OWNER’S MANUAL
200/400 WATT
POWER INVERTERS
THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL (479) 273-6012 FX (479) 273-2927
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004
Email: [email protected]
P/N 205563
© 2006 The Whistler Group, Inc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHISTLER FEATURES
A Word About WHISTLER Power Inverters.
Topic
Page
Features Summary......................................................................3
Important Information................................................................4
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.
Inverter Basics .......................................................................5 - 7
• Getting Started
• Don’t Push It
Operation ............................................................................8 - 12
• Making the Connection
• Tips
• Recharging Equipment
• Changing the Fuse
• Power Source
Additional Safety Features...............................................13 - 14
• Auto Shut Down
• Thermal Cut Off
• Low Battery Protection
Care & Maintenance ................................................................15
Technical Operating Principles........................................16 - 17
Operation Summary .........................................................18 - 19
Troubleshooting................................................................20 - 22
Specifications............................................................................23
Warranty Information........................................................24 - 26
1.
2.
3.
4.
AC Output Sockets
On/Off Switch
Power LED
5b. Power Cords
6. Fuse Cover
7. High Speed Cooling Fan
Overload/Low Battery LED 8. Power Input Terminal Red = Positive
5a. DC 12 Volt Power Cord
9. Power Input Terminal Black = Negative
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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 inverter. Read
the manual carefully before using your new WHISTLER
inverter and keep the manual on file for future reference.
Notes:
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.
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.
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.
•
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.
Do not attempt to lengthen the supplied power cables.
110 volts can be lethal. Improper use of your WHISTLER
inverter may result in property damage, personal injury or
loss of life.
Not recommended for use with medical equipment.
Check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility
with modified sine wave inverters. Some appliances may
not work well, not at all or be damaged. For more informa-
tion on compatibility issues, please visit our inverter FAQ
•
•
If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the
number of amps by 110 (AC voltage) to 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."
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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 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.
Note:
•
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.
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 the
appliance you are testing is compatible with modified sine
wave inverters. See page 4 for more information.
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OPERATION
OPERATION
6. 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.)
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.
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 PP010DC. 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.
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-
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.
•
•
•
Making the connection between the Positive 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.
RED (+)
*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.
BLACK (-)
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OPERATION
OPERATION
•
•
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.
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.
•
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.
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. 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.
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.
10. Turn the inverter 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 “chirp” 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.
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
This inverter is equipped with an internal spade type fuse(s). With
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
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ADDITIONAL FEATURES
OPERATION
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
Automatic Shut Down & 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:
RED LED:
System ready.
Note:
•
Make certain to correct the source of the overload
which caused the blown fuse before turning your
inverter back ON (l).
System overload/automatic shut down.
Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the
following problems occur:
The Power Source.
1. The power input from the battery drops below
10 volts.
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.
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:
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.
1. Thermal Cut Off:
Automatic shut down if internal temperature exceeds safe
design parameters.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when
turning over the engine, the inverter may momentarily cease
operation as the battery voltage decreases. When the invert-
er is not supplying power, and turned on, it draws very low
amperage from the battery (<0.40 A ).
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note
the following important safety precautions:
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.
•
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.
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 OFF (O) position
until the source of the related problem has been identified
and resolved.
•
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.
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.
•
•
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.
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.
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.
In Review.
•
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.
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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
For You Technical Types.
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 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.
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 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
This stepped waveform is similar to the power generated by
utilities and has a broad range of applications.
145 volts peak
115 volts RMS
0
The modified sine wave produced by
your WHISTLER Inverter
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.
The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler inverter
has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 volts. The
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OPERATION SUMMARY
OPERATION SUMMARY
•
•
Before attempting to use medical equipment see page 4.
•
•
•
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.
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.
When operating this inverter with equipment or appli-
ances requiring in excess of 150 watts of continuous
load, use the optional hardwire kit (PP010DC - 200 watt
model) or the hardwire cables.
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.
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.
To avoid battery drain always disconnect the inverter
when not in use.
•
•
•
•
Make certain the rated power consumption of the appli-
ance or equipment you wish to operate is compatible with
the capacity of your inverter.
•
•
Do not expose the inverter to moisture.
Avoid placing the inverter near sources of hear or in
direct sunlight.
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 operate properly.
•
•
•
When in use, make certain that the inverter is properly
ventilated.
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials,
fumes or gases.
This Inverter is not designed to operate heat generating
appliances such as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, toast-
ers 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 use a battery charger see page 11.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time
Problem
Input voltage below
10.5 volts.
Solution
Please visit our Inverter FAQ page on our website
whistlergroup
.com), for more troubleshooting informa-
Keep input voltage above
10.5 volts to maintain
regulation.
tion and FYI topics.
PROBLEM: TV Interference
Solution
Poor or weak battery
condition.
Replace battery.
Problem
Inadequate power being
delivered to the inverter
or excessive voltage drop.
Use lower gauge wire.
(400 watt model)
Electrical interference from
inverter.
Add a Ferrite data line filter
on to the TV power cord.
This filter is available at
RadioShack,
Red LED on
part number 273-105.
Problem
Solution
Equipment has a high
Turn inverter power switch
OFF (O) and then ON (l)
again until the inverter
powers your appliance.
Repeat as necessary
to get your appliance
"started".
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage
start up surge.
Problem
Solution
Using incorrect type of
voltmeter to test output
voltage.
Use a true RMS reading
meter.
See "For You Technical
Types" Section of this
manual.
Battery voltage below
10 volts.
Recharge or replace
battery.
Equipment being operated Use a higher capacity
draws too much power.
inverter or do not use this
equipment.
Inverter is too hot (thermal
shutdown mode).
Allow inverter to cool.
Check for adequate
ventilation. Reduce the
load on the inverter to
rated continuous power
output.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
SPECIFICATIONS
PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work
WHISTLER 200 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power .....................200 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power) 400 Watts*
No Load Current Draw......................................<0.3 A
Waveform ....................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range .......11– 15 Volts DC
AC Receptacle ........................................ Two 3 Prong
Fuses...................One 25 Amp (Spade Type-Internal)
Approximate Dimensions 5.7" L x 3.65" W x 1.85" H
Approximate Weight .........................................1.1 lbs
Problem
TV does not turn on
Solution
Try rocking the ON/OFF
switch of the inverter while
leaving the TV ON
(see page 7).
Contact TV manufacturer
for start-up surge and/or to
find out if TV is compatible
with a modified sine wave.
WHISTLER 400 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power .....................400 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power) 800 Watts*
No Load Current Draw......................................<0.4 A
Waveform ....................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range ......11 – 15 Volts DC
AC Receptacle ........................................ Two 3 Prong
Fuses....................Two 25 Amp (Spade Type-Internal)
One 15 Amp (Glass Type-Lighter Cord)
A larger inverter may be
required.
Approximate Dimensions.....7" L x 3.65" W x 1.85" H
Approximate Weight .........................................1.3 lbs
*Under certain conditions your inverter may provide up to
2 times the continuous rating for a brief period.
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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.
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 those set forth in this warranty.
All express or implied warranties for this product are limited
to two years. Whistler is not liable for damages arising from
the use, misuse, or operation of this product.
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS),
a daytime telephone number, (No P.O. Box please.) and email
address (if applicable).
• A detailed description of the problem, i.e. Unit powers up but
no AC output.
Service Under Warranty
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.
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 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.”
3. Be certain your unit is 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
however, for warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated
store receipt must accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
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.
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WARRANTY
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates
when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• Dated store receipt 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
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 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.
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).
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