XP200i / XP400i POWER INVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL XP200i XP400i
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 your purchase 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.
INTRODUCTION Dear Whistler Customer, For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler products are designed to make the time you spend in your vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve your driving experience.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Features Description ............................................................... 3 Important Information ............................................................. 4 Inverter Basics ......................................................................... 5 • Getting Started • Don’t Push It Operation ...............................................................................
FEATURES DESCRIPTION WHISTLER inverters convert low voltage, direct current (DC) to 115 volt alternating household current (AC). The AC output is called “modified sine wave”. See “Operating Principles” section for more information. Depending on the model and its rated capacity, WHISTLER inverters draw power either from standard 12 volt automobile and marine batteries or from portable high power 12 volt sources. 10 1. AC Output Sockets 4 2. Inv+USB/Off/USB 3. USB Power Ports 3 4. Power On LED 1 5.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION This manual will provide you with directions for the safe and efficient operation of your WHISTLER inverter. Read the manual carefully before using your new WHISTLER inverter and keep the manual on file for future reference. NOTE: Your WHISTLER inverter is designed to operate from a 12 volt power source only. Never attempt to connect your Whistler inverter to any other power source, including any AC power source.
INVERTER BASICS 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). Once the equipment or appliance has been powered up, it settles down to a slower pace and requires far less electrical power to operate.
INVERTER BASICS Don’t Push It. 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. For example, the XP400i watt model has a maximum continuous rating of 400 watts.
INVERTER BASICS If a piece of equipment or an appliance will not operate, first confirm that the inverter has been properly connected to the 12 volt power source (See “Making The Connection”). If all connections have been properly made, turn the inverter rocker switch ON (l), OFF (O) and ON (l) again in quick succession. If this procedure is unsuccessful, it is likely that the inverter does not have the required start up capacity to operate the equipment or appliance in question.
OPERATION Making the Connection. This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery using the lighter socket plug or by the supplied battery cables (for appliances over 150 watts, 400 watt model only). 1. Make certain that the inverter rocker switch is in the center OFF (O) position. 2. Connect the 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 NOTE: • If the equipment or appliance you intend to operate requires more than 150 watts of continuous power, this inverter should be connected directly to the power source using the Hard Wire Cables (400 watt model). Failure to do so may result in serious damage to the power cord or to the cigarette socket lighter wiring. • Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage which may cause damage to the wires and insulation.
OPERATION 7. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the Inv+USB (I) position. The LED Indicator Light should glow GREEN confirming that there is power running to the inverter. 8. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the center OFF (O) position. (The GREEN LED Power Indicator light may “blink” briefly and/or the internal audible alarm may make a momentary “chirp”. This is normal). 9. Confirm that the equipment or appliance to be operated is turned off.
OPERATION Important Information on Battery Chargers Using your inverter with battery chargers for power tools, flashlights, video cameras and laptop computers may cause damage to the inverter or the charging unit. Check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility with modified sine wave inverters if you’re unsure. Although we advise against it, if you attempt to use a charging unit, monitor the temperature of the charging unit for approximately 10 minutes.
OPERATION The Power Source. When the engine is off, most batteries will provide an ample power supply to the inverter for one to two hours. The actual length of time is a function of several variables including the age and condition of the battery and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated with the inverter. If you are using the inverter while the engine is off, we recommend you start the engine every hour and let it run for at least 10 minutes to recharge the battery.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES Automatic Shut Down & Related Safety Features. Each inverter has an unique LED indicator warning light system which operates in conjunction with the automatic shut down feature. These indicator lights operate as follows: GREEN LED: System ready. RED LED: System overload/automatic shut down. Your inverter will shut down automatically when any of the following problems occur: 1. The power input from the battery drops below 10 volts. 2.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE Some Powerful Advice. When driving with the inverter in operation, make certain that neither the inverter nor the power cords will impede safe operation of your vehicle. Keep the unit and all cords clear of the steering wheel, gas, brake and clutch pedals and gear shift. To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note the following important safety precautions: • MOISTURE. Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to moisture.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES For You Technical Types. 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 115 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.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES Consequently, these meters will not read the RMS modified sine wave voltage correctly and, when measuring your WHISTLER inverter output, the meters will read about 20 to 30 volts too low. To accurately measure the output voltage of your inverter, use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Beckman 4410, Triplett 4200 or any multimeter identified as “True RMS.” For more information on inverters see our Inverter FAQ page. A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.
OPERATION SUMMARY • This inverter is designed to be connected to the power source with the supplied cables or with #8 wire up to 12’ Use #4 wire for longer length. When utilizing the supplied cables do not attempt to modify or lengthen them. • Always make certain that the power cable terminal connections Negative (-) to Negative (-) and Positive (+) to Positive (+). Check these connections frequently to ensure that they are secure.
OPERATION SUMMARY • When operating the inverter with the engine off, start the engine every hour and let it run for at least 10 minutes to recharge the battery. • In the event of automatic shut down, turn the inverter OFF (O) immediately. Do not restart the inverter until the source of the problem has been identified and corrected. • To avoid battery drain, always disconnect the inverter when not in use. • Do not expose the inverter to moisture.
TROUBLESHOOTING Please visit our Inverter FAQ page on our website (www.whistlergroup.com), for more troubleshooting information and FYI topics. PROBLEM: TV Interference Problem Solution Electrical interference from inverter. Add a Ferrite data line filter on to the TV power cord. This filter is available at electronic part stores. PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage Problem Solution Using incorrect type of voltmeter to test output voltage. Use a true RMS reading meter.
TROUBLESHOOTING Red LED On Problem Solution Equipment has a high start up surge. Turn inverter power switch center OFF (O) and then Inv+USB (l) again until the inverter powers your appliance. Repeat as necessary to get your appliance “started”. Battery voltage below 10 volts. Recharge or replace battery. Inverter is too hot (thermal shutdown mode). Allow inverter to cool. Check for adequate ventilation. Reduce the load on the inverter to load on the inverter to output.
SPECIFICATIONS WHISTLER 200 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Continuous Power .................................... 200 Watts Maximum Surge (Peak Power) ...................................... 400 Watts* No Load Current Draw ................................................. <0.4 A Waveform .................................................. Modified Sine Wave Input Voltage ...................................................... 11– 15.5 +/- .5V AC Receptacle .................................................
WARRANTY Consumer Warranty This Whistler product is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship, when purchased from an authorized Whistler retailer. This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, misused, modified, installed improperly, or if the housing and/or serial numbers have been removed. There are no express warranties covering this product other than those set forth in this warranty.
WARRANTY 1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested to: Whistler Repair Dept. 1412 South 1st St. Rogers, AR. 72756 Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time. IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit insured with return receipt requested. CODs will not be accepted! 2.
WARRANTY Service Out Of Warranty Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates when: • • • • The unit’s original warranty has expired. A dated proof of purchase is not supplied. The unit has been returned without its serial number. The unit has been misused, abused, modified, installed improperly, or had its housing removed. The out of warranty service fee for these inverters are as follows: XP200i inverter is $15.00 XP400i inverter is $25.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1716 SW Commerce Dr. Ste. 8 PO Box 1760 Bentonville, AR 72712 Toll Free (800) 531-0004 TEL (479) 273-6012 FX (479) 273-2927 www.whistlergroup.com CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER 1412 South 1st St. Rogers, AR 72756 Customer Service Tel (800) 531-0004 Email: info@whistlergroup.com P/N 401562 Rev.2 © 05/2014 The Whistler Group, Inc.
