Vector BD022806 Instruction Manual

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the
responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other than those
described herein.
This Vector Manufacturing product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials
and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty does not
extendtosubsequentpurchasersorusers.VectorManufacturingwillnotberesponsibleforanyamountofdamage
in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and consequential
damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this warranty.
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to accessories or
damage to units from misuse or incorrect installation/connection. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to
improper polarity power sources.
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned to Vector Manufacturing.
Anydefective product,other thanaccessories, thatis returnedto VectorManufacturingwithin30 daysof thedate
of purchase will be replaced free of charge. If such a product is returned more than 30 days but less than two
years from the purchase date, Vector Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its option, replace it free of charge.
If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at Vector Manufacturing’s option. A
unitmaybereplacedwithaneworreconditioned unitofthesameorcomparabledesign.The repaired orreplaced
unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period. The customer is responsible
for the shipping charges on all returned items after 30 days. During the warranty period, Vector Manufacturing
will be responsible for the return shipping charges.
lIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and batteries, defects resulting from normal
wearandtear(including chips,scratches,abrasions, discolorationorfadingdue tousageor exposuretosunlight),
accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations, unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse,
abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God.
If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our Technical Support Department at [phone] or
toll free at [phone] for general repair information and charges if applicable.
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
exclusionsor limitations statedherein may notapply.This warranty gives thepurchaser specific legalrights; other
rights, which vary from state to state, may apply.
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Vector Manufacturing Technical Support by
telephone,fax or mail.Wesuggest that you keep the original packagingin case you need to ship theunit. When
returning a product, include your name, address, phone number, dated sales receipt (or copy) and a description
ofthe reason for returnand product serial number.After repairingor replacing the unit,we will make every effort
to return it to you within four weeks.
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector Manufacturing. Enter
“VEC1040AMG” as Model and “100 Watt PowerInverter Vehicle Power System” as Product Type. All Vector
Manufacturing products must be registered within 30 days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the
completed registration form, along with a copy of the original sales receipt to:
ATTN.: CUSTOMER SERVICE
4140 SW 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
PH: 954-584-4446 • TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 • Fax: [phone].
WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
8
VEC1040AMG
USER’S MANUAL
& WARRANTY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE THE 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.
4140 S.W. 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 U.S.
Toll Free: [phone]
100 Watt
Power Inverter
Vehicle Power System
Converts DC Vehicle Power
to 115 Volt AC Household Power
© 2006 VECTOR MANUFACTURING
MADE IN CHINA
BD022806
VEC1040AMG_ManualEN_022806 2/28/06 4:15 PM Page 8

OPERATING AND VISIBLE FEATURES
• 100 watts continuous output – 115 volt AC, 60 Hz
• Easiest inverter to use – truly plug and play
• Adapts to any size 12 volt DC accessory outlet
• Compact, pocket size, efficient, and quiet
• Electronic circuit protection prevents damage due to overload/insufficient ventilation
• Low-battery shutdown automatically occurs when battery discharges to 10.6 volts, preventing
battery damage
• Self recovery from shutdown – if manual reset is required, remove and reinsert the inverter
into the accessory outlet
POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS/RUNTIMES
The inverter can be powered by any 12 volt DC accessory outlet that can supply at least 10
amperes. A charged car battery with 50 amp hours of capacity can operate this inverter at 100
watt output for approximately five hours.
5
3
2
6
4
1
7
1. 12 volt POSITIVE (+) contact
2. Internal fuse
3. 12 volt NEGATIVE (–) spring contact
4. Power plug adjusts 45°
5. Green operating LED
6. 115 volt AC three-prong outlet
7. Ventilation slots
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Always use the inverter where there is adequate ventilation. Do not block ventilation slots.
2. DO NOT use the inverter near flammable materials or in locations that may accumulate flammable
fumes or gases.
3. ALWAYS turn OFF the inverter by removing it from the DC accessory outlet when not in use.
4. NEVER IMMERSE THE UNIT IN WATER (fresh or salt).
5. DO NOT expose to extreme heat or flames.
6. Makesurenominalpoweringvoltageis12voltsDC,centerconnectionpositive(+),10ampsminimum.
7. DO NOT replace fuse with higher amperage rating.
WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, explosion or injury:
• This is not a toy — keep away from children.
• This equipment employs components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. DO NOT
install in compartments containing batteries or flammable materials.
• Use this unit in properly ventilated areas ONLY.
• Do not open — there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not insert foreign objects into the outlet.
• Do not expose the unit to flammables, water, rain or snow.
• This inverter has not been tested for use with medical devices.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the VEC1040AMG 100 Watt Power Inverter Vehicle Power
System.
Please read this guide carefully before use to ensure best performance and avoid
damage to the unit or items that you are using it with. Read, understand and comply with all
Warnings and Safety Information to ensure safety of persons and equipment.
This inverter is a convenient, easy-to-carry, completely portable source of 115 volt AC to operate
appliances to 100 watts. It can be powered by any 12 volt DC accessory outlet that can supply at
least10 amperes.It isalso idealfor usewith 12volt DCcordless/portable rechargeableDC power
supplies and jump-starter products.
The inverter can be used to operate: 110/120 volt AC laptop computers, game consoles, reading
lamps, small fans, and more.
Recharge: 110/120 volt AC devices (laptop computers, cellular phones, camcorders, power tool
battery packs) that have an appropriate recharging adapter with a three-prong 110/120 volt AC
North American standard-type plug.
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SAFE –Donotusetheinverternearflammablematerialsorinanylocationsthatmayaccumulate
flammable fumes or gases. This is an electrical appliance that can briefly spark when electrical
connections are made or broken.
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment. Most electrical tools, appliances,
electronicdevices and audio/visual equipmenthave labels thatindicate the powerconsumption in
ampsor watts.Be sure thatthe powerconsumption ofthe item tobe operatedis below100 watts.
Ifthe powerconsumption israted inamps, simplymultiply bythe ACvolts (110)to determinethe
wattage.
Resistiveloads arethe easiest for the inverterto run;however, it will notrun largerresistive loads
(suchas electric stovesand heaters) whichrequire far morewattage than theinverter 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 unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded.
To restart the unit, simply remove the load and the unit will auto reset.
Note: This inverter will not operate appliances and equipment that generate heat, such as
hair dryers, electric blankets, microwave ovens, and toasters.
HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS
This inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a
battery to 115 volt AC (alternating current) household power. In designing this inverter, the
manufacturer has incorporated design techniques previously employed in computer power
supplies. The result of these design innovations is a smaller, lighter and easier-to-use power
inverter.
Theinverterconverts powerintwo stages.Thefirst stage isaDC-to-DC conversionprocessthat raises
the low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage
that converts the high voltage DC into 115 volts, 60 Hz AC.
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses creative, high frequency, zero voltage switching power
conversion techniques that replace the bulky transformers found in less technologically advanced
models.The inverter stageuses advanced powerMOSFET transistors ina full bridgeconfiguration.
This ensures excellent overload capability and the ability to operate reactive loads like lamp
ballasts and small induction motors.
Inverter Output Waveform
The 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 this inverter has an RMS (root mean square) voltage of 115
volts,whichisthesameasstandardhouseholdpower.MostACvoltmeters(bothdigitalandanalog)
aresensitivetotheaveragevalueofthe waveform ratherthan theRMS value. Theyare calibrated
forRMSvoltageundertheassumptionthatthewaveformmeasuredwillbeapuresinewave.These
Itisalsoidealforusewith12voltDCcordless/portable/rechargeableDCpowersuppliesandjump-
starter products.
Estimated runtimes below are at 100 watt output:
• Jump-starters with 17-19 amp hour battery approx. 2 hours
• Compact jump-starter with 15 amp hour battery approx. 1.5 hours
• Compact jump-starter with 12 amp hour battery approx. 1 hour
Lower operating output (less than 100 watts) reduces the current drawn from the DC source, so
longer operating times can be realized.
OPERATION OF INVERTER
1. Insert the unit into the vehicle’s (or jump-starter’s) accessory outlet.
2. Rotate the plug slightly to make sure there is good contact.
3. A green LED light on the inverter will indicate a proper operation.
4. Ifthe inverterdoes not work,make surethe ignition/accessory switchis actuallypowering the
accessory outlet. Some vehicles need the ignition switch turned on.
5. Plug in the AC appliance.
PROTECTIVE FEATURES
The inverter monitors the following conditions:
Low Battery Voltage – this condition is not harmful to the inverter but could damage the power
source,sotheinverter automatically shutsdownwheninputvoltage dropsto10.6volts.When this
condition is corrected, the unit will auto-reset.
OverVoltageProtection– theinverterwillautomaticallyshutdownwhentheinputvoltageexceeds
15 volts DC.
Note: The inverter will auto-reset after removing a short circuit. If the inverter’s fuse fails,
disconnect the shorter load and replace the fuse inside the inverter. SEE FUSE REPLACEMENT – if
bad fuse is suspected.
OPERATING TIPS
The 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 –Surroundingairtemperature shouldbebetween-20°C and 40°C-ideallybetween 15°C
and 25°C (60 - 80°F). Keep the inverter away from direct sunlight, when possible.
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. The inverter will auto-reset after it cools down.
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COMMON AUDIO/VISUAL PROBLEMS
Problem: Buzzing Sound In Audio Systems
Someinexpensivestereosystemsandboom boxes make a buzzing sound when operated from the
inverter, because the power supply in the electronic device does not properly filter the modified
sinewaveproduced bytheinverter.Theonly solutiontothis problemistouse asoundsystem that
has a higher quality power supply.
Problem: Television Interference
TheinverterisshieldedtominimizeinterferencewithTVsignals.However,insomeinstances,some
interferencemaystillbevisible,especiallywhentheTVsignalisweak.Trythefollowingtoimprove
the picture:
1. MovetheinverterasfarawayaspossiblefromtheTVset,theantenna,andtheantennacables.
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 the antenna feeding the TV provides an adequate (snow free) signal and that high
quality, shielded antenna cable is used.
COMMON POWER OUTPUT PROBLEMS
Possible Causes Recommendations
Battery voltage Recharge battery or check
below 10 volts. DC power supply.
Equipment being operated Reduce load to maximum 100 watts.
draws too much power.
Inverter in thermal Allow inverter to cool down. Ensure there is
shutdown condition. adequate ventilation around unit, and load is
no more than 100 watts for continuous operation.
Main fuse failed (blown). Replace fuse in DC connector.
Inverter is overloaded. Reduce load to 100 watts max.
to maintain regulation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power : 100 watts
AC Output: 115 volts, 60 Hz
DC Input: 13.8 volts
Fuse: 10 amps
Waveform: Modified Sine Wave
meterswillnot correctlyreadtheRMS voltageofamodified sinewave.Non-TRUE RMS meterswill
read about 20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter. For accurate
measurementoftheoutputvoltageof this unit,useaTRUERMSreadingvoltmetersuch asa Fluke
87, Fluke 8080A, Beckman 4410, or Triplett 4200.
115 volt AC Output
CAUTION: 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 battery-operated equipment. Most of
these devices use a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC
receptacle.
• The inverter is capable of running most chargers and transformers.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Storage
1. Ideal storage temperature range is 50-68°F (10-20°C).
2. Store and use the 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
Ifthe inverteris overloaded,and thegreen LEDis notlit, theinternal 10amp fusemay beblown.
1. Unscrew the flange of the inverter (counterclockwise).
2. Remove the end contact, flange and fuse.
3. Inspect the fuse to see if it is good or blown.
4. Replace with a new 10 amp fuse, if needed.
5. Carefully reassemble the fuse, end contact and flange. Do not overtighten the flange (turning
clockwise). 6 7
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