power inverter

[olmate]

Has anybody had a need for an inverter? A mate of mine had one in his Toyota for general use when camping, What are the thoughts of these things? and are they worth it? what size would be recommended?:confused:

[JDNSW]

There has been quite a bit of discussion on this in the past - try doing a search.

John

[Blknight.aus]

be careful with them the square wave ones while great for lighting can be harsh on switchmode power supplies and induction motors (if you have to use one for these carry an incandesent light of about 1/4 the rated power of the inverter to "smooth" the wave form a little for your induction motor driven stuff and dont use em for swithcmode power supplies.

I carry 2..

1 is a little 150w pure sine wave inverter for charging laptops, or running Pc's

the other is the cheapest 600w continuous rated I could fond for driving my grinder, drill, flood lights, and other stuff that doesnt mind square wave.

I think both are worth their weight in gold if im only using them for a little while.

[bluelamb]

Hi Troy,
I just bought a 1000w (2000w peak) inverter from ebay.. $130 - that's cheap!

I'm going to use it for power tools and charging. Mainly grider for 4wd emergencies.. hope i won't need that. Also for laptop etc.

Having said that, it's easily possible to run a laptop without one, so it really depends on what you want it for.. what do you want it for??? :)

I suggest you look at ebay where on the items it will tell you what power inverter is suitable for what use. Then you can get an idea about prices etc.
Cheers,
Chris

[olmate]

Hi Troy,
I just bought a 1000w (2000w peak) inverter from ebay.. $130 - that's cheap!

Having said that, it's easily possible to run a laptop without one, so it really depends on what you want it for.. what do you want it for??? :)

Chris,

I just want it to run lights, minor 240 applications and (maybe) a power tool if I had to. I have compressed air in the car and can use some of the tools that I have from this but, it seems that the inverter may be simpler. I dont know if I am right??

[JDNSW]

When you start talking 1000w, don't forget that is going to take about 100A from your battery. Not only is that going to flatten it pretty quickly if the engine is not running, but you are going to need heavy wires and solid, proper connections - not clips. The other caution people should be reminded of is that the output of even the smallest inverter will be 240v - and this is quite capable of killing you. It is more dangerous than at home, because there can be no proper earth, so a residual current breaker if fitted will provide little protection, even if permanently installed in the vehicle, and may well even be unfused.

John

[Xtreme]

2778

2779I recently fitted a 600W pure sinewave inverter and have found it invaluable. Mainly running laptop, charging batteries for drill, video etc etc. Haven't had the need to try the power tools yet but used to use one fairly heavily for this when I was still working.

I mounted mine under the box between the seats, raising the box about 70mm and making it a much better arm rest! Also fitted switches and 12V power outlets in panel at front which I have found very useful and convenient.

Will try and attach some 'graphs of installation:

[olmate]

If I just want to use it to run lights, recharge battery power tools and maybe run a computer; what size would be recommended.

[Blknight.aus]

id reccomend a 600w continuous ...

the one i have quite happily runs my drill with a 13mm bit through plate steel and my 4 inch grinder so long as i dont bog it too much...

it wont fire up my 5 inch unless the engine is running or the solar panels are in full sun and the battery is fully charged but thats why I have the 4 inch...


it will also fire up my circ saw, jig saw, planer, 500w halogen. Hell the 600w nearly did all the install work in my new house. and half of that was while running a couple of fluros and the 150w halogen.

[rrturboD]

Suggestion.... go to Jaycar or Dick Smith, sus out what they have on offer, and which ones they say are OK for laptops etc ... this will give you the specs to look for. With these specs in hand, have a look on EBay ... then probably go back and get one from Jaycar.
I did this a couple of years ago, and ended up with a 150w unit, suitable for laptop, camera, drill charging, and at 150w, runs lights etc fine. I run a 1000w generator for heavier construction type tasks.

[abaddonxi]

Suggestion.... go to Jaycar or Dick Smith, sus out what they have on offer, and which ones they say are OK for laptops etc ... this will give you the specs to look for. With these specs in hand, have a look on EBay ... then probably go back and get one from Jaycar.
I did this a couple of years ago, and ended up with a 150w unit, suitable for laptop, camera, drill charging, and at 150w, runs lights etc fine. I run a 1000w generator for heavier construction type tasks.

I'm not sure I'd accept technical information from Dick Smith staff these days. Jaycar is still full of propellorheads and they are likely to know what they're talking about.

Cheers
Simon

[olmate]

Well I have been looking at them and have found a Xantrex 300 for about $120. It has a modified sine wave and I have been told that this will be good enough for lights, batt charges and a TV.

Any comments?;)

[olmate]

:D Got one. 300W from Jaycar in Darwin. 300W pure sine wave for $170, now happy enough.
Thanks all for your help.