Whistler XP100i User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
XP100i
POWER INVERTER

INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Customer,
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 100 Watts to 3000 Watts. These inverters
offer advanced technology, dependable operation and will
provide years of reliable service when used in accordance
with our operating instructions.
Your new Whistler power inverter allows you to run some 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!
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of this inverter
we recommend reading this entire manual.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC

Features Description ............................................................... 4
Important Information ............................................................. 5
Inverter Basics ......................................................................... 6
Operation ............................................................................... 8
Care & Maintenance ............................................................. 11
Operating Principles ............................................................. 13
Operation Summary ............................................................. 15
Specifications ........................................................................ 16
Warranty Information ............................................................ 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3

WHISTLER inverters convert low voltage, direct current (DC) to
115 volt alternating household current (AC). The AC output is
called “modified sine wave”. See “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. 12-Volt Power Plug
2. North American 115V AC Outlet
3. ON/OFF Indicator light
4. 180o Adjustable Power Plug
5. USB Power Port
6. Cooling Fan
FEATURES DESCRIPTION
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1
3
2
4
5
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
NOTE: 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.
•115 volts can be lethal. Improper use of your WHISTLER inverter
may result in property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
•Not recommended for use with medical equipment. Check
with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility with
modified sine wave inverters. Some appliances may not work
well, not at all or be damaged.
5

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. 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.” 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 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 appliance 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, computer, medical equipment, etc.) is
compatible with a modified sine wave.
If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the number of
amps by 115 (AC voltage) to determine the comparable wattage
rating. Induction motors, as well as some televisions, may require 2
to 6 times their wattage rating for startup. For further information
on the fundamental operating principles of WHISTLER inverters
and related technical data, see “Operating Principles.”
Don’t Push It.
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.
6

For example, the XP100i watt model has a maximum continuous
rating of 100 watts. Although this model has the capacity to briefly
provide more than its continuous power (that is, excess current),
it is designed to operate equipment and appliances with start up
load requirements of 100 watts or less.
Consequently, if the start up load rating of your equipment or
appliance is slightly higher than the maximum continuous rating
of the inverter, the inverter will attempt to start loads above the
continuous rating for several seconds.
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 the inverter. However, make sure the appliance you
are testing is compatible with modified sine wave inverters. See
IMPORTANT INFORMATION section for more information.
If all connections have been properly made, turn the inverter rocker
switch ON (l), OFF (O) and ON (l) again in quick succession. 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 1000 watts and this inverter will not operate such appliances
as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers or heaters.
•The inverter’s USB Port does not support data communications.
INVERTER BASICS
7

Getting Started
1. Remove your lighter or remove the cover to the vehicle’s
power port and insert the 12 volt power plug firmly into
the lighter receptacle in your vehicle.
2. The LED Indicator light will illuminate confirming inverter
is operational.
3. Plug the appliance into the AC receptacle on the rear
panel of the inverter.
4. Plug the USB powered device into the inverter’s USB
power port.
NOTE: The inverter’s USB port does not support data
communications.
OPERATION
8

Operation
The inverter will turn itself off automatically when:
1. The power input from the battery drops to 10 volts.
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 15 volts.
3. The continuous draw of the equipment or appliance
being operated exceeds 100 watts.
The surge draw of the equipment or appliance being
operated exceeds safe operation.
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
This inverter is equipped with an internal spade type
fuse(s). With reasonable care, it should not be necessary to
replace the fuse(s) in your inverter.
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 electronically
knowledgeable people should attempt fuse replacement.
NOTE:
•Make certain to correct the source of the overload which
caused the blown fuse before turning your inverter back ON (l).
OPERATION
9

OPERATION
10
Some Powerful Advice.
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.
To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note the
following important safety precautions:
•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 surfaces 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 temperature 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 generated while
the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use,
maintain several inches of clearance 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 the inverter from any power
source other than a 12-volt DC battery.
•The inverter is designed to be connected to the lighter
socket or power port with the 12-volt power plug. Do not
attempt to modify the power plug.
•While connecting the inverter to the power source, make
certain that there are non-flammable fumes or gases in
the vicinity.
•Don’t expose the inverter to rain or moisture.
•Make certain the power consumption of the appliance or
equipment does not exceed 100 watts.
•To avoid battery drain, always disconnect the inverter
when not in use.
•Avoid placing the inverter near sources of heat or in
direct sunlight.
•While in use, make sure the inverter is properly ventilated.
•When operating the inverter with an automobile or
marine battery, start the engine every 30 to 60 minutes
and let it run for approximately 10 minutes to recharge
the battery.
11
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Important Information on Battery Chargers
Using your inverter with battery chargers for 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 modified sine wave inverters if you’re unsure.
Although we advise against it, if you attempt to use 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.
12

13
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
For You Technical Types.
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 115 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 on below.
This stepped waveform is similar to the power generated by utilities
and has a broad range of applications.
The modified sine wave produced by the Inverter
The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler inverter has a
root mean square (RMS) voltage of 115 volts.

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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
The majority of AC voltmeters measure RMS voltage and assume that
the measured waveform will be a pure sine 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 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.”
For more information on inverters see our Inverter FAQ page.
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.

OPERATION SUMMARY
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•Make certain the rated power consumption of the appliance or
equipment you wish to operate is compatible with the capacity
of your inverter.
•If the rated power consumption of the equipment is in the range
of the maximum specified wattage of your converter, test the
inverter to ensure that it will operate properly.
•This Inverter is not designed to operate heat generating
appliances such as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, toasters and
heaters.
•Use only fuses which conform with the design specifications
outlined in this manual.
•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.
•In the event of automatic shut down, remove the inverter from the
12v power source 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.
•Do not expose the inverter to moisture.
•Avoid placing the inverter near sources of heat or in direct
sunlight.
•When in use, make certain that the inverter is properly
ventilated.
•Do not use the inverter near flammable materials, fumes or
gases.
•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.

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SPECIFICATIONS
WHISTLER XP100i INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power .................................... 100 Watts
MaximumSurge(PeakPower)......................................200Watts*
No Load Current Draw ................................................. ≤0.3 A
Waveform .................................................. Modified Sine Wave
InputVoltage......................................................11–15.5+/-.5V
AC Receptacle ............................................. 115V AC 3 Prong
Fuse ....................................................... 15 Amp (AGW Type)
USB ...................................................................... 5V 2.1A Max
Approximate Dimensions ........................ 3.55” x 3.15” x 1.00”
Approximate Weight ...................................................... 4.8oz.
*Under certain conditions your inverter may provide up to 2 times
the continuous rating for a brief period.

WARRANTY
17
Consumer Warranty
This Whistler product is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of
one (1) year from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials
and workmanship, when purchased from an authorized Whistler retailer. This
limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, misused, modified, installed
improperly, or if the housing and/or serial numbers have been removed.
There are no express warranties covering this product other than those set
forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this product are
limited to one (1) year. Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use,
misuse, or operation of this product including but not limited to loss of time,
inconvenience, loss of use of your product or property damage caused by your
product or its failure to work, or any other incidental or consequential damages
including personal injury.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired or replaced
(with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’s option, without charge
to the purchaser when returned prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to
the address below. Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be
considered out of warranty and therefore are not covered by the described
Limited Warranty. (Refer to Service Out of Warranty section.)
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing Whistler products,
there are no authorized service centers other than Whistler.

WARRANTY
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1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy equivalent,
fully insured.
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or damage
incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit insured with return
receipt requested. CODs will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
•Your name and physical street address for shipping (no PO Boxes), a
daytime telephone number, and an email address (if applicable).
•A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,“device will not
Power ON”).
•A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. Units
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty period,
make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of purchase. For
warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated store receipt must
accompany any Whistler product sent in for warranty work.

WARRANTY
19
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates when:
•The unit’s original warranty has expired.
•A dated proof of purchase is not supplied.
•The unit has been returned without its serial number.
•The unit has been misused, abused, modified, installed improperly,
or had its housing removed.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum service fee, you
will be contacted by a Whistler technical service specialist who will outline
options available to you.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be certain to include a
daytime telephone number and an email address (if applicable).