Inverters

[C. Ross]

I'm planning to install an inverter this spring. I need (okay, don't need but want) about 2000 watts and pure sine wave. I'm thinking Xantrex MS2000 or maybe MS3000 if the price difference for the extra watts isn't big.

I can install it in a locker under a bunk, with vents installed, or on one side of a hanging locker that is well ventilated (and I can partition inverter from clothes and PFDs and other flammables). Either place lets me manage wiring to the battery bank acceptably.

If there is a better/cheaper product I'd welcome recommendations. I am concerned about heat, and I have also read that the Xantrex MS products have a loud fan and can buzz/vibrate to the point where you notice it.

Don't ask for pictures to assess the installation choices. The yard didn't shrink wrap the boat with a zipper door as requested, and I didn't go check until it was too late. I've got a backlog of winter projects...another two or three weeks and I'll be in...

[paladin]

Mount it anywhere you can....but the dc input lines should be as close as possible....with the higher voltage/ac current the lines can be longer without adverse effects......I had mine for nearly a dozen years, used it for charging and a.c. and never a failure....even have a spare in the warehouse....

[Lew Barrett]

Look at the Magnum Energy line of sine wave inverters, or if you're feeling daring, look at their standard line. I bought one of their 3K units (standard, modified/synthesized sine wave, not the "pure" sine wave) and it has done everything I've asked of it. It has a great 3 stage battery charger with settings for flooded, gel cells, etc. It runs motors, microwave ovens, toasters, hair driers, charges batteries and computers, has been 100% stable and never has had a hick up. The standard monitor panel is all you need, and the unit is quiet too. The Magnum guys are some of the partners that split off when Xantrex bought Trace. My unit is early production and it's been trouble free. The new ones can only be better. Highest endorsement.

[C. Ross]

Hmmm...nice lead. The Magnum Energy products look like same price as Xantrex and a little smaller and lighter. Size matters most here, since the smaller size can probably fit in an under-bunk compartment without modifications.

Pure sine wave is about 25% more expensive for both Xantrex and Magnum. Not worth it, Lew and others?

[paladin]

Most systems requiring a.c. power will work just fine with a modified sine wave.....some precision electronics may require a near perfect sine wave, but off the top of my head can't think of any.....

[Lew Barrett]

I've been completely satisfied with mine Cris. I use it every summer and have since 2004. Not a hick up, runs the whole boat, and has all the features I need. A very nicely made workman-like box. Nice company located here in Lynnwood, Wa. which is, it would seem, the center of the world for inverters.

[kc8pql]

I run a microwave, coffee maker, TV, DVD player, stereo, circular saw, drills sanders heaters and battery chargers off a Heart Freedom 2000 watt modified sine wave inverter/charger. Unless you have something that you know needs pure sine wave I wouldn't spend the extra money. Like Chuck said, the important part is to keep the DC cables as short as possable.

[Tylerdurden]

I run about 3' of cable to my 3k inverter. Like chuck said it depends on what you will be using on what quality sine wave you need.
I run a modified sine wave with my electronics with no issues.
The better the sine wave the quieter too.
Under high loads they suck down the current so you connections need to be of the best quality and you need to check them regularly.
If you can get a unit with a remote they come in handy to figure your usage.

[Lew Barrett]

The Magnum comes with a nice remote panel that indicates the draw and battery voltage, temperature, as well as charge rate and does a whole bunch of other stuff, allowing you to use the charger in low amperage conditions. The chargers these days are big enough to require you have control over charge rate, as they can suck down every ounce of available current if you are on a low amperage circuit with a big, hungry bank. It's a major feature of the unit. But I'm not here to sell it, just to point it out as an option to some of the other offerings on the market. An optional monitor is offered (or will be) that adds additional monitoring functions, but I haven't found it necessary. The standard unit comes with a Cat 5 cable for connection to the the inverter, and can be placed wherever it is convenient for you. Very slick.

[C. Ross]

OK, so it's modified sine wave. Thanks gents.

I'm planning to leave the current charger in place for starter batteries, and use inverter/charger for house bank. I have twin engines and am thinking about putting a high-output alternator on one side to charge house bank. Any suggestions or objections?

[paladin]

Balmar works.....Would give you a rebuilt unit.....but.......you're about 2 weeks too short......donated it to be installed on local rescue boat.....

[Lew Barrett]

Balmar are nice units, not inexpensive but this is a case of getting what you pay for. They also have some new regulators you should look into that are gentle but effective on the batteries. Do you know what capacity you need? Might be something to look into when you're here too. Check with Balmar. You can find Balmar rebuilds from time to time at considerable discount from new prices; there is a "Balmar guy" that frequents boat shows with this stuff from time to time.

[Lew Barrett]

I had a small case dual output unit that might have worked for you as well, but gave it to a friend. I'll check and see if he's using it. Used but good condition units are available here at a few sources too; a rebuild is not impractical.

Used Balmars here (http://www.secondwave.cc/Products/Electrical/electrical-misc.html)

[PAlien]

OK, so it's modified sine wave. Thanks gents.

I'm planning to leave the current charger in place for starter batteries, and use inverter/charger for house bank. I have twin engines and am thinking about putting a high-output alternator on one side to charge house bank. Any suggestions or objections?

I have a suggestion. Your system of three battery banks(house, start1, start2), alternator, and charger/inverter could be nicely combined with Xantrex's pathmaker unit. It uses solenoids to connect all battery banks when it senses charging current and disconnects when there is none. This way you could use the single charger to charge all banks, and all banks would charge from the alternator. You also have the ability to manually parallel all banks to start the motors in the event one bank fails.

[C. Ross]

Thanks for the link to used Balmars. I wish my timing had been a little bit better Chuck and Lew!

About capacity -- I assume house draw at 200-250 Ah, and a 420 Ah house bank configuration. I'm thinking about high capacity alternator because my Chrysler 318s have original 61 amp alternators, and high capacity might give me 100 amp output. To put 250 Ah back in my house bank, it would take a little over 4 hours with my current alternator or 2.5 hours with high capacity. I'm a river boater and we spend most nights in a slip (my own or transient) but there are plenty of days when we would draw down the bank pretty heavily and not run the engines more than one or two hours.

Next I need to read up on voltage regulators. I lost a battery and fried a regulator at the end of last season. I have a mechanic I trust a lot and we crawled all over it -- couldn't figure out cause and effect, but replaced the lot. Don't want to do that with a pricey house bank!

[C. Ross]

PAlien-
You posted while I was writing. I'll look at Pathmaker, thanks.

[TMny]

A couple observations--
-TrippLite is an old standard for comparison.
-Xantrex is highly regarded by some reputable photovoltaic and windmill businesses.
-Some electric motors are classified/rated for "inverter" service ... they have very tough insulation to counter the pulsing power.
-Concurring with above recommendations, i think the modified sinewave equipment is acceptable for most service.

[Tylerdurden]

I have a Tripp-lite, still a workhorse that prefers abuse.

[paladin]

build your own......8 power transistors and a pair of 12.6 volt filament transformers working back to back, a color burst crystal from an old tv set, 3 bucks worth of parts from radio shack and a copy of a 1970 radio amateurs handbook.....

[Andrew]

Chuck, your last name must be McGiver.