Whistler 1000 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
1000/2000 WATT
SERIES
HIGH SURGE POWER INVERTERS
THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
www.whistlergroup.com
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
25 Industrial Ave.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]
Email: [email protected]
P/N 1000/2000SERIESMAN
©WHISTLER 2002
See important information section regarding medical equip-
ment, rechargeable products and laptop computers before
using this power inverter!
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1
If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call consumer relations:
1-800-531-0004
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
Please keep the receipt in a safe
place. If the unit is returned without a
dated proof of purchase, an out of
warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty is
validated only by your receipt.
Now is the time to record the serial
number of the unit in the space pro-
vided in the warranty section of the
manual.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Owner,
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It
can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment
center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler
products are designed to make the time you spend in your
vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve
your driving experience.
Whistler offers a complete line of DC to AC inverters
ranging in capacity from 140 Watts to 2750 Watts. These
inverters offer advanced technology, dependable operation
and will provide years of reliable service when used in accor-
dance with our operating instructions.
Your new Whistler power inverter allows you to run most AC
appliances right from your car, boat or RV. They’re great for
weekend use and life on the road. They’re also great for
power outages!
This manual covers six models; the 1000 series (1000, 1250,
1500, 1750 watts) and the 2000 series (2500 and 2750 watts) to
fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your Whistler
power inverter we recommend reading this entire manual.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP
We’re Driving Technology
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WHISTLER FEATURES
A Word About Whistler Power 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 automo-
bile and marine batteries or from portable high power 12
volt sources.
Inverter Features
a). ON/OFF Switch.This switch controls the flow of power
from the power source to the inverter. It does not control
the power running from the inverter to the equipment or
appliance being operated.
b). High Temperature LED Indicator Light. This light will
turn RED and the inverter will automatically shut down
when the internal temperature exceeds design parameters
3
Topic Page
Features Summary ..................................................................3-7
Important Information................................................................8
Inverter Information............................................................9 - 11
• Getting Started
• Don’t Push It
Battery Information...........................................................11 - 13
• Selecting the Optimum Power Source
Cable Information.............................................................13 - 14
• Wire Cable Gauges
Operation..........................................................................15 - 23
• Making the Connection
• Tips
• Recharging Equipment
• Power Source
• TV’s & Microwaves
Technical Operating Principles........................................23 - 25
Operation Summary .........................................................25 - 27
Troubleshooting................................................................28 - 29
Specifications............................................................................30
Warranty Information........................................................31 - 33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
1000 watt series shown
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FEATURES
automatically shut down. In this event, it is likely that the
draw of the equipment or appliance being operated is
greater than the battery is capable of producing.
Voltage Indicator.This Bar Graph displays the voltage
being drawn from the battery by the inverter. The voltage is
measured at the Negative and Positive power input termi-
nals on the inverter. The voltage level reading will be lower
than the battery voltage due to the voltage "drop" that
occurs as the battery voltage runs through the terminal con-
nections and cables.
The inverter is designed to operate with input voltages
ranging from 10 to 15 volts. When the voltage drops below
10.5 volts DC, the voltage indicator will register in the lower
RED zone and an audible alarm will sound. If the voltage
drops below 10 volts DC, the voltage indicator will go out
and the inverter will automatically shut down.
The inverter also will shut down automatically when the
input voltage exceeds 15 volts DC. Despite this "built in"
protection, the inverter may be damaged if the input volt-
age exceeds 15 volts DC and damage caused by excess
voltage input is not covered under the WHISTLER warranty.
Under optimum conditions, the voltage reading will be in
the GREEN zone.
Note:
In the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible
alarm, turn the inverter OFF (O) until the source of the relat-
ed problem has been determined and resolved.
5
FEATURES
for safe operation. When this occurs, turn the equipment
or appliance off.
In the event of excess temperature, the High Speed
Cooling Fan also will automatically turn on. Overheating
may result when the inverter is being operated at levels
exceeding its wattage rating or because it has been
placed in a location or in an manner which prevents prop-
er heat dissipation. After approximately 15 minutes, the
High Temperature Indicator light and the Cooling Fan will
turn off and the inverter will automatically restart indicating
that the inverter temperature has dropped to a safe oper-
ating level.
c). Over Load LED Indicator Light. This light will turn RED
and the inverter will automatically shut down when the
continuous power draw from the inverter exceeds the
maximum continuous power rating for the inverter. Turn
the inverter OFF (O), determine and resolve the cause of
the overload prior to resuming operation of the equip-
ment or appliance. Turning the inverter ON (I) will reset it.
d). Battery Current & Voltage Bar Graph Meters
(GREEN, YELLOW, RED).
Current Indicator.This illuminated Bar Graph monitors
the current being drawn from the battery by the inverter.
Depending on the amount of current being drawn, the Bar
Graph reading generally will be in the GREEN or YELLOW
zone.
When the reading rises to the RED zone, the inverter may
4
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FEATURES
e). Two Standard North American 110 AC Outlets are
provided.
f).Remote Operation Socket.
The inverter is designed to be
operated from a remote location
via the WHISTLER PP015DC
Remote Control Switch which
plugs into this socket. This option-
al accessory is available through
WHISTLER or your WHISTLER
dealer.
i). High Speed Cooling Fan. This fan will turn on auto-
matically when the internal temperature exceeds design
parameters for safe operation. The Cooling Fan will auto-
matically turn off when the temperature drops to a safe
operating level. This fan does not run continuously.
j). Power Input Terminals
(WHITE/Negative, RED/Positive).
(IMPORTANT: The Negative Terminal on the 2000 series is
BLACK. See opposite).
k). Chassis Ground Terminal Lug. 7
FEATURES
6
Note:
The 2000 series inverters incorporates all of the operating
and safety features of the 1000 series models. In addition
to these common features, the 2000 series are equipped
with circuit breakers and a terminal for making direct con-
nection between the inverter and an electrical distribution
panel.
g). Circuit Breakers. (2000 Series Only). Each 110 AC out-
let is equipped with a 15 amp circuit breaker.
h). "Direct Wire" Connection. (2000 Series Only). This ter-
minal is utilized for direct connection to an electrical distri-
bution panel. This connection is to be made only by a
licensed electrician. See Notes in the following section,
"Making the Connection").
1000 watt series shown
2000 watt series shown - Front view
2000 watt
series
shown -
Rear view
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INVERTER INFORMATION
Important Information About Your New Whistler
Inverter.
This manual will provide you with directions for the safe
and efficient operation of your Whistle Power Inverter.
Important Note: Each of the following operating
procedures and safety features must be carefully reviewed
and thoroughly understood prior to using the inverter.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the inverter or
equipment or serious personal injury.
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.
•110 volts can be lethal. Improper use of your
Whistler inverter may result in property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
•Check with the appliance manufacturer for com-
patibility with modified sine wave inverters. Some
appliances may not work well, not at all or be dam-
aged. This is especially true for medical equipment.
For more information on compatibility issues, please visit
our inverter FAQ page at www.whistlergroup.com/faq-
inverters.asp
9
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
8
Getting Started
Powerequipmentandappliances which operatewithmotors
or tubes requirean initial surge of power to get themup 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 hasbeen powered
up,it settles downtoaslowerpaceandrequiresfar lesselec-
trical power to operate. This lower power requirement is
referred to as the "continuous load."
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.
Power consumption isratedeither 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 isnot 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.
If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the
number ofamps by110 (AC voltage) to determine the com-
parable wattage rating. As a general rule, you can deter-
mine 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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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
ratingwill not damage it.
If apiece ofequipment oran appliance will notoperate,first
confirm that the inverter has been properly connected to
the12 volt powersource (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
inverterdoes not have the required start up capacity or your
battery supply isn’t large enough to operatethe equipment
or appliance in question.
Selecting the Optimum Power Source.
Operating the inverter forextended periods combined with
a high continuous load demand may result in excessive
power drain from the battery. Therefore, the reserve
capacity of the battery you select to power the inverter is an
important consideration.
The potential power drain can be estimated by calculating
the reserve power ("amp/hour") of the battery and the
amps required by the inverter to meetthe continuous load
demand of the equipment or appliance being operated.
INVERTER INFORMATION
Don’t Push It.
Although your Whistler power 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 1500 model has a maximum continuous
rating of 1500 watts. Although this model has the capacity
to briefly provide up to 3000 watts of power (that is, excess
current), it is designed to operate equipment and appli-
ances with start up load requirements of 1500 watts or less.
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.
Some refrigerators, freezers, pumps and other similar
equipment and appliances require very high start up loads
to operate. Before attempting to power up this type of
equipment or appliance, make especially certain that all
connections have been properly made and that the power
source is fully charged.
To determine whether your inverter will operate a particular
piece of equipment or appliance, run a test. The inverter is
11
INVERTER INFORMATION
10
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13
BATTERY/CABLEINFORMATION
• It may be advisable to operate the inverter from a bank
of batteries of the same type in a "parallel" configura-
tion. Two such batteries will generate twice the
amp/hours of a single battery; three batteries will gen-
erate three times the amp/hours and so on.
This multiple parallel battery option is especially rec-
ommended for the WHISTLER 2000 series inverter due
to the high level of amps this model requires to pro-
duce up to 2750 watts of continuous load. For more
information regarding battery power please visit our
inverterfaq page atwww.whistlergroup.com/faq-invert-
ers.asp.
Wire Cable Gauges
For safeand proper operation of the inverter, connect the
inverter to the power source with the thickest wire available
and in theshortest length practical.
1000 Series
When the inverter and the batteryare setup within four feet
of each other, use a minimum of #4 gauge wire to make the
connections. Within fourto six feet, use a minimum of #2
gaugewire. At distances of morethansix feet,use #0 gauge
wire.
BATTERYINFORMATION
12
1. To calculate the amp/hour of the battery, first determine
its "reserve minutes" rating. (Deep cycle marine batter-
ies generally have the highest reserve minute ratings).
This rating typically is marked on the battery along with
the "Cold Cranking Amps" (CCA) rating. Multiply the
reserveminutesratingof the batteryby 0.3 todetermine
the battery amp/hour rating of 50 (166 x 0.3 = 49.8).
2. To estimate the maximum battery powerthe inverterwill
require to run a pieceof equipment or appliance, divide
its continuous load wattage requirement by 10.
The WHISTLER 1000 watt model utilizes 50 amps of bat-
tery power to operate an appliance with a 500 watt con-
tinuous load requirement. (500 divided by 10 = 50).
3. Conclusion: The reserve power of the battery is suffi-
cient to satisfy the continuous load demand placed on
the inverter for a maximum of about one hour. (49.8
divided by 50 = 1 hour).
Note:
• When the inverter will be operating equipment or appli-
ances with high continuous load ratings for extended
periods, it is not advisable topower the inverter with the
same battery used to power your vehicle. If the car or
truck batteryis utilized for an extendedperiod, it is pos-
sible that the battery voltage may be drained to the
pointwhere the battery has insufficient reserve power to
start the vehicles.
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Regardless of the wire gauge selected to make the connec-
tions to the battery, we recommend use of an "O Ring
Adapter." Use of #0 gauge wire to make the connections to
the inverter may require a "0 to 4 Gauge Adapter." Both
adapters are available through electronic supply stores
including Radio Shack.Radio Shack part numberis listed
below:
O Ring Adapter: RSU11538139
2000 Series
When theinverter and thebattery are set up within four feet
of each other, use a minimum of #2 gaugewire to make the
connections. Within four to six feet, use two #0 gauge wire.
At distances of more than six feet, use two #0 gauge wires
connected in parallel to the battery. This connection will
require eight ORing Adapters as referenced above.
Alternatively, use #00 (2/0) gauge wire with the appropriate
adapters. These #00 gauge wire adapters are available
through most electronic supply stores.
14
CABLE INFORMATION OPERATION
Making the Connection.
1. Make certain that the Power 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.
(To make these connections on the 2000 series, remove
the supplied nutat each terminal onthe inverter, install
the wire connectors flush with the metal backing plates
and refasten the nuts securely. Do not over tighten
these nuts).
3. Connect the cable from the (BLACK) Negative (-) ter-
minal on the inverter (white on the 1000 series) to the
Negative (-) terminal on the 12 volt power source.
Make certain the connection 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 (red on all series) to the Positive (+) ter-
minal on the power source.
15
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17
16
OPERATION OPERATION
connecting the ground, make certain that the invert-
er is turned off. Operating the inverter without
properly grounding it may result in electrical shock.
7. Turn the inverter ON (I). Check the Bar Graph Meter
on the front panel. The Voltage Bar Graph should
read between 11 and 14 volts depending on the volt-
age of the power source. If the reading is not within
this range, check the voltage of the power source
and the terminal connections on the power source
and the inverter to make sure they are secure.
Neither the High Temperature or Over Load LED
Indicators should be illuminated.
8. Confirm that the equipment or appliance to be oper-
ated is turned off. Plug the equipment or appliance
into one of the two AC receptacles on the front panel
of the the inverter.
9. Turn the inverter to the ON (I) position. Turn on the
equipment or appliance.
Note:
•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 connect-
ed to or disconnected from the 12 volt power source.
Again, this is normal.
• The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the
Note:
•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 per
-manent damage to the inverter. Damage
caused by reverse polarity is not covered
under the Whistler warranty.
•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.
6. Run a ground from the Ground Lug Terminal at the
rear of the inverter to a proper grounding point using
the shortest practical length of 18 AWG wire.
Selection of the grounding point will depend on
where you are using the inverter. The ground wire may
be connected to the chassis of your vehicle or to the
grounding system in your boat or to the earth if you
are operating the inverter in a remote location. Before
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