OWNER’S MANUAL 200/400 WATT POWER INVERTERS THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 13016 N. Walton Blvd. Bentonville, AR 72712 TEL (479) 273-6012 FX (479) 273-2927 www.whistlergroup.com CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER 1201 N. Dixieland Rd. Rogers, AR 72756 Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004 Email: info@whistlergroup.com P/N 205563 © 2004 The Whistler Group, Inc.
INTRODUCTION If you have questions concerning the operation of this Whistler product please call customer service: 1-800-531-0004 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT or visit www.whistlergroup.com Please keep the receipt in a safe place. You may register your product online at www.whistlergroup.com. If the unit is returned without a dated proof of purchase, an out of warranty service charge applies. Note: Your warranty period begins at the time of purchase.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic WHISTLER FEATURES Page Features Summary......................................................................3 Important Information................................................................4 Inverter Basics .......................................................................5 - 7 • Getting Started • Don’t Push It Operation ............................................................................
IMPORTANT INFORMATION INVERTER BASICS Important Information About Your New WHISTLER Inverter. Getting Started Power equipment and appliances which operate with motors or tubes require an initial surge of power to get them up and running. This power surge is referred to as the "starting load" or "peak load." (By comparison, electrical devices such as standard light bulbs do not require a large starting load).
INVERTER BASICS Don’t Push It. INVERTER BASICS Although your WHISTLER inverter has the capacity to provide power output (excess current) equal to approximately two times its rated wattage capacity for a very brief period, it is designed to operate equipment and appliances with start up load wattage ratings no higher than its own maximum continuous wattage rating.
OPERATION Making the Connection. This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery using the light socket plug or by the supplied battery cables (for appliances over 150 watts* 400 watt model). Making The Connection. 1. Make certain that the inverter rocker switch is in the OFF (O) position. 2. Connect the lighter plug or hardwire cables to the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter and tighten the screws to make a secure connection. Do not use tools to tighten these screws.
OPERATION • 400 watt model - If the supplied cables are too short to allow for placement of the inverter in a desired location, the inverter may be connected to the power source using a #8 wire, up to 12’ - #4 wire for longer lengths. The steps outlined for making the connection and the related safety precautions remain unchanged. 7. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (I) position. The LED Indicator Light should glow GREEN confirming that there is power running to the inverter. 8.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OPERATION within the appliance or equipment being operated. If the fuse(s) does blow, turn off and disconnect the appliance or equipment from the inverter immediately, repair the related problem and replace the fuse(s). The internal fuses are replacable, however, only electronically knowledgeable people should attempt fuse replacement Note: • Make certain to correct the source of the overload which caused the blown fuse before turning your inverter back ON (l). The Power Source.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CARE AND MAINTENANCE 2. Low Battery Voltage Alarm/Shutdown Protection a) When the input voltage from the 12 volt power source drops below 10.5 volts, an audible tone will be heard. This is the low battery voltage alarm. b) The inverter will automatically shut down when the input voltage drops below 9.5 volts. This protects the battery from completely draining.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES For You Technical Types. 1. Basic Operating Principles: WHISTLER inverters work in two stages. During the first stage, the DC to DC converter increases the DC input voltage from the power source (e.g. a 12 volt battery) to 145 volts DC. In the second stage, the high voltage DC is converted to 110 volts (60 Hz AC) using advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration. The result is excellent overload capability and the capacity to operate difficult reactive loads.
OPERATION SUMMARY • • • • This inverter is designed to be connected to the power source with the supplied cables or with #8 wire up to 12’ - #4 wire for longer length. When utilizing the supplied cables do not attempt to modify or lengthen them. When operating this inverter with equipment or appliances requiring in excess of 150 watts of continuous load, use the optional hardwire kit (PP010DC - 200 watt model) or the hardwire cables.
TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time Please visit our Inverter FAQ page on our website (www.whistlergroup.com), for more troubleshooting information and FYI topics. Problem PROBLEM: TV Interference Solution Electrical interference from inverter. Add a Ferrite data line filter on to the TV power cord. This filter is available at RadioShack, part number 273-105.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem PROBLEM: Yellow LED On Solution Bad Fuse Problem Have a qualified person replace the fuse. PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work Solution TV does not turn on Try rocking the ON/OFF switch of the inverter while leaving the TV ON (see page 7). Contact TV manufacturer for start-up surge and/or to find out if TV is compatible with a modified sine wave. A larger inverter may be required. 22 SPECIFICATIONS WHISTLER 200 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Continuous Power ...................
WARRANTY Consumer Warranty This Whistler is warrantied to the original purchaser for a period of two years, from the date of original purchase, against all defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified, installed improperly, had its housing removed, or has a missing serial number. There are no express warranties covering this product other than those set forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this product are limited to two years.
WARRANTY Service Out Of Warranty Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates when: • The unit’s original warranty has expired. • Dated store receipt is not supplied. • The unit has been returned without its serial number. • The unit has been abused, modified, installed improperly, or had its housing removed. The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler 200 watt inverter is $15.00 (U.S.) and the 400 watt inverter is $25.00 (U.S.).