Small backup PSW inverter, opinions?

Hi BFL13,

No, I'm speaking of the generator output which is 2800 VA. That is a lower number than 2800 watts. (at best about 2500 watts).

What I need most is more solar. It was most interesting to see the solar putting 15.3 volts into the battery bank when the temperature was 3 c (37.4 f). I've been plugged into shore power for a month and using minimal 12 volt power (parasitic loads and some led lights).

But, yes, if I have to ever replace this converter I'll go temperature compensated with a good power factor.

If I can boost up the solar, I'm thinking I'll get a programmable controller and set up two profiles--one for storage mode with 15.8 volts for the bulk charging and one for operating mode with a maximum of 15.4 volts.

That sounds familiar... my generator is called a 3000 watt, but I'm pretty sure it is rated 2800VA, so it probably actually can sustain a constant load around 2300 watts (with power factor in the equation.) Were I to buy another portable generator, I'll probably buy the Yamaha 4500 watt model just to have the headroom, so I know that even with PF and other items, it will still handle the locked rotor amps of an A/C compressor firing off with full head pressure on a hot Texas day.

As for the inverter, I'm leaning towards the Morningstar SureSine 300 watt with remote meter. The remote meter is about a C-note, and the inverter is about $250. However, it is exactly what the doctor ordered -- I can hard wire the remote meter, put a receptacle with one 120VAC outlet and two USB plugs somewhere accessible, and that will be enough to give clean power for battery charging.

PT, you need a PF corrected converter so 2800 is 2800 :)

Hi BFL13,

I was not criticizing Xantrex--and I know all the others do the same thing--but to me it stinks to high heaven that they get to "lie" about the capacity. (Thanks for pointing out the last sale--I did buy one on the strength of your experiences with it).

I think you will find, that to make matters worse, that your genny (and mine) are 2800 VA not 2800 watts--which makes the "real" numbers even lower. It is a swindle.

PT, what do you want to run continually that draws over 90a? Batteries have bottomless AH? :) I ran a 700w (1,050w input) MW on it for a few minutes--forget how long, typical MW job anyway-- and it showed just over 1000w on the readout with the overload light showing. Kept running ok though.

AFAIK all inverters have a lower continuous rating than nominal, same as Honda generators like my 3000 is actually 2800. I have a MSW 400w inverter that is 320w continuous

Hi,

No fan in the Morningstar unit. The Xantrex (branded Canadian Tire) BFL13 is referring to is 900 watts continuous. I sure wish there were truth in advertising laws that had teeth.

mlts22 wrote:
I stand corrected. I was stating 500 watts as a margin, but at most, I'd not go over 200-250 watts for the planned use of this device. So, 300 watts on this secondary inverter would be plenty. This way, I can let battery charger for a drill do its work overnight without dealing with the overhead that a larger (1500-3000) watt inverter would have.

I definitely want PSW, so if I choose to run an electric blanket, it would work without frying it.

Like Roy said the stand-by draw isn't much different between a 300 and 1000. If there is a sale on the 1000s it could be cheaper than the 300s, like PT just did.

Fan noise on the 300 might be loud from working closer to max than on a 1000 just above idle.

Drill charger needs PSW among a few other things that don't like MSW so it is a good idea to have at least one of your inverters PSW to handle those few items if you have any of those.

I don't know inverter brands. I have a 1000w Xantrex PSW that is two years old no problems

Even in my OFF-ROAD setup I have two 120VAC multi-outlets dedicated to emergency power. One near the home entertainment items and the other near where we sleep. We started out with a 150WATT then liked it so well we changed it out for a 300WATT and finally ended up with a 600WATT PSW unit. During the normal nite run we probably use around 250-300WATTS playing with the toys between 8PM and 11PM...

I liked the INVERTERs that have the two 120VAC receptacles on them. I plug extension cords with multi-plugs on the ends into each of these two receptacles and run one to the home entertainment area and the other to where we sleep. Nothing is visible except the multi-head mounted on the back of the cabinet top or night table.

Having a larger wattage INVERTER doesn't draw any more power from the batteries unless you add more items to the 120VAC receptacles. For us it was nice to have the available additional power when we needed it for those rare occasions.

smkettner wrote:
Couple times my propane fridge did not fire up right away. 300w GoPower ran the fridge fine in extended transit and until I could fix the propane function.

I have never heard the fan come on charging small items, laptop or tv.

MS is also good.

I've run mine right at 30A for hours with no issues. Unlike my Iota converter, it runs flat out even in the desert heat without skipping a best. Great unit.

Couple times my propane fridge did not fire up right away. 300w GoPower ran the fridge fine in extended transit and until I could fix the propane function.

I have never heard the fan come on charging small items, laptop or tv.

MS is also good.