As we make a few upgrades to our 25.5, one that we're strongly considering is a power invertor. I'm willing to add a second battery to provide a better reserve. Anybody have any experience with the selection, installation or use of invertors?
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Power Inverter
I have installed several inverters. Keep as close to batteries as possible. Use a large a cable for DC as possible. Consider what you want to run. You can easily get more inverter than you have battery to supply it. Costco has a great 1000 watt inverter for about $70 last I checked. Some ewuipment will not work on a simulated sin wave. True sin wave inverters are expensive. If you need less than 100 wats use a cigarette plug type.
I have installed several inverters. Keep as close to batteries as possible. Use a large a cable for DC as possible. Consider what you want to run. You can easily get more inverter than you have battery to supply it. Costco has a great 1000 watt inverter for about $70 last I checked. Some ewuipment will not work on a simulated sin wave. True sin wave inverters are expensive. If you need less than 100 wats use a cigarette plug type.
Basic AC requirements
The admiral want a coffee maker and small microwave or toaster oven. She also doesn't want to be tied to the dock to use them. They won't both need to be on at the same time.
The admiral want a coffee maker and small microwave or toaster oven. She also doesn't want to be tied to the dock to use them. They won't both need to be on at the same time.
re "Small" Microwave
Bill - if you want to please your Admiral with regard to the "small" microwave plan on a fairly robust system. Our microwave, for example, is an electronic model rated at 700 watts. Our inverter is 1000 watts (Heart Freedom 10) and runs off a really good battery bank (I have four golf-carts), with heavy duty wiring (OO). With this setup it is necessary to run the microwave at reduced power, around 70 percent, max. Anything higher and the microwave starts making progressively ugly noises. The microwave has been really handy for warming up food or things like, say, maple syrup, for example. For this it doesn't burn too many Amp-Hrs. The inverter is really good for grinding coffee beans or running the electric beaters (to make whipping cream or what ever). With an electronic microwave one can adjust the power level according to what ever system you have supplying power. Inverter Position: If you have an autopilot don't put the magnetic fluxgate compass anywhere near the inverter because whenever the inverter kicks in the autopilot will go bezerk. Digital Multitester: this would be really handy to monitor voltage as you're using the system. If the battery voltage drops way low then one can adjust the appliance accordingly. Coffee Making: We use a "manual" filter type and boil water on the stove - something to consider. Takes very little extra space too. http://www.melitta.com/cgi-bin/SGSH0101.EXE?SKW=MACM&UID=!+USID!
Bill - if you want to please your Admiral with regard to the "small" microwave plan on a fairly robust system. Our microwave, for example, is an electronic model rated at 700 watts. Our inverter is 1000 watts (Heart Freedom 10) and runs off a really good battery bank (I have four golf-carts), with heavy duty wiring (OO). With this setup it is necessary to run the microwave at reduced power, around 70 percent, max. Anything higher and the microwave starts making progressively ugly noises. The microwave has been really handy for warming up food or things like, say, maple syrup, for example. For this it doesn't burn too many Amp-Hrs. The inverter is really good for grinding coffee beans or running the electric beaters (to make whipping cream or what ever). With an electronic microwave one can adjust the power level according to what ever system you have supplying power. Inverter Position: If you have an autopilot don't put the magnetic fluxgate compass anywhere near the inverter because whenever the inverter kicks in the autopilot will go bezerk. Digital Multitester: this would be really handy to monitor voltage as you're using the system. If the battery voltage drops way low then one can adjust the appliance accordingly. Coffee Making: We use a "manual" filter type and boil water on the stove - something to consider. Takes very little extra space too. http://www.melitta.com/cgi-bin/SGSH0101.EXE?SKW=MACM&UID=!+USID!
Attachments
Coffee maker
I had the same "wants" for a coffee maker. The DC onces are crap and it really heats up the cabin making it stove top. I installed a 1500 watt inverter and the coffee pot was one of the main reasons.. Be advised.. it uses about 80a while in use. Ours is 750 watt, many are much higher than that and therefore can really suck down the amps... For sure though, get a coffee pot with the THERMOS pot. This really cuts down on amps by not having to have a hot plate keeping the coffee warm and allows you to keep the pot close by in the cockpit with out it getting cold or making trip up and down the stairs.... Brian s/v CREW REST
I had the same "wants" for a coffee maker. The DC onces are crap and it really heats up the cabin making it stove top. I installed a 1500 watt inverter and the coffee pot was one of the main reasons.. Be advised.. it uses about 80a while in use. Ours is 750 watt, many are much higher than that and therefore can really suck down the amps... For sure though, get a coffee pot with the THERMOS pot. This really cuts down on amps by not having to have a hot plate keeping the coffee warm and allows you to keep the pot close by in the cockpit with out it getting cold or making trip up and down the stairs.... Brian s/v CREW REST
just for coffee?????
you installed an inverter just to run a coffee pott? No wonder the coffee companies smile so much. Have you considered the individual packets (such a folgers) that brew a single cup the same as a tea bag? Heat your water in the morning, put it in a thermos for use when you want your coffee. My wife, a true coffee lover, discovered these several years ago and has been very satisfied. I have used them in my office to offer coffee to clients (I prefer tea), and those who have tried them liked the resulting brew. Much cheaper than an inteverter and recharging capacity. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
you installed an inverter just to run a coffee pott? No wonder the coffee companies smile so much. Have you considered the individual packets (such a folgers) that brew a single cup the same as a tea bag? Heat your water in the morning, put it in a thermos for use when you want your coffee. My wife, a true coffee lover, discovered these several years ago and has been very satisfied. I have used them in my office to offer coffee to clients (I prefer tea), and those who have tried them liked the resulting brew. Much cheaper than an inteverter and recharging capacity. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
My teenage sons want an inverter for . . .
their guitar amps! *5 Oh well, at least we will have room to swing at anchor, though I will have to cover the boat name before entering any occupied anchorage.
their guitar amps! *5 Oh well, at least we will have room to swing at anchor, though I will have to cover the boat name before entering any occupied anchorage.
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