Power Inverters?

[imacoltsfan]

I've always had a plain simple truck. I would like to add some things to pass the time such as a TV, DVD Player, microwave and a small Fridge. What size power inverter do I need and exactly how do they work and hook-up?

 

[cheri1122]

WWW.InvertersRUs is the best site I've seen, for explaining it all: how to determine how much, what kind, how to install, etc. If you buy one from them, they will even "talk" you through the installation, by phone, if need be. An invaluable resource!

 

[Turtle]

For a microwave, 1500-2000 Watts will be plenty. Pure sine wave will make the microwave run faster (at a higher power), as well as letting the timer/clock on the microwave be correct.

The real key is to get enough batteries to handle your amp hour needs, separate them from the starter batteries, and don't run them down below 50% charged.

 

[RLENT]

..... as well as letting the timer/clock on the microwave be correct.

In theory, yes - but from a practical standpoint not always the case:

I have a 2000w AIMS pure sign wave inverter - my microwave has gained 3 hours since I set the clock on it the other day (Monday) I have heard that this is a problem with some AIMS pure sign wave inverters.

But man, does my microwave ever heat things up fast !

 

[Turtle]

I've got an Aims, but it's one of the Digital PSW models. I wonder if that's the difference?

 

[RLENT]

It wouldn't surprise me if it were. I really don't use the clock on the microwave all that much, though it would make it easy to look from the bunk and see the time - no biggie - as long as I can fry up some chow in a reasonable length of time I'm cool with it.

 

[EagleRiverWI]

I have the one that came with my Alumibunk truck. It makes my CB useless because of the noise on the CB when it is on.

 

[Turtle]

Yeah, MSW (Modified Sine Wave) inverters will do that sometimes, especially the cheap ones. There are several things to try. Try to determine where the noise is getting into the system, through the antenna or the power.

If the noise is entering through the antenna:
1. Ground the chassis of the radio by connecting a wire from a ground screw under the dash to a screw on the side of the radio.

2. The antenna cable may be picking up noise. Try re-routing the antenna cable, coiling it into a circle, or shielding it.

3. Try relocating the antenna to a different part of the vehicle (if possible).


If the noise is entering through the power leads:
1. Ground the chassis of the radio by connecting a wire from a ground screw under the dash to a screw on the side of the radio.

2. Try another source of power. The cleanest source of power is directly from the battery. If you connect directly to the battery (not to the fuse box), shielded cable is recommended to prevent noise pickup from the ignition system. Don't forget to use a 5 amp fuse right at the battery when connecting directly to the battery.

3. Try installing a noise filter on the power leads, as close as possible to the radio. Radio Shack sells several automotive noise filters, such as part number 270-051.


On the Inverter end:
1. Keep the inverter and inverter cables (both the battery cables and the AC cables) as far as possible from the CB and CB cables.

2. Connect a #12 wire from the ground lug on the inverter to the chassis of the vehicle. Keep the wire as short as possible.

3. If there is still interference, then unplug everything from the inverter and leave the inverter turned on. If you no longer get interference, then an AC line filter should help. Tripp-Lite ULTRABLOK428 is a real good one. This filter plugs directly into the outlet on the inverter. DO NOT use an extension cord between the filter and the inverter, plug the filter directly into the inverter. If desired, a power strip can then be plugged into the filter.

4. As a last resort, try connecting a #12 wire from the chassis of each appliance to the chassis of the vehicle. Keep each wire as short as possible.

PSW (Pure Sine Wave) inverters rarely cause CB and other interference.