Using an O2 concentrator in a car
A friend, ex-camper person since her husband died, wants to take a few trips but needs O2 continuously. She cannot use a portable O2 concentrator because it does not go high enough for her so she needed a way to use her regular concentrator while she's driving. Here is what she has done. Can anyone think of any solutions to the "I forgot to turn off the concentrator when I left the car" scenario or does anyone have any helpful comments?
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Well, here's how this has played out thus far. I bought the pure sine 1000 wt inverter (has 2000 wt surge protection)and had it installed behind 3rd back seat on left (because it was a straighter shot since battery is on left). It is wired directly to battery and has a remote control which is in the glove box. The Invacare oxygen concentrator is mounted in the very back and stabilized with straps to the wheel well (?). This location will make it easy to remove it from the tail gate into the motel room. We tried it out on about a 80 mile trip Friday night to watch the great grandkids play Tball. It worked like a charm. The thing I'm going to have to get accustomed to is being absolutely positive that I turn the thing off when I stop the motor. I noticed tho that this Invacare really sets up a loud screech whenever it gets a kinked cord or if it loses its power source. As soon as we'd stop, if I hadn't already pushed the remote stop order, the concentrator could be heard 20 feet away, screaming his little head off. So, this just may work. Grandson-in-law mentioned something about wiring the remote into the alternator and it would shut off the concentrator and I wouldn't have to worry about that. Forgot to mention that the inverter has a built in fuse. (I also joined AMAC roadside assistance ---- just in case. Trying to cover all bases. lol). Thanks to all who offered suggestions and if anyone sees a glaring potential problem, please let me know.
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Well, here's how this has played out thus far. I bought the pure sine 1000 wt inverter (has 2000 wt surge protection)and had it installed behind 3rd back seat on left (because it was a straighter shot since battery is on left). It is wired directly to battery and has a remote control which is in the glove box. The Invacare oxygen concentrator is mounted in the very back and stabilized with straps to the wheel well (?). This location will make it easy to remove it from the tail gate into the motel room. We tried it out on about a 80 mile trip Friday night to watch the great grandkids play Tball. It worked like a charm. The thing I'm going to have to get accustomed to is being absolutely positive that I turn the thing off when I stop the motor. I noticed tho that this Invacare really sets up a loud screech whenever it gets a kinked cord or if it loses its power source. As soon as we'd stop, if I hadn't already pushed the remote stop order, the concentrator could be heard 20 feet away, screaming his little head off. So, this just may work. Grandson-in-law mentioned something about wiring the remote into the alternator and it would shut off the concentrator and I wouldn't have to worry about that. Forgot to mention that the inverter has a built in fuse. (I also joined AMAC roadside assistance ---- just in case. Trying to cover all bases. lol). Thanks to all who offered suggestions and if anyone sees a glaring potential problem, please let me know.
