Whistler PP200 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
200/400 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 400WATTMAN
©WHISTLER 2002
200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 1

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
or visit www.whistlergroup.com
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 GO AC power inverter allows you to run
most AC appliances right from your car, boat or RV. They’re
great for weekend use and lifeon theroad. They’realso great
for power outtages!
To fully acquaintyourself with theoperation of thisinverter we
recommend reading this entire manual.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP
We’re Driving Technology
200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 3

A Word About WHISTLER GO AC™ 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 automobile and marine batteries or from portable
high power 12 volt sources.
1. AC Output Sockets
2. On/Off Switch
3. Power/Overload LED
4. Power Cords (400 watt shown)
On 200 watt model 4a is attached and 4b is not included.
WHISTLER FEATURES
3
Topic Page
Features Summary......................................................................3
Important Information................................................................4
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
1
2
4a
3
4b
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INVERTER BASICS
Getting Started
Power equipment and appliances which operate with motors
or tubes require an initial surge of power to get them up and
running. Thispowersurgeis referredtoas 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."
In order to ensure that the capacity of your WHISTLER invert-
er 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 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 owner’s manual. Contact the
appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if
the device you are using (TV’s, battery re-charger, com-
puter, medical equipment, etc.) is compatible with a
modified sine wave.
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. As a general rule, youcan determine the
requiredstartup loadbymultiplyingthewattageratingby10.
For further information on the fundamental operating prin-
ciples of WHISTLER inverters and related technical data,
see "Technical Operating Principles"
5
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
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.
•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 of current 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 compatibility
with modified sinewave inverters. Some appliances may
not work well, not at all or be damaged. 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
4
200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 7

INVERTER BASICS
Don’t Push It.
Although your WHISTLER GO AC 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, itis designed to operate equipment and appliances
with start up load wattage ratings no higher than its own
maximum 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 tobriefly provide up to800 wattsof power(that is,excess
current), it is designed to operate equipment and appli-
ances with start up load requirements of 400 watts orless.
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 ratingfor 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 your testing is compatible with modified
sinewave inverters. See page 4 for more information.
7
INVERTER BASICS
6
If apiece of equipmentor an appliance willnot operate, first
confirm that the inverter has been properly connected to
the 12 volt power source (See"MakingThe 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.
Note:
• Most heat generating appliances require start up loads
in excess of 1000watts andthis inverter will notoperate
such appliances as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers or
heaters.
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OPERATION
Making the Connection.
This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery
using the light socket plug or by the supplied #10 gauge
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.
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. (400 watt
model only)
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.
9
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.)
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 Adaptor 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 invert-
er. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered
under the WHISTLER warranty.
•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.
*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.
400 watt shown
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•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.
Important Information on Battery Chargers
Using your inverter to recharge units designed to charge such
portableequipmentas 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 withsine wave inverters if you’re unsure.
Although we advise against it, if you attempt to recharge a charg-
ing unit, monitor the temperatureof the charging unit for approx-
imately 10 minutes. If the charging unit becomes unusually warm,
disconnect it from the inverter immediately.
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
This inverter is equippedwith either a 20 amp (lighter socket - 400
watt model) or a 40 amp spade type fuse (20 amp 200 watt
model). With reasonable care, it should not be necessary to
replace the fuse(s) in your inverter.
Most blown fusesare the result ofreverse polarity or a shortcircuit
OPERATION
•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).
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.
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.
11
OPERATION
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13
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
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: System ready.
YELLOW LED: System overload/automatic shut down.
Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the
following problems occur:
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.
The inverters are also equipped with the following additional
safety features:
1. Thermal Cut Off:
Automatic shut down when the internal circuit tempera-
tureexceeds standard design parameters for safe
operation.
OPERATION
12
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 fuse is easily accessed
either inside the lighter socket plug or inline on the hardwire
cable.
Note:
•Make certain to correct the source of the overload
which caused the blown fuse before turning your
inverter back ON (l).
The Power Source.
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 placedon it by the equipment being operated with the
inverter.
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 inverterbe turned off
before turning over the engine.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when
turning over the engine, the inverter may momentarily cease
operationas the battery voltagedecreases. When the invert-
er is not supplying power, and turned on, it draws very low
amperage from the battery (<0.40 A ).
200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 15

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.
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.
Wall Mounting:
Whistler inverters have provisions for wall mounting; two
slotted holes in the handle area and a notched area at the
power cord end allow for easy wall mounting of the unit.
Some Powerful Advice.
YourWHISTLERGOACinverterwillwork bestwhenplacedon
a reasonably flat surface. The floor or seat of your car or truck
both are good locations.
When driving with the inverter in operation, make certain that
neither the inverter nor the power cords will impede safe
operation ofyour vehicle. Keepthe unit and allcords clearof
the steering wheel, gas, brake and clutch pedals and gear
shift.
14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note
the following important safetyprecautions:
•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.
• 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.
•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.
•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.
15
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17
16
OPERATING PRINCIPLES OPERATING PRINCIPLES
majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage
and assume that the measured waveformwillbe a puresine
wave.
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
suchasaFluke 87,Fluke8060A,Beckman 4410, Triplett4200
or any multimeter identified as "True RMS."
For more information on inverters see our Inverter FAQ
page at www.whistlergroup.com/faq-inverters.asp
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.
For You Technical Types.
1. Basic Operating Principles:
WHISTLER GO AC 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 con-
verted to 110 volts (60 Hz AC) using advanced power MOS-
FET transistors in a full bridge configuration. The result is
excellent overload capability and the capacity to operate dif-
ficult 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.
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 GO AC Inverter
The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler inverter
has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 volts. The
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