the continuous rating for up to 10 seconds The inverter is designed to shut down automatically in the event of a power overload Testing appliances and equip ment with start up load ratings comparable to your inverter wattage rating will not damage it However make sure
11. ith reasonable care it should not be necessary to replace the fuse s in your inverter We have included an open fuse monitor on the DC panel Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short circuit 11 OPERATION ADDITIONAL FEATURES within the appliance or equipment being operated If the fuse s does blow turn off and disconnect the appliance or equipment from the inverter immediately repair the related problem and replace the fuse s The internal fuses are replaceable however only electronically knowledgeable people should attempt fuse replacement Note e Make certain to correct the source of the overload which caused the blown fuse before turning your inverter back ON l The Power Source When the engine is off most batteries will provide an ample power supply to the inverter for one to two hours The actual length of time is a function of several variables including the age and condition of the battery and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated with the inverter If you are using the inverter while the engine is off we recommend you start the engine every hour and let it run for at least 10 minutes to recharge the battery We also recom mend that the device plugged into the inverter be turned off before turning over the engine Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when turning over the engine the inverter may momentarily cease operati
12. ive terminals may cause a spark as a result of current flowing to the capacitors in the inverter This is a normal occurrence Due to the potential for sparking however it is extreme ly important that both the inverter and the 12 volt battery be well removed from any possible source of flammable fumes or gases Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or explo sion Some vehicle lighter sockets may only supply 10 amps or approximately 100 watts If so use the hardwire cables Check vehicle s owner s manual for lighter socket fuse rating 9 10 OPERATION 400 watt model If the supplied cables are too short to allow for placement of the inverter in a desired location the inverter may be connected to the power source using a 8 wire up to 12 4 wire for longer lengths The steps outlined for making the connec tion and the related safety precautions remain unchanged Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON I position The LED Indicator Light should glow GREEN confirm ing that there is power running to the inverter Turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF O position The GREEN LED Power Indicator light may blink briefly and or the internal audible alarm may make a momentary chirp This is normal Confirm that the equipment or appliance to be oper ated is turned off Plug the equipment or appliance into one of the three AC receptacles on the front panel of the the inverter Turn the inve
13. on as the battery voltage decreases When the invert er is not supplying power and turned on it draws very low amperage from the battery lt 0 40 A 12 Automatic Shut Down amp Related Safety Features Each inverter has an unique LED indicator warning light sys tem which operates in conjunction with the automatic shut down feature These indicator lights operate as follows GREEN LED System ready RED LED System overload automatic shut down Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the following problems occur 1 The power input from the battery drops below 10 volts 2 The power input from the battery exceeds 15 volts 3 The continuous draw of the appliance or equipment being operated exceeds the design parameters of the inverter The inverters are also equipped with the following additional safety features 1 Thermal Cut Off Automatic shut down if internal temperature exceeds safe design parameters 13 ADDITIONAL FEATURES CARE AND MAINTENANCE 2 Low Battery Voltage Alarm Shutdown Protection a When the input voltage from the 12 volt power source drops below 10 5 volts an audible tone will be heard This is the low battery voltage alarm b The inverter will automatically shut down when the input voltage drops below 10 volts This protects the battery from completely draining In the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible alarm turn the inverter rocker switch to the OF
14. ose set forth in this warranty All express or implied warranties for this product are limited o two years Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use misuse or operation of this product Service Under Warranty During the warranty period defective units will be repaired or replaced with the same or a comparable model at Whistlers option without charge to the purchaser when returned with a dated store receipt to the address below Units returned without a dated store receipt will be handled as described in section Service Out Of Warranty When returning a unit for service under warranty please fol low these instructions 1 Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy equivalent fully insured with return receipt requested and shipping charges prepaid to Whistler Repair Dept 1201 North Dixieland Road Rogers AR 72756 Please allow 3 weeks for return 24 IMPORTANT Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or damage incurred in shipping Therefore please ship your unit insured with return receipt requested 2 Include with your unit the following information clearly printed e Your name and street address for shipping via UPS a daytime telephone number No PO Box please and email address if applicable e A detailed description of the problem i e Unit powers up but no AC output e A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale 3 Be certain your unit is
15. rter to the ON I position Turn on the equipment or appliance Note As indicated in Step 7 above the audible alarm may make a momentary chiro when the inverter is turned OFF O The same alarm may also sound when the inverter is being connected to or discon nected from the 12 volt power source Again this is normal 10 OPERATION e The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the appli ance or equipment being operated will not significantly decrease the power being generated by the inverter For best operating results the extension cord should be no more than 50 feet long e Check frequently to ensure that the input and output con nections are secure Loose connections may damage the inverter or the power source or may generate excessive heat Important Information on Battery Chargers Using your inverter to recharge units designed to charge such portable equipment as power tools flashlights video cameras and laptop computers may cause damage to the inverter or the charging unit Check with the appliance manufacturer for com patibility with sine wave inverters if you re unsure Although we advise against it if you attempt to recharge a charg ing unit monitor the temperature of the charging unit for approx imately 10 minutes If the charging unit becomes unusually warm disconnect it from the inverter immediately Don t Blow A Fuse This inverter is equipped with an internal spade type fuse s W
16. te properly This Inverter is not designed to operate heat generating appliances such as coffee makers irons hair dryers toast ers and heaters Before attempting to use a battery charger see page 11 18 Before attempting to use medical equipment see page 4 Use only fuses which conform with the design specifica tions outlined in this manual When operating the inverter with the engine off start the engine every hour and let it run for at least 10 minutes to recharge the battery In the event of automatic shut down turn the inverter OFF O immediately Do not restart the inverter until the source of the problem has been identified and corrected To avoid battery drain always disconnect the inverter when not in use Do not expose the inverter to moisture Avoid placing the inverter near sources of hear or in direct sunlight When in use make certain that the inverter is properly ventilated Do not use the inverter near flammable materials fumes or gases Always operate the inverter in accordance with the instructions in this manual Failure to do so may result in property damage personal injury or loss of life 19 TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Please visit our Inverter FAQ page on our website www whistlergroup com for more troubleshooting informa tion and FYI topics PROBLEM TV Interference Electrical interference from Add a Ferrite data line filter inverter on to the TV power cord
17. the appliance you are testing is compatible with modified sine wave inverters See page 4 for more information If a piece of equipment or an appliance will not operate first confirm that the inverter has been properly connected to the 12 volt power source See Making The Connection If all connections have been properly made turn the inverter rocker switch ON I OFF O and ON I again in quick suc cession If this procedure is unsuccessful it is likely that the inverter does not have the required start up capacity to operate the equipment or appliance in question Note e Most heat generating appliances require start up loads in excess of 1000 watts and this inverter will not operate such appliances as coffee makers irons hair dryers or heaters OPERATION OPERATION Making the Connection This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery using the light socket plug or by the supplied battery cables for appliances over 150 watts 400 watt model Making The Connection 1 Make certain that the inverter rocker switch is in the OFF O position 2 Connect the lighter plug or hardwire cables to the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter and tighten the screws to make a secure connection Do not use tools to tighten these screws Steps 3 5 are used when and appliance requires over 150 watts Step 6 is for appliances under 150 watts 3 Connect the cable from the BLACK Negative ter
18. to provide products that improve your driving experience Whistler offers a complete line of DC to AC inverters ranging in capacity from 100 Watts to 3000 Watts These inverters offer advanced technology dependable operation and will provide years of reliable service when used in accor dance with our operating instructions Your new Whistler power inverter allows you to run most AC appliances right from your car boat or RV They re great for weekend use and life on the road They re also great for power outages To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of this inverter we recommend reading this entire manual Sincerely THE WHISTLER GROUP INC TABLE OF CONTENTS WHISTLER FEATURES mee A Word About WHISTLER Power Inverters Features summery WHISTLER inverters convert low voltage direct current Important Information DC to 110 volt alternating household current AC The AC output is called modified sine wave See Technical Operating Principles section for more information Depending on the model and its rated capacity WHISTLER inverters draw power either from standard 12 Operation volt automobile and marine batteries or from portable e Making the Connection high power 12 volt sources e Tips E e Recharging Equipment e Changing the Fuse e Power Source Inverter Basics e Getting Started e Don t Push It Additional Safety Features 1 e Auto Shut Down e Thermal Cut Off e Low Battery Protection
19. u elect not to have your unit repaired replaced it will be returned to you along with your certified check or money order IMPORTANT When returning your unit for service be cer tain to include a daytime telephone number Customer Service If you have questions concerning the operation of your Whistler inverter or require service during or after the warranty period please call Customer Service at 1 800 531 0004 Representatives are available to answer your questions Monday Friday from 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m CT 26 27
20. well not at all or be damaged For more informa tion on compatibility issues please visit our inverter FAQ page at www whistlergroup com faq inverters asp 4 Getting Started Power equipment and appliances which operate with motors or tubes require an initial surge of power to get them up and running This power surge is referred to as the starting load or peak load By comparison electrical devices such as standard light bulbs do not require a large starting load Once the equipment or appliance has been powered up it settles down to a slower pace and requires far less electrical power to operate This lower power requirement is referred to as the continuous load In order to ensure that the capacity of your WHISTLER inverter is sufficient to meet the required start up load you must first determine the power consumption of the equip ment or appliance you plan to operate Power consumption is rated either in wattage or in amperes and information regarding the required watts or amps generally is stamped or printed on most appliances and equipment If this information is not indicated on the appliance or equipment check the owner s manual Contact the appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if the device you are using TV s battery re charger computer medical equipment etc is compatible with a modified sine wave If the power consumption is rated in amps multiply the number of amps by 110 AC voltage to
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search