Whistler Power Supply 800 WATT POWER INVERTER User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL  
800 WATT  
POWER INVERTER  
THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC  
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS  
13016 N. Walton Blvd.  
Bentonville, AR 72712  
TEL (479) 273-6012 FAX (479) 273-2927  
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER  
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.  
Rogers, AR 72756  
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004  
P/N 205563  
© 2004 The Whistler Group, Inc.  
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
WHISTLER FEATURES  
A Word About WHISTLER 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 automo-  
bile 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  
5
3
OU  
TPU  
T 1  
10V  
AC  
Additional & Safety Features...........................................13 - 14  
• Auto Shut Down  
POWER  
OVERLOA  
D
LOW BA  
4
TTER  
Y
1
• Thermal Cut Off  
• Low Battery Protection  
2
Care & Maintenance ................................................................15  
Technical Operating Principles........................................16 - 17  
Operation Summary .........................................................18 - 19  
Troubleshooting................................................................20 - 22  
Specifications............................................................................23  
Warranty Information........................................................24 - 26  
6
1. AC Output Sockets  
2. On/Off Switch  
3. Power LED  
4. Overload/Low Battery LED  
5. Open Fuse LED  
6. Power Cords  
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.  
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."  
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 inverter  
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.  
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.  
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 owners 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 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 reccommended for use with medical equip-  
ment. 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 information on compatibility issues,  
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. Induction motors, as well as some televi-  
sions, may require 2 to 6 times their wattage rating to start up.  
please  
visit  
our  
inverter  
FAQ  
page  
at  
For further information on the fundamental operating prin-  
ciples of Whistler inverters and related technical data, see  
"Technical Operating Principles."  
4
5
 
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 provide  
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 maximum  
continuous wattage rating.  
For example, the 800 model has a maximum continuous rat-  
ing of 800 watts. Although this model has the capacity to  
briefly provide up to 1600 watts of power (that is, excess cur-  
rent), it is designed to operate equipment and appliances  
with start up load requirements of 800 watts or less.  
Note:  
Most heat generating appliances require start up  
loads in excess of 1000 watts and the 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.  
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.  
6
7
 
OPERATION  
OPERATION  
Making the Connection.  
Note:  
This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery  
by the supplied #8 gauge cables.  
Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in  
voltage 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 inverter and may cause permanent damage to the  
inverter. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not  
covered under the Whistler warranty.  
1. Make certain that the inverters rocker switch is in the  
OFF (O) position.  
2. Connect the 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.  
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 (+) ter-  
minals 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, how-  
ever, it is extremely important that both the inverter  
and the 12 volt battery be well removed from any pos-  
sible source of flammable fumes or gases.  
Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or  
explosion.  
If the supplied cables are too short to allow for place-  
ment of the inverter in a desired location, the inverter  
may be connected to the power source using a #4  
wire, up to 12’ - #2 wire for longer lengths. The steps  
outlined for making the connection and the related  
safety precautions remain unchanged.  
6. 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
9
 
OPERATION  
OPERATION  
7. 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).  
8. 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 compatibility with sine wave inverters if you’re unsure.  
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.  
9. 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 three 35 amp spade type fuses.  
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.  
The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the  
appliance or equipment being operated will not sig-  
nificantly 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  
connections are secure. Loose connections may dam-  
age the inverter, the power source, or may generate  
excessive heat.  
Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short  
circuit 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 an electronically knowledge-  
able person should attempt fuse replacement.  
10  
11  
 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES  
OPERATION  
Note:  
Automatic Shut Down & Related Safety Features.  
Make certain to correct the source of the overload  
which caused the blown fuse before turning your  
inverter back ON (l).  
Each Whistler 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:  
The Power Source.  
GREEN LED:  
RED LED:  
System ready.  
When the engine is off, most batteries will provide 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.  
System overload/automatic shut down.  
YELLOW LED: Open fuse.  
Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the  
following problems occur:  
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 recommend  
that the device plugged into the inverter be turned off before  
turning over the engine.  
1. The power input from the battery drops below  
9.5 volts.  
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 16 volts.  
3. The continuous draw of the appliance or equipment  
being operated exceeds the design parameters of the  
inverter.  
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when turn-  
ing over the engine, the inverter may momentarily cease opera-  
tion as the battery voltage decreases. When the inverter is not  
supplying power, and turned on, it draws very low <0.40 A ).  
The inverter is equipped with the following additional safety  
features:  
1. Thermal Cut Off:  
Automatic shut down if internal temperature exceeds  
safe design parameters.  
12  
13  
 
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 9.5 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.  
Wall Mounting:  
Whistler inverters have provisions for wall mounting;  
slotted holes allow for easy wall mounting of the unit.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
In Review.  
Never attempt to operate your Whistler inverter from  
any power source other than a 12 volt battery or series  
of batteries that total 12 volts.  
14  
15  
 
OPERATING PRINCIPLES  
OPERATING PRINCIPLES  
For You Technical Types.  
assume that the measured waveform will be a pure sine  
wave.  
1. Basic Operating Principles:  
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."  
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 below  
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.  
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  
majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage and  
16  
17  
 
OPERATION SUMMARY  
OPERATION SUMMARY  
Use only fuses which conform with the design specifica-  
tions outlined in this manual.  
This inverter is designed to be connected to the power  
source with the supplied cables or with #4 wire up to  
12’ - #2 wire for longer length. When utilizing the sup-  
plied cables do not attempt to modify or lengthen  
them.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Avoid placing the inverter near sources of heat or in  
direct sunlight.  
When in use, make certain that the inverter is properly  
ventilated.  
This inverter is not designed to operate heat generating  
appliances such as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers,  
toasters and heaters.  
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials,  
fumes, or gases.  
Before attempting to use a battery charger see page 11.  
Before attempting to use medical equipment see page 4.  
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.  
18  
19  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
PROBLEM: TV Interference  
Solution  
PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time  
Problem  
Solution  
Problem  
Input voltage below  
10.5 volts.  
Keep input voltage above  
10.5 volts to maintain  
regulation.  
Electrical interference from  
inverter.  
Add a Ferrite data line filter  
on to the TV power cord.  
This filter is available at  
Radio Shack,  
Poor or weak battery  
condition.  
Replace battery.  
part number 273-105.  
Inadequate power being  
delivered to the inverter  
or excessive voltage drop.  
Use lower gauge wire.  
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage  
Problem  
Solution  
Red LED On  
Problem  
Equipment has a high  
start up surge.  
Solution  
Using incorrect type of  
voltmeter to test output  
voltage.  
Use true RMS reading  
meter.  
See "For You Technical  
Types"  
Section of this manual.  
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".  
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.  
20  
21  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING  
SPECIFICATIONS  
WHISTLER 800 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS  
Maximum Continuous Power .....................800 Watts  
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power)1600 Watts  
No Load Current Draw....................................<0.40 A  
Waveform ....................................Modified Sine Wave  
Operating Input Voltage Range .....9.5 – 16 Volts DC  
AC Receptacle ....................................... Dual 3 Prong  
Fuses.................Three 35 Amp (Spade Type Internal)  
Approximate Dimensions..............11" L x 6" W x 3" H  
Approximate Weight ............................................4 lbs  
PROBLEM: Yellow LED On  
Problem  
Solution  
Bad Fuse  
Have a qualified person  
replace the fuse.  
PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work  
Problem  
Solution  
TV does not turn on  
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.  
A larger inverter may be  
required.  
22  
23  
 
WARRANTY  
WARRANTY  
Consumer Warranty  
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss  
or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your  
inverter insured with return receipt requested.  
This Whistler inverter 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 limit-  
ed 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.  
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.  
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.  
Inverters returned without a dated store receipt will be han-  
dled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”  
3. Be certain your inverter is returned with its serial number. For  
reference, please write your units serial number in the following  
space: s/n __________________.  
Inverters without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.  
IMPORTANT: To validate that your inverter is within the warran-  
ty period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated store receipt!  
Youmayregisteryourwarrantyonlineatwww.whistlergroup.com,  
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 inverter 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  
25  
 
WARRANTY  
Service Out Of Warranty  
Inverters will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates  
when:  
• The units 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 out of warranty service fee for your 800 watt Whistler  
inverter is $50.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty serv-  
ice, please return your inverter 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 or American Express;  
personal checks are not accepted. In the event repairs  
cannot be covered by the 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  
inverter repaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along  
with your certified check or money order.  
IMPORTANT: When returning your inverter for service, be  
certain to include a daytime telephone number and email  
address (if applicable).  
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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