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Problem Inverter
Yahoo Message Number: 102293
I like to receive some help with the following problem.
 In my 2000 MB the inverter outlets are located in the cabinet left of the 13" TV. When I plug in my Winegard Sat receiver the unit appears not to have power to stay on. When the Direct TV receiver is plugged in both units go dead.   I measured the voltage at the outlet and I got an initial 120 V but than it ends up with 112V. Also when I "switch off" the inverter in the cabinet some where you can hear an annoying beep. When you switch to "inverter on" the beep disappear. My house batteries are two 6 volts in parallel. I measured with the floating bulb 12.7.  The voltage measured over the two parallel batteries was 13.1V - same as shown on the controller. I have one factory installed solar panel. The coach is always stored outside and I don't have to replenish the batteries with distilled water. Is this normal?

Hopefully somebody can shed some light on this mystery.

Frans Liebert Lake St Louis, MO Almost ready to drive to Alaska.


Re: Problem Inverter
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 102302
Measure the DC voltage directly at the input to the inverter as the problem occurs. Likely you will find less than 12V. The problem could be a bad in-line fuse, or poor contact, or simply inadequate wiring for the load. If the voltage is above 12V, then either the inverter is bad, or it is inadequate for the load you need.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Problem Inverter
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 102305
Steve's suggestions are on the money. No satellite receiver would exceed the power output of a 400W inverter hardwired to the batteries, unless there's an internal short in the receiver itself. You can easily verify that by plugging it into a "shore power" outlet--one in a house or campground--and making sure it works properly.
 As Steve pointed out, there could be a problem with the 12VDC power going into the inverter, due to corrosion, a bad fuse, etc.
 The brief beep when you turn off the inverter is normal, by the way. It's a good way to locate the inverter--have one person switch it on and off while the other person tracks down the source of the beep. The cabinet under the fridge is a good place to start looking. When you find it, get out your voltmeter and do the tests Steve suggested.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Problem Inverter
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 102308
It sounds like you are exceeding the capacity of the inverter. What is the power rating on the inverter? How much power does the Sat receiver draw? What else is on the inverter?

Barry

Barry,

Thanks for responding.
 This inverter is the original that the factory installed. It is Powerstar -400W.   The Winegard positioner and the dish receiver will draw max 250W.
There is nothing else connected to the inverter.

Vince, at the mothership, suggested to check the voltage at the inverter because the beeping sound indicates low voltage. But now I am even more confused because when you switch the inverter OFF the beeping starts and when switched ON the beeping goes away. Does inverters go bad?

Re: Problem Inverter
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 102328
Steve and Andy,

Thank you for your suggestions. I know that both the Winegard and Dish receiver are working properly on regular 120V.

Will keep you posted.

Frans Liebert

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