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INVERTER ?
By 2windy, Section Controls Posted on Fri Nov 03, 2006 at 11:24:44 PM MST
Is there

Is there an inverter out there that shuts down when the battery voltage get to low, but then starts back up by itself when the voltage gets high that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Or is there a way to do it with an xantrex 1200 plus that I have now?

INVERTER ? | 8 comments (8 topical)

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by altosack on Fri Nov 03, 2006 at 06:51:01 PM MST

Well, the Xantrex 1200+ does shut down when the battery volts get low, but since the cutout is at 10.0V, it's pretty useless. This is pretty typical of cheaper inverters, and if you want to get one that's adjustable to a reasonable voltage, it's pricey (for example, my Exeltech 1100, at $600, also does not have an adjustable cut-off voltage - standard is about 11V, I think - but it does have a signal relay input to turn it on and off).

I couldn't immediately see (from the blurb on the Xantrex website; I didn't download the manual) if the 1200+ could be turned on/off with a signal relay or not. If so, you could either buy one or make one really cheap with a microcontroller; if not, it's more expensive since you will need a relay capable of switching 100A (the battery input).

Dave

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by RogerAS on Fri Nov 03, 2006 at 08:24:19 PM MST

Dave,

Couldn't one drive the main inverters' switch instead of the supply with the relay using an op amp and a FET? No heavy current switching and easy too.
Roger AS
9 Years off-grid & counting
[ Parent ]

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by altosack on Fri Nov 03, 2006 at 08:55:36 PM MST

Sure, Roger, it could be done, and I considered mentioning it, but I tried to put things first that don't involve opening the inverter.

Some are sort of squeamish about things like that, although I would never consider installing one without doing so (just because). In general, if people are comfortable with that, they won't need to ask the question in the first place.

Dave

[ Parent ]

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by RogerAS on Sat Nov 04, 2006 at 11:23:26 AM MST

Altosack,

Yep, you're right, didn't think it through. Some inverters have a remote control port, and that would eliminate having to pop the case.

Think I'll shut up now. Duh, what a brain I don't have!

:)
Roger AS
9 Years off-grid & counting
[ Parent ]

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by nothing to lose on Sat Nov 04, 2006 at 12:38:16 AM MST

Using the conection on the front pannel for the remote on/off control switch might work depending what kind of switch it is.
I never bought a remote for an inverter though I have the phoneline type jack on a couple for the remote.

If that it a on/off switch that opens and closes a circuit could we just wire in a relay there to turn it on/off and controll the relay with the battery voltage?
If it's a momantary switch that just send a signal though I don't think the relay would work.

I like those old fashioned on/off switches, the ones that break the circuit so things are OFF not just in some low power using MODE.
.
nothing to lose

Spelin and tpying are my strong points, not electronics.

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by 2windy on Sat Nov 04, 2006 at 08:58:12 AM MST

What type of relay could I use? Is there one that you could change the voltage at different settings for on and off? Electronics are my weak link.

[ Parent ]

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by nothing to lose on Sat Nov 04, 2006 at 09:20:22 PM MST

"Electronics are my weak link."

Mine too. I kick the idea out for those who know more to comment on.

For one I do not know for sure the type switch used for those remotes and that will make a diffence if you can do it or not.

As for the relays Rich and I were looking at one of my automotive relays and I think it took 12V to kick on but only 6-8V to keep it on, something like that.
.
nothing to lose

Spelin and tpying are my strong points, not electronics.
[ Parent ]

Re: INVERTER ? (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by pyrocasto on Sat Nov 04, 2006 at 02:27:19 AM MST

I'm not 100% sure but cant switching an inverter under heavy load on and of by disconecting the battery kill it?

I wouldnt mind an easy way to do it as well but as lazy as I am I'll just turn the inverter back on.

INVERTER ? | 8 comments (8 topical)

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