Cobra trades Service Manual

Cobra Electronics Corporation

6500 W. Cortland Street

Chicago, IL 60707

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR

“

Big Power In Small Packages.

”

MODELS TRADESMAN AND ROAD WARRIOR

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Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................... 2

Safety............................................................................................................ 3

Installation .............................................................................................. 4, 5

Specifications ............................................................................................. 5

Remote Control .......................................................................................... 6

Hard-Wired Output ................................................................................... 7

Operation ................................................................................................ 8, 9

If You Think You Need Service.............................................................. 10

Limited One Year Warranty.................................................................... 11

Thank you for your purchase of a Cobra

power inverter. The series provides big power in small packages. High efficiency designs make each model ideal for all mobile environments where space is at a premium.

Inverter is the proper term for any device that turns DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). The inverter takes 12 volts DC from your battery and converts it to 115 volts AC to run appliances. Just like utility power, the frequency is held constant at 60 Hertz, and the output voltage is regulated between 110 and 120 volts true RMS, despite changes in load and battery voltage.

The energy delivered by the inverter comes from the battery which powers it. And that energy was put into your battery by your battery charger, which might be a vehicle alternator or an electronic power supply.

The most appropriate use of an inverter system is for light, longterm loads, such as TVs, VCRs and small computers, or for heavy, short-term loads such as vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens and hair dryers.

Heavy, long-term loads like electric heaters and air conditioners require a great deal of energy. While they wonÕt harm your inverter, they would need an extremely large battery to run continuously overnight, and then a very heavy charger to recharge that battery the following day.

There really arenÕt a lot of doÕs and donÕts to remember. Your

inverter is designed to protect itself and your battery.

NOTE: While the inverter does not mistreat your appliances, it cannot protect them. A light bulb can burn out, or an appliance can fail, just as it might when plugged into utility power.

Please take a few moments to read this owners manual. It contains important safety information as well as practical application tips.

INTRODUCTION

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MODELS TRADESMAN and ROAD WARRIOR

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When working on the installation, be sure that the inverter power switch is in the OFF position. Note that this is only a control switch which tells the inverter whether or not to run. Even though it may be OFF, the battery will still be connected directly to the inverterÕs input terminals, so they will always be live. Treat them accordingly.

Please get the polarity right. If you get it wrong, you will damage the inverter and void the warranty. It does happen, despite this warning. So please double check before you make that last connection. The positive (+) terminal on the battery should connect to the positive (+) terminal on the inverter, and the negative (Ð) terminal on the battery should connect to the negative (Ð) terminal on the inverter.

SUGGESTION: Before making the last connection, brush the cable lightly against the terminal. There should be no spark, or at most a very slight one. Heavy sparking indicates a problem.

The inverter may be mounted in any position on any flat surface: wall, ceiling or floor. It should be bolted or screwed down using a #6 screw in each of the four mounting holes. In choosing a location, look for a dry, cool, dust-free, well ventilated spot as close to the battery as possible, but clear of battery acid and fumes. Under the hood of a vehicle is a harsh environment which should be avoided.

The battery cables are the key to a successful installation. They must be at least AWG (American Wire Gauge) #4 and should be as heavy and as short as practical. To be extremely conservative just use #2 gauge wire which is as large as the inverter terminal will accept. Otherwise, the minimum acceptable sizes are shown below. The wire and the appropriate battery terminals are usually available from auto supply stores. If you cannot find the right wire there, try an electrical distributor or a welding supply house.

INSTALLATION

A few common-sense precautions should be observed:

1. The inverter delivers 115 volts AC. This is the

same kind of electricity as in the wall sockets of most homes and offices. 115 volts AC is potentially lethal and must be treated with respect.

2. The inverter is polarity sensitive and will be

damaged if connected to the battery incorrectly. If there is any doubt, consult an electrician. (See Installation).

3. A safety hazard will result if inadequate wiring is used to

make connection to the inverter. (See Installation).

4. The inverter is intended to deliver stand-alone

AC power. Its output cannot be safely connected to utility power, another inverter, a generator, or any other power source. Where other power sources are available in the same system, isolating relays should be used to prevent connection of the inverterÕs output to those other sources of AC.

5. In case of malfunction, immediately turn the power switch

OFF and disconnect the inverter from the battery.

6. DO NOT STICK ANYTHING INSIDE THE CASE. The high

voltage inside can cause severe injury, even death.

7. KEEP THIS UNIT AWAY FROM CONTACT WITH WATER

OR OTHER LIQUIDS.

8. DO NOT OPERATE THIS UNIT, or any electrical device, when

you, the device or any surfaces that might touch a power source are WET. Many fluids can conduct electricity, causing severe injury, even death.

9. DO NOT OPEN THE CASE. This will void your warranty.

SAFETY

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