Sine Wave Inverter ??

[Maine Sail]

I am re-wiring our boat and will be replacing just about everything. I am in need of a pure sine wave inverter to run variable speed tools and basically charge camera and tool batteries. We have a 1500 watt inverter currently but it is modified sine wave and does not run my variable speed tools well. It also does not charge rechargeable batteries well and the chargers never shut off which can tend to cook the batteries.

I don't need a honking inverter that can run surgical grade equipment just one good enough to allow my drill to actually start. I am looking at 1000 watt models and noticed Xantrex has just come out with a competitively priced "true" sine inverter. So just what is the difference between true sine and pure sine? I have done lots of reading but no one seems to give a good discernible answer to this?

I was wondering if any of you guys have spoken with Xantrex or others about this new line and if it is worth it? I am considering the Xantrex PROwatt SW 1000 Inverter or possibly even the 2000 but I would rarely need it for anything more than 1000 watts.

 

[Clark]

True and Pure are marketing words and basically mean the same thing. All inverters have a certain amount of distortion; the lower the better so choose based on the old price/performance relationship. Modified sine wave inverters produce anything from square waves to rounded-off triangular waves. Works OK w/ some things and not others (as you have discovered). The higher quality ones provide a low distortion waveform that comes close to power company quality.

Keep in mind too that a beefy motor-driven device can have some pretty high startup current demands called 'inrush'. What are the running requirements of your drill?

Can't help with the product selection though; good luck.

 

[Maine Sail]

Keep in mind too that a beefy motor-driven device can have some pretty high startup current demands called 'inrush'. What are the running requirements of your drill?

Can't help with the product selection though; good luck.

The 1000 watt model claims 1000 watts continuous 2000 watts peak which should handle most of my power tools that I'd be using on the mooring..

 

[Ross]

How does the system cost compare :? solid state inverter or honda 2kw genset?

 

[Maine Sail]

How does the system cost compare :? solid state inverter or honda 2kw genset?

Already have a Honda EU2k. Hate it for the boat for a number of reasons... The 1000 watt model can be bought for under $250.00 and the 2000 watt for around $340.00

 

[Ross]

I suppose that my thinking ran to the frequency of need for the large capacity. An auxillary power plant on 75 feet is a lot easier to tolerate than on 35 feet. Besides if we could afford the 75 we would be able to point and say "fix" and it would happen.

 

[Chuck Creel]

have you looked at http://www.theinverterstore.com/

 

[KD3PC]

have you looked at http://www.theinverterstore.com/

did so, but many are knock offs, and are likely not suitable for marine applications...be careful...

might be better to stick with those known to be good. I don;t know about you, but my computer is pretty expensive if the inverter pukes downstream...

 

[druid]

Xantrex is very good at making invertors - their expertise actually started with the UBC Electric Car project in the 70's - they wanted to build one using an AC motor. They never got one built properly, but in the process learned a LOT about invertors!

druid

 

[Chuckbear]

MS, IMHO I would stay away from Xantrex at this time since their product quality and after sale service is really pretty bad. I doubt whether a true sine wave will improve your battery charging efficiency since some rechargeable batteries just do not take well to any type of inverter. As to tools, we use this inverter, http://tinyurl.com/ygne73d
and it runs everything, tools, fridge, flat screen TV, satellite receiver, other electronics, without any issues at all. The tools include variable speed drills, power saws, etc. Chuck

 

[Max15631]

Issues with Honda EU2k?

Already have a Honda EU2k. Hate it for the boat for a number of reasons... The 1000 watt model can be bought for under $250.00 and the 2000 watt for around $340.00

I'm considering purchasing a Honda EU2k; what do you and don't you like about it?

Maxmax

 

[Witzend]

DC to DC converters

So much energy is wasted converting to AC. Most of the devices needed care DC battery powered already including power hand tools. It is just a matter of getting the charge voltage correct. DC to DC converters and available in many voltages and current ratings. Vicor http://www.vicr.com/ comes to mind, rather high end, but very reliable. A custom set of these could be used to supply your needs.

 

[Ross]

Re: Issues with Honda EU2k?

I can answer some of your questions. They are noisy, smelly, they use gasoline, they are not made for a marine environment.

 

[Maine Sail]

So much energy is wasted converting to AC. Most of the devices needed care DC battery powered already including power hand tools. It is just a matter of getting the charge voltage correct. DC to DC converters and available in many voltages and current ratings. Vicor http://www.vicr.com/ comes to mind, rather high end, but very reliable. A custom set of these could be used to supply your needs.

Without physically re-wiring these products how do I run these 110v items off DC?

Fein Multimaster
Hitachi 1/2" drill
Porter Cable 690 router
Dirt Devil Vacuum
Port Cable RO Sander
Bosch Jig Saw
Nikon Camera Battery Charger
Panasonic Camera Battery Charger
JVC Video Cam Charger
Rigid Shop Vac
Makita Orbital Buffer
Vacuum Pump for refrigeration work


Everything that can easily be converted for use on 12V has been, TV, computer etc.. I don't want to physically re-wire these other items for use on the boat and fully understand the inefficiencies from 10% to 35+%....

 

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that many, if not all, of the battery chargers are made in 12 VDC models as well as 110 VAC models.

 

[Clark]

Just in case you haven't checked Main Sail, the router is spec'd at 11 A (~1200W) and the 1/2" drill at 9-10A (1000-1100W). Pretty hefty loads there; especially considering the inrush requirements. My apologies if I'm being Mr. Obvious here . . . good luck.

 

[Ross]

I was thinking that you had a need for this much capacity because you don't have access to shore power during the season. Now I realize that what your really need is a maintenance barge where you can keep all of these tools. Maybe configured like a small floating dry dock. Just ease in and shut the doors and secure the boat and pump her down.

 

[Maine Sail]

I'd point out that many, if not all, of the battery chargers are made in 12 VDC models as well as 110 VAC models.

I need another four or five chargers like I need another hole in my head...... For all the chargers I'd need I'm running close to the price of a pure sine inverter and that still won't run my power tools...

 

[sailingdog]

Good point... just thought I'd mention it in any case... they'd work in the car too.

I need another four or five chargers like I need another hole in my head...... For all the chargers I'd need I'm running close to the price of a pure sine inverter and that still won't run my power tools...

 

[Maine Sail]

I was thinking that you had a need for this much capacity because you don't have access to shore power during the season. Now I realize that what your really need is a maintenance barge where you can keep all of these tools. Maybe configured like a small floating dry dock. Just ease in and shut the doors and secure the boat and pump her down.

Ross,

Those tools are not kept on board but rather are tools I have needed to use on the mooring over the last few years. I bring them out to the boat for the specific job. For the price I think I am going with the 2000 watt inverter for $340.00......