Autoformers - what's available as of 2016?

Here is the boost/buck chart:




Here is the name plate information:





On the buck side it should protect right up to 140 volts.

myredracer wrote:
Do you have a link to specs on the Sola ISB Basic? Sounds intriguing but am not planning a trip to Mexico anytime in the near future. Maybe an RV.net member can start a small business shipping these north or maybe you can get a few extras and sell them here. :W

The InnotechRV website doesn't list the VC-30 so it is another one out of production?

I bought a used 30 amp Hughes Autoformer from a guy in Quartzsite 11 years ago. I converted it to a permanent mount so its always plugged in and works only when it thinks it needs to. It has worked flawlessly for 11 years of fulltiming and who knows how long before that. I do see used ones for sale, especially 30 amp units at the park swap meets and Quartzsite flea markets.

bob213 wrote:
I have the PowerMaster VC30 and it works great. They have the VC50 also. Only link I find is the one smkettner posted earlier. Arizona RV used to sell them. Don't know if they still exist.

I have the VC30 also. First had a Frank's that would constantly blow its breaker. The breaker was 35 Amps, but the unit ran so hot that the breaker would trip before getting anywhere near 35A. The VC30 works perfectly. I have it hardwired in so I never have to think about when or where to connect it.

I have the PowerMaster VC30 and it works great. They have the VC50 also. Only link I find is the one smkettner posted earlier. Arizona RV used to sell them. Don't know if they still exist.

smkettner wrote:

Almot wrote:
Is there anything like PD EMS with autoformer, that would keep it 110V+-few percent and would only shut down when it can't keep it close to 110 anymore?

Frank's Superautomatic does that.
I have the 30 amp and I don't recommend it.

There is no delay to the power off-on cycle. Under the right circumstances I have seen it switch on-off-on-off in rapid succession.

Thermal circuit breaker rated 35 amps seems to trip way too easy if running 20+ amps continuous. Anyway it trips before the 30a pedestal or 30 amp RV main.

Voltage seems to hang high for too long as it will hold 128-129 volts when it could just bypass. Also my Kipor has a bit high voltage under no load so it has presented an issue if nothing is immediately on. For me it seems to cut off a bit early on the top side.

Mine is eight years old and not really used much although a few times it was really needed to correct low voltage and keep the air on.

If spending today I would prefer the PowerMaster and they seem to be out of production right now.
http://www.innotechrv.com/Power_Master_VC50_Voltage_Controlller/p1769244_10268998.aspx

The out of production Hughes RV430 with more steps seemed like a winner. Not sure why production stopped. I would be tempted at a used one if the price was right and the seller would give a 30 day warranty to return.

Excellent info. on the Franks. I see that the PowerMaster is only available in 50 amps.

pianotuna wrote:
I hope to own an ISB Sola Basic by mid summer. They are 50 percent of the price and do both buck and boost in multiple steps. You have to know someone who travels to Mexico to get one.

Do you have a link to specs on the Sola ISB Basic? Sounds intriguing but am not planning a trip to Mexico anytime in the near future. Maybe an RV.net member can start a small business shipping these north or maybe you can get a few extras and sell them here. :W

From a purely technical point of view, Sola makes a 5,000 KVA constant voltage transformer with +/- 1 percent regulation that would be terrific. Problem is, it's bulky and weighs 222 lbs. Even worse, it's over $6,000. They make a 3,000 KVA CVT with 3 percent regulation that might work and for a lot less - $3179... Sola HD 63-23-230-8 :R

Lynnmor wrote:
Gil,
I have the Hughes 30 amp which will allow me to get down to 96 volts. The lowest input I have ever seen was 99 volts. The Franks will operate down to 91 volts and has features that the Hughes does not. So far the Hughes has served me well and I haven't needed anything more. Like anything else, it's just a judgement call.

Will probably get a Hughes. They can be found used for around $200 - $250. Technically may not the better choice, but will make the difference between having power or no power when the voltage is low.

I hope to own an ISB Sola Basic by mid summer. They are 50% of the price and do both buck and boost in multiple steps. You have to know someone who travels to Mexico to get one.

Almot wrote:
Is there anything like PD EMS with autoformer, that would keep it 110V+-few% and would only shut down when it can't keep it close to 110 anymore?

Frank's Superautomatic does that.
I have the 30 amp and I don't recommend it.

There is no delay to the power off-on cycle. Under the right circumstances I have seen it switch on-off-on-off in rapid succession.

Thermal circuit breaker rated 35 amps seems to trip way too easy if running 20+ amps continuous. Anyway it trips before the 30a pedestal or 30 amp RV main.

Voltage seems to hang high for too long as it will hold 128-129 volts when it could just bypass. Also my Kipor has a bit high voltage under no load so it has presented an issue if nothing is immediately on. For me it seems to cut off a bit early on the top side.

Mine is eight years old and not really used much although a few times it was really needed to correct low voltage and keep the air on.

If spending today I would prefer the PowerMaster and they seem to be out of production right now.
http://www.innotechrv.com/Power_Master_VC50_Voltage_Controlller/p1769244_10268998.aspx

The out of production Hughes RV430 with more steps seemed like a winner. Not sure why production stopped. I would be tempted at a used one if the price was right and the seller would give a 30 day warranty to return.

Step up and get a 50A if there is any possibility you will get a 50A RV in the future. I built my 50A Hughes Autoformer into our MobileSuites. I can unplug it and take it to the next RV.