OWNER’S MANUAL
PP150AC &
PP350AC
THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
HIGH SURGE POWER INVERTERS
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL (501) 273-6012 FX (501) 273-2927
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
16 Elizabeth Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL (978) 244-1400 FX (978) 244-1492
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004
Email: info@whistlergroup.com
P/N PP150/350MAN
©WHISTLER 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHISTLER FEATURES
A Word About WHISTLER GO AC™ Inverters.
WHISTLER inverters convert low voltage, direct current
(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
volt automobile and marine batteries or from portable
high power 12 volt sources.
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1. AC Output Sockets
2. On/Off Switch
3. Power/Overload LED
4. Power Cord
5. Hardware Kit (PP350AC only)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
INVERTER BASICS
Important Information About Your New WHISTLER
Inverter.
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."
This manual will provide you with directions for the safe
and efficient operation of your WHISTLER GO AC 150
Watt or 350 Watt 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.
In order to ensure that the capacity of your WHISTLER invert-
er is sufficient to meet the required start up load, you must
first determine the power consumption of the equipment or
appliance you plan to operate.
•
Do not attempt to connect the PP150AC Inverter
directly to the 12 volt power source other than using
the supplied adapter cord and plug or the optional
WHISTLER 12 volt hard wire adapter kit (Part Number
PP010DC).
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 appli-
ance 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, com -
puter, etc.) is compatible with a modified sine wave.
•
•
•
Do not attempt to modify the adapter cords, plugs or
any of the elements that comprise the PP350AC hard
wire adapter kit.
110 volts of current can be lethal. Improper use of
yo ur WHISTLER inverter may result in property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Check with the appliance manufacturer for compati-
bility with modified sinewave inverters. So me
appliances may not work well or not at all. This is espe-
cially true for medical equipment. For more information
on compatibility issues, please visit our inverter FAQ page
If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the num-
ber of amps by 110 (AC voltage) to determine the compara-
ble wattage rating. As a general rule, you can determine the
required start up load by multiplying the wattage rating by 10.
For further information on the fundamental operating prin-
ciples of WHISTLER inverters and related technical data,
see "Technical Operating Principles"
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INVERTER BASICS
INVERTER BASICS
Don’t Push It.
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 (l), OFF (O) and ON (l) 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.
Although your WHISTLER GO AC inverter has the capacity
to provide power output (excess current) equal to approxi-
mately 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
maximum continuous wattage rating.
For example, the 150 model has a maximum continuous rat-
ing of 150 watts. Although this model has the capacity to
briefly provide up to 300 watts of power (that is, excess cur-
rent), it is designed to operate equipment and appliances
with start up load requirements of 150 watts or less.
Note:
•
Most heat generating appliances require start up loads
in excess of 1000 watts and the WHISTLER 150 and 350
inverters will not operate such appliances as coffee
makers, irons, hair dryers or heaters.
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.
To determine whether your inverter will operate a particular
piece of equipment or appliance, run a test. The inverter is
designed to shut down automatically in the event of a
power overload. Testing appliances and equipment with
start up load ratings comparable to your inverter wattage
rating will not damage it.
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OPERATION
OPERATION
Making the Connection.
To connect the PP350AC using the Hard Wire Adapter
Kit (P/N PP010DC), follow these steps:
1. Push the adapter plug leading from the inverter firm-
ly into the Hard Wire Adapter Kit socket.
2. Properly identify the positive and negative terminals
on the 12 volt power source and make certain that the
terminals are clean and dry.
3. Connect the RED alligator clip to the Positive (+) ter-
minal on the power source and the BLACK alligator
clip to the Negative (-) terminal on the power source.
4. Plug your equipment or appliance into the AC recep-
tacle on the inverter.
The PP150AC is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery
through the cigarette lighter socket on your dashboard.
(See the following section for instructions for connecting the
PP350AC).
To connect the 150 inverter, follow these steps:
1. 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).
2. Plug your appliance or equipment into the AC
receptacle on the inverter.
3. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (l) position.
4. Confirm that the LED Power Indicator light on the
inverter is glowing GREEN. This GREEN light indi-
cates that your WHISTLER inverter is "ready for
action."
5. Turn the inverter’s rocker switch to the ON (l) position.
6. Confirm that the LED Power Indicator light on the
inverter is glowing GREEN. This GREEN light indi-
cates that the inverter is "ready for action."
5. Turn on your appliance or power equipment.
7. Turn on the equipment or appliance.
The PP350AC is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery
either through the cigarette lighter socket or directly to the
battery using the supplied Hard Wire Adapter Kit.
To connect the PP350AC with the cigarette lighter adapter
plug and cord, follow the steps as outlined above.
Note:
•
If the equipment or appliance you intend to operate,
requires more than 150 watts of continuous power, the
PP350AC should be connected directly to the power
source using the Hard Wire Adapter Kit. Failure to
do so may result in serious damage to the power cord
or to the cigarette lighter socket wiring.
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OPERATION
OPERATION
Note:
Important Information on Battery Chargers
•
It is normal for the PP150AC and PP350AC audible
alarm to make a momentary "chirp" when you plug
the adapter into the cigarette lighter socket or when
you turn on the appliance or equipment. However, if
the alarm sounds for an extended period, turn the
appliance or equipment off immediately. This alarm
indicates that the input from the battery has dropped
below 10.5 volts. Do not attempt to operate the
inverter until the battery has been recharged.
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.
Although we advise against it, if you attempt to recharge a
charging unit, monitor the temperature of the charging unit
for approximately 10 minutes. If the charging unit becomes
unusually warm, disconnect it from the inverter immediately.
(For further information on this audible alarm feature,
see "Automatic Shut Down Safety Features.")
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
The WHISTLER 150 is equipped with a 20 amp spade type
fuse;the WHISTLER 350 with a 35 amp, spade type fuse. With
reasonable care, it should not be necessary to replace the
fuse in your inverter.
•
•
The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the
appliance 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.
Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short
circuit within the appliance or equipment being operated. If
the fuse does blow, turn off and disconnect the appliance
or equipment from the inverter immediately, repair the
related problem and replace the fuse in accordance with
the following instructions: The fuse compartment is easily
accessed at the back of the unit underneath the "lift up"
cover.
Check frequently to ensure that the input and output
connections are secure. Loose connections may cause
damage to the inverter or battery or may generate
excessive heat.
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OPERATION
OPERATION
Although it is not necessary to unplug the inverter when turn-
ing over the engine, the inverter may momentarily cease
operation as the battery voltage decreases. When the invert-
er is not supplying power, it draws very low amperage from
the battery (<0.10 A to <0.20 A depending on the model) and
may be left connected to the battery for up to three hours.
However, we recommend the inverter always be disconnect-
ed when not in use.
Note:
•
All WHISTLER inverters are shipped with a replace-
ment fuse. Do not install a fuse with a higher rating
than that specified. Doing so may damage the inveter.
•
This same precaution also applies when the vehicle’s
cigarette lighter fuse is blown. Always replace the cig -
arette lighter fuse with a fuse of the same type and rat-
ing as indicated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Note:
•
Inverters will not operate with certain automotive sys-
tems unless the ignition is on. If the inverter is not
generating power, try turning the ignition to the
accessory position.
•
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.
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ADDITIONAL FEATURES
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
b) The inverter will automatically shut down when the
input voltage drops below 9.5 volts. This protects the
battery from completely draining.
Automatic Shut Down & Related Safety Features.
Each WHISTLER GO AC inverter model has an unique LED
Indicator warning light system which operates in conjunction
with the automatic shut down feature. These indicator lights
operate as follows:
In the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible
alarm, turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF (O) position
until the source of the related problem has been identified
and resolved.
GREEN LED:
System ready.
YELLOW LED: System overload/automatic shut down.
Note:
•
The Whistler PP350AC model only is equipped with a
cooling fan which is designed to run continuously
while the inverter is operating. Automatic shutdown
caused by excess circuit temperature occurs when the
cooling fan is unable to maintain the design parameters
for safe operation of the inverter.
Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the
following problems occur:
1. The power input from the battery drops below
9.5 volts.
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 16 volts.
Wall Mounting :
3. The continuous draw of the appliance or equipment
being operated exceeds the design parameters of the
inverter.
Whistler inverters have provisions for wall mounting; two
slotted holes in the handle area and a notched area at the
power cord end allow for easy wall mounting of the unit.
The WHISTLER PP150AC and PP350AC models are equipped
with the following additional safety features:
Some Powerful Advice.
1. Thermal Cut Off:
Your WHISTLER GO AC inverter will work best when placed
on a reasonably flat surface. The floor or seat of your car or
truck both are good locations.
Automatic shut down when the internal circuit temperature
exceeds standard design parameters for safe opera-
tion.
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.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
(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).
•
•
VENTILATION. In order to disperse the heat generated
while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated.
While in use, maintain several inches of clearance
around the top and sides of the inverter.
FUMES & GASES. Avoid using the inverter near
flammable materials.Do not place the inverter in areas
such as battery compartments. Where fumes or gases
may accumulate.
To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note the
following important safety precautions:
•
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 surfaces 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.
•
HEAT. For peak efficiency, the ambient air temperature
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.
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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
For You Technical Types.
The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler inverter
has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 volts. The
majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage
and assume that the measured waveform will be a pure sine
wave.
1. Basic Operating Principles:
WHISTLER GO AC 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 con-
verted to 110 volts (60 Hz AC) using advanced power MOS-
FET transistors in a full bridge configuration. The result is
excellent overload capability and the capacity to operate dif-
ficult 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.
Consequently, these meters will not read the RMS 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 voltage
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."
This stepped waveform is similar to the power generated by
utilities And has a broad range of applications.
The modified sine wave produced by
your WHISTLER GO AC Inverter
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.
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OPERATION SUMMARY
OPERATION SUMMARY
In Review.
•
•
•
Use only fuses which conform with the design specifica-
tions outlined in this manual.
•
Never attempt to operate your WHISTLER inverter from
any power source other than a 12 volt battery.
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.
•
The WHISTLER 150 is designed for use only with the cig-
arette lighter socket adapter plug or the optional
WHISTLER 12 volt hard wire adapter kit (part number
PP010DC).
•
The WHISTLER 350 is designed for use with the cigarette
lighter socket adapter plug or with the Hard Wire
Adapter Kit. When operating the WHISTLER 350 with
equipment or appliances requiring in excess of 150 watts
of continuous load, use the Hard Wire Adapter Kit.
•
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.
•
•
•
•
Make certain the rated power consumption of the appli-
ance or equipment you wish to operate is compatible with
the capacity of your inverter.
•
•
•
When in use, make certain that the inverter is properly
ventilated.
If the rated power consumption of the equipment is in the
range of the maximum specified wattage of your converter,
test the inverter to ensure that it will operate properly.
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials, fumes
or gases.
WHISTLER 150 and 350 Watt Inverters are not designed to
operate heat generating appliances such as coffee makers,
irons, hair dryers, toasters and heaters.
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.
Before attempting to recharge a charging unit see page 11.
•
Before attempting to use medical equipment see page
4.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time
PROBLEM: TV Interference
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage
Yellow LED on
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TROUBLESHOOTING
SPECIFICATIONS
PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work
WHISTLER 150 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power .....................150 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power)..300 Watts
No Load Current Draw....................................<0.10 A
Waveform ....................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range.....9.5 – 16 Volts DC
AC Receptacle....................................... Dual 3 Prong
Fuse...........................................20 Amp (Spade Type)
Approximate Dimensions.........9.5" H x 6" W x 2" D
Approximate Weight.........................................2.5 lbs
Problem
TV does not turn on
Solution
Try rocking the ON/OFF
switch of the inverter while
leaving the TV ON
(see page 3).
Use Hard Wire Adapter Kit,
lighter socket not
supplying sufficient current.
Contact TV manufacturer
for start-up surge and/or if
TV is compatible with a
modified sine wave.
WHISTLER 350 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power......................350 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power)..700 Watts
No Load Current Draw....................................<0.20 A
Waveform ....................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range.....9.5 – 16 Volts DC
AC Receptacle........................................Dual 3 Prong
Fuse...........................................35 Amp (Spade Type)
Approximate Dimensions..........11" H x 6" W x 2" D
Approximate Weight.........................................2.5 lbs
A larger inverter may be
required.
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WARRANTY
WARRANTY
Consumer Warranty
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss
or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your
unit insured with return receipt requested.
The Whistler PP150AC and PP350AC are warranted to the
original purchaser for a period of one year, from the date of
original purchase, against all defects in materials and work-
manship. 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 covering this product other than those set
forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for
this product are limited to one year. Whistler is not liable for
damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
product. The warranty card provided with your inverter
must be returned in order to validate your warranty.
2. Include with yourunit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and
a daytime telephone number, (No P.O. Box please.)
• Adetailed description of the problem, i.e. Unit powers up but
no AC output.
• A copy of yourdated proof of purchase or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For
reference, please write yourunit’s serialnumber in the following
space: s/n __________________.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired
or replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at
Whistler’s option, without charge to the purchaser when
returned prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the
address below. Units returned without dated proof of pur-
chase will be handled as described in section “Service Out
Of Warranty.”
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 proof of
purchase.
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
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WARRANTY
NOTES
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates
when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
________________________
• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed
improperly, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler
inverter, PP150AC is $25.00 (U.S.) and PP 350AC is $45.00
(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 or VISA; personal checks are not accepted.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler technical
service specialist who will outline options available to you.
If you 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.
Consumer Relations
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler inverter, or require service during or after the
warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer
your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(CST).
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