Dead inverter

Bill1565 · Jun 28, 2012

I'd ask around about other brands. The SW 2000 was so bad Xantrex quit selling it in less than 2 years.

Stu Jackson · Jun 28, 2012

I recall that Victron, Magnum and Mastervolt make good units.

Here's another: http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/power-inverters-chargers.cfm

Xantrex has begun to have a very poor reputation.

Don12364 · Jun 28, 2012

Several reasons for a non functioning inverter and it may not be dead at all.
1) No DC power reaching it. Breaker tripped or fuse blown?
2) Too heavy a load on output side. See 3) below
3) Short on output. Disconnect all connections on output side, then put on a light load such as a mains voltage bulb and see if it lights.
4) Loose wire on DC input or AC output. Visual inspection.
5) Flat battery?

If all these quick tests fail then take it to a marine electrician's workshop for checking.

seadaddler · Jun 28, 2012

Internal Fuse

It does have an internal fuse inside maybe even 2.
Nick

artboas · Jun 29, 2012

Ok, I can help

seadaddler said:
It does have an internal fuse inside maybe even 2.
Nick

The Freedom inverter has 2 output fuses. You will need to pull the case to find them.
If it is not the fuses, then do the following:
Drill two 3/8" holes in the top of the unit.
Attach a beefy shackle,
Attach to anchor rode.
These are not worth repairing, and their cystomer support is very poor.
Buy the Magnum energy unit. You will live it.
Great charger/inverter, and the control panel is top notch.
You won't regret this

Maine Sail · Jun 30, 2012

therobesons said:
OK, I am taking a seriouse look at this inverter/charger.
MAGNUM ENERGY MS-Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Chargers ms2012.
With panel for about $1700.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/inverter-folder/magnum_ms_2012.html

Bob

Magnum makes nice stuff, as do Victron & Mastervolt...

Bill Roosa · Jul 1, 2012

PWM is pulse width modulation. Instead of pure smoothly changing voltage from 0-120 volts it breaks the changes into a lot of little steps over the same 1/60 of a second. Some devices with microprocessors don't like this kind of voltage, generally ones with PWM of their own which are counting on the AC for timing signals. Microwaves are a good example. Mine runs at 1/2 time when on the inverter. Still cooks well you just have to double the time to get to to run what you really want. Things with motors don't normally care unless they have speed controls.

BJV · Jul 1, 2012

We have two inverters, have a small Victron pure sign wave for our computer/peripherals. Went victron (even though pricey) as they have very strict EMI standards which is important for SSB operation. The advantage of having computer on inverter means its not affected by querky shore power.
Main inverter/charger is a Magnum Modified Wave 2500 with battery monitor and panel. Great unit, have had 0 problems for the past 5 years in a salt water environment. Wonderful customer support (needed help on instal). Very good reputation and good price if you shop around.

BJV · Jul 1, 2012

Other companies which have a good reputation are mastervolt and outback

Bowedtoothdoc · Jul 1, 2012

therobesons said:
OK, I am taking a seriouse look at this inverter/charger.
MAGNUM ENERGY MS-Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Chargers ms2012.
With panel for about $1700.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/inverter-folder/magnum_ms_2012.html

Bob

I just purchased and installed this unit to replace my Freedom 2000 unit. You may want to look at Hodges Marine for a better price.

Also unlike the Xantrex unit which is quite a bit bigger, the remote panel and remote panel wiring is a match to the old unit.

artboas · Jul 3, 2012

Not quite correct

Bill Roosa said:
PWM is pulse width modulation. Instead of pure smoothly changing voltage from 0-120 volts it breaks the changes into a lot of little steps over the same 1/60 of a second. Some devices with microprocessors don't like this kind of voltage, generally ones with PWM of their own which are counting on the AC for timing signals. Microwaves are a good example. Mine runs at 1/2 time when on the inverter. Still cooks well you just have to double the time to get to to run what you really want. Things with motors don't normally care unless they have speed controls.

Hi Bill,
Need to comment here .
PWM does indeed stand for pulse width modulation.
However, what PWM does us take a constant voltage, and chop it into small slices, varying in duty cycle.
Light dimmers use PWM, as the filament evens out the power curve by the stored heat energy in the filament.
The concept you are thinking of is "modified sine wave", where a sine wave is constructed of varying height dc levels. On a scope it would look like an up and down staircase.
Microwave ovens hate modified sine wave, as do other devices that rely on a pure sine wave for reference, and amplification.
Modified sine wave was used in all the Xantrex freedom series inverter/ charger units.
Getting onto the subject of this owner's issue, I highly reccomend the Magnum Energy unit.
Unfortunately, Xantrex customer service has gotten downright crummy, and I would not currently reccomend their products.

Stu Jackson · Jul 3, 2012

artboas said:
Unfortunately, Xantrex customer service has gotten downright crummy, and I would not currently reccomend their products.

It's not only their cs that has been reported to be poor these days.

Sailgunner · Jul 4, 2012

I replaced my Xantrex with a Magum and highly recommend it. I ripped out the 1000 monitor and replaced it with the Magum as well. I have never had good luck with Xantrex equipment and would never install it on my boat, no matter how cheap.

Brad Hoff · Jul 17, 2012

Has anyone had any experience with the Xantrex Prowatt SW1000 Sine Wave Inverter ? I have a Xantrex modified sine wave 1,000 watt unit and thinking of replacing with one of these units. I use it as a stand alone system and have had no trouble over the past 8 years with this unit. Wanting something to power a low wattage microwave. I've heard some good things about this unit, especially the price.