Inverter help

[bazz]

I found an inverter on ebay that they claim are stackable. I was thinking of getting one, but dont know anything about them. The specs are below.

I thought because they are stackable that it leaves upgrades and additions open to the future.

How can I tell what would be a good inverter to get? I'm looking for a 12V inverter to 120AC.

Can anyone tell me what a good model/brand might be. I know a lot of things come into play such as what will I be running....I'd like to go for something that will leave me room for more consumption if need be.

So do those specs look ok? What should I look for? Thanks

Spec

 Model: ATSI2500P12120

.: 2500 Watts Continuous Power

.: 5000 Watts Peak Power

.: Low Batter Alarm w/ Auto Shutdown

.: Overload & Short Circuit Protection

.: High Surge Capability (to start motors)

.: Voltage Input Range: 10-15V DC

.: Voltage Output: 120V AC

.: Output Frequency: 60 Hz

.: SPSTM Semi-Pure Sine Wave

.: No Load Current Draw: <.20A

.: Efficiency: >88%

.: Linking Cable Included

.: Battery Cable Included

.: Dimensions: 16.54"L x 10.04" W x 3.94" H

[dnix71]

That's a strange inverter. The stacking capability appears to allow additional amps output by using one for a master, and having the slaves kick in under load.

I don't see how you can safely get 5000 watts from 12 volts. If you had a 48 volt system and a 48 volt inverter, that would make more sense.

[TheCasualTraveler]

Here's the link,

http://cgi.ebay.com/STACKABLE-POWER-INVERTER-2500%2F5000-W-12V-DC-TO-120V-AC_W0QQitemZ290313160273QQ
cmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090427?IMSfp=TL0904271410009r16897

[nick1234]

what do you want to do with the inverter run the frig water pump and the rest of the things in the house  is only 2.5 kw

i am of the old school if it weighs a lot is got copper a good heat sink

[jimjjnn]

It also, states that it is semi-pure sine wave.looks like modified sine wave to me

[bazz]

Well for starters just run a few things in my shed (couple lights, have an outlet or two, and run a small stereo). I'd like to eventually run parts of my house as well, but thats a future project.

Can any one suggest a decent one?

[bazz]

Can anyone suggest a good place to buy an inverter? Perhaps suggest a model?

Does the one posted on ebay look good?

Thanks

[ghurd]

Most common brand names are OK.  Common being the key word.

I like Vector for cheap, common, and functional.

I like Statpower.

I like Tripp Lite too, and they can be had used for a good price on ebay.  Avoid the larger Tripp Lites with bent vent fins on the front where stray wires formerly stuck out, or stray orange or black & red wires still sticking out (example is ebay #200339957445).

Some stereos buzz with inverters.  Can use a car stereo direct from 12V.

Sounds like you do not need a 2500W inverter.  Some will waste more than the CFL or stereo uses.

G-

[Photowhit]

3 years ago I had switched to what must be an earlier version of this inverter. I had added panels and wanted to switch to a 24 volt system. I purchased a 1400 watt version, stackable (though I never tried). I had found a oscilascope (msp) print out of the wave forme and it was pretty good.

I used it for 2 years, it started and ran a window AC fine, I had setup a to do auto equalizing out of C60 and it did not like the high voltage and would kick out to protect the unit. This says it accepts 20-30 volts so if your setup like mine with bulk around 29 volts and equalizing around 31 volts you might well have the same problem.

The fan died after about 14 months and I opened the unit and ran a fan over it during the sumer months when I run AC, It has a aluminum shell used as a heat sink hence everything is mounted to the 'top' This spring it crapped out, but it was dusty and had some wasp carcuses in it. I had intended to replace the fan but never got around to it, hard to blame the inverter (other than the fan dieing.)

I had gotten a good deal on a prosine 1800 so I just replaced it. I might well buy another as a back up. Hence the reason I found this thread.

Beware buying used inverters, some old tripp lites are square wave!