Whistler XP800i User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
XP800i
POWER INVERTER

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call customer service:
1-800-531-0004
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
or visit www.whistlergroup.com
Please keep your purchase receipt in a
safe place. You may register your product
online at www.whistlergroup.com. 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.

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

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Features Description ............................................................ 3
Important Information .......................................................... 5
Inverter Basics ...................................................................... 6
• Getting Started
• Don’t Push It
Operation ............................................................................. 8
• Making the Connection
• Tips
• Recharging Equipment
• Changing the Fuse
• Power Source
Additional Safety Features ..................................................12
• Auto Shut Down
• Thermal Cut Off
• Low Battery Protection
Care & Maintenance ...........................................................14
Operating Principles .......................................................... 15
Operation Summary ........................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................. 19
Specifications ..................................................................... 20
Warranty Information.......................................................... 21
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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. Two North American AC Outlets
2. Inv+USB/Off/USB Turns the unit On/Off.
3. On/Shutdown Indicator Light The LED will illuminate GREEN
when the inverter is powered in normal conditions. This light will
turn RED and the inverter will automatically shut down (except low
voltage alarm) when any of the following problems occur:
• Short Circuit Protection. The inverter will shut down until the
short is removed.
• Low Voltage Alarm. An alarm will sound when the voltage from
the battery discharges to 10.5+/-0.5 volts DC. This is an indication
that the battery needs to be recharged.
• Over Voltage Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the
input exceeds 15.5+/-0.5V DC.
• Under Voltage Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when
the input is less than 10.0+/-0.5V DC.
FEATURES DESCRIPTION
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FEATURES DESCRIPTION
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• Overload Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the
continuous draw or the surge draw of the equipment being
operatedexceeds the maximum power rating for the inverter.
• Thermal Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the
internal temperature exceeds safe design parameters.
4. 2 USB Power Ports
5. Cooling Fan
6. Power Input Terminal (Black = Negative)
(Observe proper polarity)
7. Power Input Terminal (Red = Positive)
(Observe proper polarity)
8. Earth Ground Terminal
NOTE: In the event of an automatic shut down or continuous
audible alarm, turn the inverter OFF (O) until the source of the
related problem has been determined and resolved.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
5
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.
• 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.
• 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. For more information on
compatibility issues, please visit our inverter FAQ page at
www.whistlergroup.com

INVERTER BASICS
6
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.

For example, the XP800i model has a maximum continuous rating
of 800 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 800 watts or less.
Consequently, if the start up load rating of your equipment or
appliance slightly higher than the maximum continuous rating
of the inverter, the inverter will attempt to start loads above the
continuous rating.
To determine whether your inverter will operate a particular piece of
equipment or appliance, run a test. The inverter is designed to shut
down automatically in the event of a power overload. Testing appli-
ances and equipment with start up load ratings comparable to your
inverter wattage rating will not damage the inverter. If a piece of equip-
ment or an appliance will not operate, first confirm that the inverter has
been properly connected to the 12 volt power source (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
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 the inverter will not operate such
appliances as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers or heaters.
• The inverter’s USB Ports do not support data communications.
INVERTER BASICS
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Making the Connection.
This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery using the
supplied #8 AWG gauge cables.
1. Make certain that the inverter rocker switch is in the center
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.
3. Connect the cable from the (BLACK) Negative (-) terminal
on the inverter 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 properly
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.
OPERATION
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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 permanent damage to the inverter.
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 extremely
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 explosion.
6. For safe and proper operation of the inverter when not
using the supplied cables, connect the inverter to the
power source with the proper gauge wire available and
in the shortest length practical. Four feet of length use
a minimum of #8 gauge wire. Four to six feet, use #6
gauge wire. Six feet to ten feet, use #4 gauge wires.
7. 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.
OPERATION
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OPERATION
8. Confirm that the equipment or appliance to be operated is
turned off. Plug the equipment or appliance into one of the AC
receptacles on the front panel of the inverter.
9. Turn the inverter to the ON (I) position. Turn on the
equipment or appliance.
10. Plug the USB powered device into the inverter’s USB power
port.
11. The USB can be powered independantly of the inverter
by turning on the rocker switch to the USB (II) position.
NOTE: Indicator LED will not illuminate in this position.
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 connected to or disconnected from
the 12 volt power source.
• The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the appliance
or equipment being operated will decrease the power being
delivered to the load. For best operating results, the extension
cord should be no more than 50 feet long.
• Check frequently to ensure that the input and output
connections are secure. Loose connections may damage the inverter,
the power source, or may generate excessive heat.
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.
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OPERATION
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
This inverter is equipped with internal spade type fuses. 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 electronic
knowledgeable people should attempt fuse replacement.
The Power Source.
When the engine is off, most batteries will provide ample power
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 placed on 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 recommend
that the device plugged into the inverter be 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 operation as
the battery voltage decreases. When the inverter is not supplying
power, and is turned on, it draws very low (<0.60 A).
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ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES
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Automatic Shut Down & Related Safety Features.
This inverter has an unique LED indicator warning light system
which operates in conjunction with the automatic shut down
feature. These indicator lights operate as follows:
GREEN LED: System ready.
RED LED: System overload/automatic shut down.
1. Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the
following problems occur:
2. The power input from the battery drops below 10 volts.
3. The power input from the battery exceeds 15 volts.
The inverters are also equipped with the following additional
safety features:
1. Thermal Cut Off: Automatic shut down if internal
temperature exceeds safe design parameters.
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 10.0 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 center OFF (O)
position until the source of the related problem has been
identified and resolved.

Wall Mounting:
The XP800i has provisions for wall mounting.
For You Television Fans and Audiophiles
Although the inverter is shielded and filtered to minimize signal
interference, some interference with your television picture may
be unavoidable, especially with weak signals. However, here are
some suggestions that may improve the reception.
1. Make certain that the television antenna pro duces a
clear signal under normal operation conditions (i.e., at
home plugged into a standard 110AC wall outlet). Also,
ensure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of
good quality.
2. Change the relative positions of the inverter, antenna
cables and television power cord.
3. Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables
and television power cord.
4. Coil the television power cord and the input cables
running from the 12 volt power source to the inverter.
NOTE: Inexpensive sound systems may emit a “buzzing”
sound when operated with the inverter. This is due to
inadequate filters in the sound system. There is no solution
to this problem short of purchasing a sound system with a
higher quality power supply.
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.
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ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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.

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 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. The majority of AC
voltmeters measure RMS voltage and assume that the measured
waveform will be a pure sine wave.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
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 at
www.whistlergroup.com
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.

OPERATION SUMMARY
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In Review.
• Never attempt to operate your Whistler inverter from any
power source other than a 12 volt battery or series of batteries
that total 12 volts.
• This inverter is designed to be connected to the power source
with the supplied cables or larger cables that properly match
the distance from the battery. When utilizing the supplied
cables, do not attempt to modify or lengthen them.
• Always make certain that the power cable terminal connections
Negative (-) to Negative (-) and Positive (+) to Positive (+). Check
these connections frequently to ensure that they are secure.
• 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.
• Before attempting to use a battery charger see page 10.
• Before attempting to use medical equipment see page 5.

OPERATION SUMMARY
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• 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, turn the inverter OFF (O)
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.