Audiovox ADC120 - DC to AC Power Inverter User manual

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INTRODUCTION
T h a n k y o u f o r p u rc h a s i n g t h e A l l - i n - o n e m o b i l e p o w e r
i n v e r t e r . T h i s i n v e r t e r c a n b e u s e d t o o p e r a t e p e r s o n a l
electronics and mobile office equipment. It can also be used to recharge 110/120-
V o l t A C d e v i c e s t h a t h a v e a n a p p r o p r i a t e r e c h a r g i n g
adapt er with a standard North American two or three-prong plug.
P l e a s e r e a d t h i s u s e r ' s M a n u a l c a r e f u l l y b e f o r e u s e t o
ensure optimum performance and to avoid damage to this Product.
FEATURES
• 120 watts output*
• Electronic circuit protection prevents damage due to
overload/insufficient ventilation (overheat condition)
• Low-battery production- unit automatically shuts
down when battery discharges below 10.5+/-0.5 volts.
• Automotive and airplane 12-Volt DC adapters
• 5-Volt DC USB power port
• Bi-color Power/Fault LED
• Compact size, efficient and quiet
• Convenient carrying bag
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS......................1
INTRODUCTION.....................................................3
FEATURES..............................................................3
HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS................................5
Inverter Output Waveform...................................5
Rechargeable Devices...........................................6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...................................7
Power Source Requirement and Runtimes.............7
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment...7
Operation of the 110/120 Volt AC Outlet..............8
Operation of the USB Power Port.........................8
Protective Features..............................................9
Operating Tips..................................................10
CARE AND MAINTENANCE..................................11
Storage.............................................................11
Fuse Replacement (DC Accessory Adapter)...........11
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................12
Common Audio/Visual Problems.........................12
Fault LED Lights/Alert Buzzer Sounds..................12
Common Power Output Problems......................13
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................14
120WATT Portable Inverter
ADC120 All-in-One
User's Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE THIS RISK OF INJURY, USER MUST READ AND
UNDERSTAND THIS INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL. THIS MANUAL
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE
OPERATION AND WARRANTY OF THIS PRODUCT. PLEASE RETAIN
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS
This inverter is an electronic device that converts low
voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a battery to
110/120 Volt AC (alternating current) household power. In
designing this inverter, we have incorporated design
techniques previously employed in computer power
supplies. This result of these design innovations is a smaller,
lighter and easier-to-use power inverter. The All-in-one
mobile power inverter converts power in two stages. The
first stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the
low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts DC. The
second is a MOFSFET bridge stage that converts the high
voltage DC into 110/120 volts, 60 Hz AC.
All-in-one mobile power inverter Output Waveform
This AC output waveform of this inverter is known as a
modified sine wave. It is a stepped waveform that has
characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility
power. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads,
including linear and switching power supplies used in
electronic equipment, transformers, and small motors.
The modified sine wave produced
by your inverter
0
115 volts RMS
145 volts peak
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The modified sine wave produced by this inverter has an
RMS (root mean square) voltage of 110/120 volts. Most
AC voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to
the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS
value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the
assumption that the waveform measured will be a pure
sine wave. Non-TRUE RMS meters will read about 20 to
30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter.
For accurate measurement of the output voltage of this
unit, use a TRUE RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke
87, Fluke 8080A, Beckman 4410 or Triplett 4200.
CAUTIONS
Rechargeable Devices
• Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be
charged by plugging them directly into an AC
receptacle. These devices may damage the inverter
or the charging circuit.
• When using a rechargeable device, monitor its
temperature for the initial ten minutes of use to
determine if it produces excessive heat.
• If excessive heat is produced, this indicates the device
should not be used with this inverter.
• This problem does not occur with most of the bat tery-
operated equipment. Most of these devices use a
separate charger or transformer that is plugged into
an AC receptacle.
• The inverter is capable off running most chargers and
transformers.
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1. Bi-COLOR POWER/FAULT LED
2. HIGH SPEED COOLING FAN
3. USB POWER PORT
4. STANDARD NORTH AMERICAN 110/120-VOLT AC OUTLET
5. 12-VOLT DC ADAPTER INPUT TERMINAL
6. 12-VOLT DC VEHICLE ACCESSORY ADAPTER
7. EM 12-VOLT DC AIRPLANE CORD
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User's Manual
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WARNINGS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK,
EXPLOSION OR INJURY:
•Do not connect to AC distribution wiring.
•Remove appliance plug from outlet strip or turn off
inverter before working on the appliance. Multiple outlet
power strips with switches and circuit breakers only
interrupt power to the "hot" receptacle terminals. The
"neutral" terminals remain powered with respect to the
"ground" terminals.
•Not approved for ignition protected areas. Do not make
any electrical connections or disconnections in areas
designated as IGNITION PROTECTED. This includes DC
cigarette lighter type plug connection or airplane adapter.
•Do not operate the inverter near flammable materials,
fumes or gases.
•Provide adequate ventilation and refrain from placing
items on or around the inverter during operation.
•Proper cooling is essential when operating the inverter.
Do not place the unit near the vehicle's heat vent or in
water or in direct sunlight.
•NEVER immerse the unit in water or any other liquid, or
use when wet.
•DO NOT insert foreign objects into the AC outlet or the
USB outlet.
•DO NOT attempt to connect or set up the unit or its
components while operating your vehicle. Inattention to
the road may result in a serious accident.
•This is not a toy-keep away from children.
•INSTALL AND OPERATE UNIT ONLY AS DESCRIBED IN THIS
USER'S MANUAL.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTIONS
1.Always use the inverter where there is adequate
ventilation. Do not block ventilation slots.
2.ALWAYS turn the inverter OFF by disconnecting it
from the DC accessory outlet when not in use.
3.This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances
or equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers,
microwave ovens and toasters.
4.This inverter is not tested for use with medical devices.
5.Do not open either the inverter or the detachable FM
Transmitter-there is no user-serviceable parts inside.
6.When using this unit in a vehicle, check the vehicle
owner's manual for maximum power rating and re-
commended output. It may be necessary to change
the vehicle accessory outlet's in-line fuse to a higher
rating. Do not install in engine compartment-install in
a well ventilated area.
7.Do not use with positive ground electrical system*.
Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and
may cause permanent damage to the inverter and will
void warranty.
* The majority of modern automobiles, RVs, trucks,
and boats are negative ground.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Once the vehicle accessory adapter is properly connected to a 12-Volt DC power source,
t h e b i - c o l o r L E D i n d i c a t o r l i g h t s G R E E N w h e n t h e i n v e r t e r i s
c o n n e c t e d t o D C p o w e r a n d t h e u n i t p o w e r i s O N . ( I f t h e
b i - c o l o r L E D i n d i c a t o r l i g h t s R E D , r e f e r t o t h e
"Troubleshooting" section on page 12 of this manual.)
ALWAYS TURN THE INVERTER ON BEFORE APPLYING
POWER TO THE DEVICE.
The standard North American 110/120 volt AC and USB
outlets allow the user to operate multiple devices
simultaneously. Simply plug the equipment into the unit.
Note: Ensure wattage of all equipment simultaneously
plugged into the power inverter does not exceed 120-
watts continuous.
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment
Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and
audio/visual equipment have labels that indicate the power
consumption in amps or watts. Be sure the power
consumption of the item to be operated is below 120-
watts. If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply
multiply by the AC volts (110/120) to determine the power.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run;
however, it will not operate larger resistive loads (such as electric
stoves and heaters), which require far more wattage than
the inverter can deliver. Inductive loads (such as TVs and
stereos) require more current to operate than do resistive
loads of the same wattage rating.
For safety reasons, the inverter will simply shut down if it is
overloaded. To restart the unit, simply reinsert the12-Volt
vehicle accessory adapter to reset.
Operation of the 110/120 Volt AC Outlet
1.Connect the Power Cord to the inverter.
2.Connect either the 12-Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter
or the 12-Volt DC Airplane Adapter to the end of the 12-
Volt Power Cord.
3.Insert the selected adapter Plug into a vehicle's (or other
12-Volt DC power source's) DC accessory outlet or airplane
DC power outlet.
4.Rotate the vehicle accessory plug slightly to make sure
there is good contact.
5.The LED in the inverter will light GREEN, indicating a proper
connection.
6.If the inverter does not work, make sure the ignition/
accessory switch is actually powering the accessory outlet.
Some vehicles require the ignition switch to be turned on.
7.Plug the (110/120 Volt AC) appliance into the inverter's
two or three-prong AC outlet and operate normally.
Note: The inverter will not operate appliances and
equipment that generate heat, such as hair dryers, electric
blankets, microwave ovens and toasters.
Operation of the USB Power Port
1.Connect the Power Cord to the inverter.
2.Connect either the 12-Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter
or 12-Volt DC Airplane Adapter to the end of the 12-Volt
Power Cord.
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3.Insert the selected adapter plug into a vehicle's (or jump-
starter's) DC accessory outlet or airplane DC power outlet.
4.Rotate the plug slightly to make sure there is good
contact.
5.The LED will light GREEN, indicating a proper connection.
6.If the inverter does not work, make sure the ignition/
accessory switch is actually powering the accessory outlet.
Some vehicles require the ignition switch to be turned on.
7.Plug the USB-powered device into the inverter's USB Power
Port and operate normally.
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Notes:This inverter's USB Power Port does not support
data communication. It only provides 5 volts/500mA DC
power to an external USB-powered device.
The USB power output is not controlled by the ON/OFF Power.
The USB power is always on when the Power Cord is connected
to a 12-Volt DC power source. Remember to disconnect the
Power Cord from any power source when the unit is not in
use.
Protective Features
The inverter monitors the following conditions:
• Low Battery Voltage-This condition is harmful to the
inverter, and could damage the power source, so the
inverter will automatically shut down when input voltage
drops below 10.5 Volts DC.
• Input Voltage Too High-The inverter will automatically
shut down when DC input voltage exceeds 15 Volts, as
this can harm the unit.
• Thermal Shutdown Protection-The inverter will auto-
matically shut down when the unit becomes overheated.
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• Overload/Short Circuit Protection-The inverter will auto-
matically shut down if a short circuit occurs.
• AC Ground Leakage-The inverter will automatically shut
down when leakage current exceeds a preset safety level.
Operating Tips
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User's Manual
The All-in-one mobile power inverter should only be
operated in locations that are:
• DRY-Do not allow water or other liquids to come into
contact with the inverter.
• COOL-Surrounding air temperature should ideally be
0-40°C (32-104°F). Keep the inverter away from direct
sunlight, when possible.
• WELL-VENTILATED-Keep the area surrounding the inverter
clear to ensure free air circulation around the unit. Do not
place items on or over the inverter during operation. The
unit will shut down if the internal temperature gets too
hot.
• SAFE-Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or
in any locations that may accumulate flammable fumes or
gases. This is an electrical appliance that can briefly spark
when electrical connections are made or broken.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Storage
1.Ideal storage temperature range is 0-40°C (32-104°F).
2.Store and use the All-in-one mobile power inverter in
a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation for all-around
air circulation.
3.Avoid locations that are exposed to heating units,
radiators, direct sunlight, or excessive humidity or
dampness.
Fuse Replacement (in 12-Volt DC Power Cord)
1.Disconnect unit from 12-Volt DC power source.
2.Remove fuse cover from DC power wire cord. Remove
the fuse.
3.Replace with a new fuse (15 amp, glass type). Refer to
the illustration below.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common Audio/Visual Problems
Problem: Buzzing Sound In Audio Systems
Some inexpensive stereo systems and boom boxes make a
buzzing sound when operated from the inverter, because
the power supply in the electronic device does not properly
filter the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. The
only solution to this problem is to use a sound system that
has a higher quality power supply.
The All-in-one mobile power inverter is shielded to
minimize interference with TV signals. However, in some
instances, some interference may still be visible, especially
when the TV signal is weak. Try the following to improve
the picture:
1.Move the 120 Watt Inverter as far away as possible from
the TV set, the antenna, and the antenna cables. Use a
short AC extension cord, if necessary.
2.Adjust the orientation of the antenna cables, and the TV
power cord to minimize interference.
3.Make sure that the antenna feeding the TV provides an
adequate (snow-free) signal and that high quality,
shielded antenna cable is used.
Fault LED Lights/Alert Buzzer Sounds
When the Power/Fault LED turns from GREEN (indicating the
unit is powered) to RED, a fault condition is present and the
unit will automatically shut down shortly. See "Protective
Features" on page 9 and "Common Power Output Problems"
below.
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REPLACEABLE FUSE 15AMP
Turn left to open the vehicle accessory adapter fuse cover.
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Common Power Output Problems
Possible Causes Recommendations
Battery voltage below
10.5 volts
Equipment being operated
draws too much power
Recharge battery or check
DC power supply.
Reduce load to maximum
120 watts.
Inverter in thermal
shutdown condition
Allow inverter to cool down.
Ensure there is adequate
ventilation around the unit,
and the load is no more than
120 watts for continuous
operation.
AC output is shorted Disconnect the AC appliance.
Pull out the DC Power Cord
from your vehicle's DC output.
Wait a few seconds and then
re-insert the DC Power Cord
to turn it back ON.
SPECIFICATIONS
All-in-One
Maximum Continuous Power................................120 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power)..............240 Watts
No Load Current Draw...............................................<0.3A
Waveform.............................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range....................11-15 Volts DC
AC Receptacle................110V/120V AC (3 prong grounded)
Approximate Dimensions................110L x 66W x 22 H/mm
4.33L x 2.5W x .8H/Inch
Approximate Weight.................................................123.2g
. 27lb