Purchasing a new Inverter/Charger

[Rodd]

Maine-
I am getting set to replace an aging Heart Interface Freedom 10 which has served me very well for 15 years. I also have the Link 2000 monitor/controller installed.

First off, I am looking for a 2000 watt inverter, and I wondered if you can recommend any of the new Xantrex inverter/charger models that may be able to be controlled by the Link 2000.
I know they made some units not specifically for marine use that are able to use the Link 2000- such as this one: Xantrex Freedom 458 12-volt 2000 Watt Inverter / Charger Single Input-single Output (81-2010-12). Any feedback on the reliability of this unit would also be paareciated. I know this is a modified sine wave unit--not pure sine wave. Does it pay to stay with this older design just to be able to keep the Link 2000 instrumentation?

Second, if I switched from Xantrex, what would be the best recommendation for another brand inverter/charger, and which controller/monitor would go along with it?

Thanks Maine, and the group!

Rodd L.

 

[Stu Jackson]

The Link 2000 will ONLY control the Freedom units, NOTHING else. You can continue to use it as a battery monitor.

IIRC, MS recommends the Xantrex Prosine inverters.

 

[Rodd]

hi Stu-
Thanks for the reply-- yes, one of my questions was how is the reliability of the Freedom SW series since I know that is the last of the Xantrex products that could be controlled by the Link 2000. What is "IIRC" recommendation?

Rodd

 

[Maine Sail]

Rodd,

One word.. Magnum....

 

[Rick I]

Lots of failures with Xantrex 2000 models. My failed in less than six months. And a few of my buddies have had failures.

 

[Rodd]

ok, Maine, Magnum it is. should I also buy the remote, Magnum MeRc50 Remote Panel, or is there a different remote option that is better? Will this allow me to equalize my batts (Sam's Club Duracell per your advice!), as the Link 2000 did?

Thank you!
Rodd

 

[Rodd]

Thanks Rick- that's what I was afraid of-- while my Freedom 10 has given me faithful service for 15 years I hear the newer models are troublesome! I will go with the Magnum as suggested by Maine.

Rodd

 

[Rodd]

ok Maine- now that you've suggested the Magnum, which model? the modified sine wave or the pure sine wave (I seemed to get by so far with my modified sine wave Freedom unit), but will cell phone chargers and the like be ok with modified?

also, now how about a tutorial on installing a Magnum inverter/charger, along the lines of your great article on installing the Sterling battery charger? Just kidding! That would be a big tutorial!!! maybe over the winter???

Rodd

 

[rtmccue]

I really had problems with my Xantrax 3012 that replaced the original freedom 2500 they were not the greatest Co. To deal with if I could do it over again two units a charger and a inverter

 

[Maine Sail]

ok, Maine, Magnum it is. should I also buy the remote, Magnum MeRc50 Remote Panel, or is there a different remote option that is better? Will this allow me to equalize my batts (Sam's Club Duracell per your advice!), as the Link 2000 did?

Thank you!
Rodd

I use the ME-ARC remotes it has many features....

 

[IStream]

Magnum was founded by the guys who started Heart Interface. One of the nice things they've done is preserved the same phone cord connection and remote control cutout as the old Freedom units. I upgraded from an old Freedom 2KW inverter charger/Link remote to a new Magnum 3KW unit with remote and the installation was as smooth as you could hope.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Wow, thanks

Nice to know, I'd never heard that before. Much appreciated.

 

[Maine Sail]

Magnum was founded by the guys who started Heart Interface. One of the nice things they've done is preserved the same phone cord connection and remote control cutout as the old Freedom units. I upgraded from an old Freedom 2KW inverter charger/Link remote to a new Magnum 3KW unit with remote and the installation was as smooth as you could hope.

Yep, the guys from CE/Heart who cared about customer service and quality... There are a few of the old Cruising Equipment, Trace & Heart guys scattered about companies like MidNite Solar, Outback & Magnum....