Inverter/Charger Fried

[gfs1943]

I don't know when, why, or how it happened but my inverter is fried. I noticed recently that, on the remote panel, the Overload light was on steady and the Battery light was flashing. No output from the inverter, which is a Heart Interface 1500 watt.

I replaced all my batteries, then started troubleshooting. Yesterday I took the inverter out and took the cover off.

There is a Bypass and Switching Control Board (PN 60-7321-00 Rev E) in the front which has three relays; one of them shows burning and arcing, which extended through the PC board.

I can't find a source for that Bypass & Switching Control Board. The individual relays are available, but the board itself looks too bad to try replacing individual components. I can't afford a new inverter at this time.

I disconnected the inverter and bypassed it, connecting the AC Input to the AC Output. Everything (except the inverter) works fine. I setup a place where I can connect a battery charger to the DC cables (now disconnected and secured) from the inverter to the battery. I can plug the charger into the receptacle for the engine block heater, and turn it on/off inside the coach using the engine heater switch that controls the receptacle (the engine heater plug is disconnected from the receptacle at this time). When the weather gets cool enough that I need the block heater, I'll have to make other arrangements for the charger. Maybe the DW will win the lotto and I can buy a new inverter/charger.

Since we normally stay in parks/campsites with electric hookup, I think we're OK for now -- don't normally use the Inverter function, but will miss the automatic battery charging feature.

[jhilley]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Texan,

I can't find inverters listed at iMarine. I wonder if they have stopped selling that type of product?

Here is a link to Magnum Products at iMarine

[zman-az]

Sounds like the circuit board fried on the 120v side of the relays. It could be as simple as soldering some heavy gauge wire to replace the burnt circuit board traces.

[The_Texan]

No, they still sell them, when Magnum sends them their remanufactured stock. Contact Mira Scott at MiraS@iMarineUSA.com . She is the customer service lady I worked with when I got mine and I'm sure she will notify you when they are getting them.

[pianotuna]

Hi Texan,

I can't find inverters listed at iMarine. I wonder if they have stopped selling that type of product?

[gfs1943]

The Texan wrote:
If you do decide to replace it, iMarine on the west coast, sells Magnum factory remanufactured units every so often, for very reasonable prices. I think they have a contract with Magnum to sell all their factory remanufactured stock and get them in several times a year. I know that the price is so low, that they do not last long. I bought my upgrade 2800 from them.

Thanks for the link. I will check them out. I've never been a big fan of reman stuff, but if it's done by the factory it should be Ok.

[gfs1943]

Pogoil wrote:
Did you run a high wattage appliance such as a electric heater on a 120 outlet from the inverter? Long time usage. That may be the cause of inverter failure.

Pogoil.

No, I haven't run anything from the inverter for a long time. Maybe long periods of non-use, plus the unit's age (12 - 13 years) caused failure.

[Pogoil]

Did you run a high wattage appliance such as a electric heater on a 120 outlet from the inverter? Long time usage. That may be the cause of inverter failure.

Pogoil.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

The best small psw inverter is a 300 watt unit from morningstar. Next best are samlex units.

[gfs1943]

Don and Dick, thanks for the replies. I may get a small pure sine wave inverter, as Don recommends, to power the electric throw cover that my wife likes to use when traveling. That's about the only thing I've ever used the inverter function for. Also, a built-in battery charger would be nice, and those items don't cost an arm and leg.

[The_Texan]

If you do decide to replace it, iMarine on the west coast, sells Magnum factory remanufactured units every so often, for very reasonable prices. I think they have a contract with Magnum to sell all their factory remanufactured stock and get them in several times a year. I know that the price is so low, that they do not last long. I bought my upgrade 2800 from them.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Since you don't use the inverter I'd replace the charge function with an Iota or a PD converter from bestconverter.com

I'd carry a small pure sine wave portable inverter for small appliance use.

If you want full functionality then consider a larger stand alone inverter that can be used to power an appropriate outlet in the shore power cord box.

I much prefer stand alone units to combos when ever possible.

[bluwtr49]

When my Zantrex died it was replaced with a Magnum pure sine wave model for not a whole lot of $$$ extra. Something to consider.