PRINTED IN CHINA © 1997 COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION 480-214-P-001
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 W. Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR
“
Big Power In Small Packages.
”
MODELS EXECUTIVE AND TRAVELER
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................... 2
Safety........................................................................................................ 3, 4
Applications ............................................................................................... 5
Installation .................................................................................................. 6
Trouble Shooting Tips ....................................................................... 7, 8, 9
Specifications ............................................................................................. 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, long-term
loads, such as TVs, VCRs and small computers.
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
1 2
MODELS EXECUTIVE and TRAVELER
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9. When using the inverter BE SURE THAT THE CORDS WILL
NOT GET IN THE WAY WHILE DRIVING. Make sure that the
areas needed for shifting, steering, braking, etc. are not
blocked or obstructed. REMEMBER, THINGS MAY SHIFT
AROUND AS YOU TURN, SPEED-UP, OR SLOW DOWN.
10. KNOW THE ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE
DEVICE YOU OPERATE. If you are unsure about the requirements, call the manufacturer of the device you are trying to
operate. Do not use the inverter to operate any device that
requires more than 140 Watts of continuous power (TRAVELER) or 80 Watts (EXECUTIVE).
11. REVERSE POLARITY will blow the inverterÕs 14 AMP
FUSE. Use a 15 Amp fuse or smaller if needed for
replacement (EXECUTIVE).
12. DISCONNECT THE INVERTER WHILE CHARGING YOUR
BATTERY WITH A BATTERY CHARGER OR DAMAGE
MAY RESULT.
13. DO NOT CONNECT THIS INVERTER TO ANY AC POWER
SOURCE, DAMAGE WILL RESULT.
SAFETY (continued)
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 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.
3. In case of malfunction, immediately turn the power switch
OFF (TRAVELER) and disconnect the inverter from the battery.
4. DO NOT STICK ANYTHING INSIDE THE CASE. The high
voltage inside can cause severe injury, even death.
5. KEEP THIS UNIT AWAY FROM CONTACT WITH WATER
OR OTHER LIQUIDS.
6. 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.
7. Under certain operating conditions THIS UNIT AND/OR THE
PLUG TIP WILL BECOME VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH.
Temperatures can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not put
in contact with heat sensitive items or skin.
8. DO NOT OPEN THE CASE. This will void your warranty.
SAFETY
3
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Power output is most affected by input voltage (from your battery)
and inverter temperature. The inside of a closed car can reach 160
degrees Fahrenheit, and an inverter will produce little power when
this hot. We recommend running the motor for 10 min. during
every hour or so of inverter use. It is perfectly safe to operate your
device while the vehicle engine is running.
TELEVISIONS, VCRs and VIDEO GAMES
When starting your TV: Some TVÕs require ÒchargingÓ. To do this
simply press the ÒONÓ or ÒSTARTÓ button of the TV repeatedly
while the TV is plugged into the inverter. In general it is best to turn
on the TV first and then other devices. For some electronic switch or
remote control TVÕs it is best to turn the TV on and then plug it into
the on-line inverter.
COMPUTERS
Many desktop computers are within the power ranges of the
Executive and Traveler. However,
monitors may have to be powered
by an additional inverter separate
from the computer. All laptop,
and notebook (including color screen) computers are well within
the capacity of the inverter. Do not try to operate a
laser printer or any device that requires true sinewave, you may
damage the laser printer.
BATTERY CHARGERS
Chargers that plug directly into a wall socket and have a transformer between the wall socket and the charger work very well
with inverters. Chargers that do not have a transformer
built-in should never be used with inverters. Contact
the charger manufacturer if you are unsure about using a modified
sinewave inverter with the charger.
APPLICATIONS
This inverter is a quality instrument that will serve you faithfully
for many years. To use it, just plug it into any negative grounded
cigarette lighter that is fused for 20 amps or more. Then plug your
device into the inverter and turn it on. Use a multiple outlet plug to
operate two or more appliances at once. To run appliances at a
distance from the car, use AC extension cords. DonÕt attempt to
extend the cigarette lighter connection.
A 13Ó color TV uses about as much energy as one headlight. Your
battery could probably deliver that much energy for over six hours,
but itÕs better to keep the battery fully charged by running your
engine ten to fifteen minutes each hour. Disconnect the inverter
whenever youÕre not using it (EXECUTIVE). Even with nothing
plugged into it, thereÕs a small power drain, and it can eventually
run your battery down.
The output is factory set to 115 volts AC, 60 Hertz and is not adjustable.
The waveform, a Òmodified sinewaveÓ, has been found satisfactory for running virtually all loads. The output voltage can only
be measured accurately with a Òtrue RMSÓ voltmeter. Because of the
special waveform, all other voltmeters will read up to 25 volts low.
It is normal for the inverter to self-test for about two seconds before
turning on. It is also normal for it to run warm. It protects itself
from overload and excess heat by turning off and on. If this happens,
reduce the load or air cool the unit or both. Failure to operate is
usually caused by a poor plug/lighter socket connection, ignition
switch in the wrong position, or blown lighter fuse. Be sure your
lighter works, or try another car.
INSTALLATION
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87
The most common problems are very simple to correct: A) the
inverter is not drawing power from your cigarette lighter; B) the
device you are plugging into the inverter is not plugged in or
working properly; or C) it requires more power to operate than
the inverter can deliver.
Check the following:
A) The most common problem is that the inverter is not getting
any power into it.
Try unplugging the inverter and inserting the cigarette lighter,
pushing it all the way in to activate the cigarette lighter. If the
cigarette lighter does not heat up, then:
1) Turn on the ignition switch of the vehicle to power up the
cigarette lighter.
2) Check the vehicleÕs circuit fuse to be sure it is working
(use at least a 15 amp auto circuit fuse unless your vehicle
owners manual states otherwise, many circuits require a
20 amp vehicle fuse).
If the cigarette lighter still is not working, refer the problem
to your vehicle service provider.
If the cigarette lighter does heat up, indicating that the
inverter should be getting input power, try the following:
3) Reinsert the inverterÕs lighter plug back into the vehicle
cigarette lighter receptacle and be sure the plug and receptacle are making good electrical contact. Try pushing the
plug in and turning it.
4) Check the inverterÕs fuse (EXECUTIVE), located in the tip
of the inverterÕs cigarette lighter plug. Replace if necessary.
5)
A faint buzzing sound indicates that the inverter is working.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TIPS
B) After following these directions without satisfactory results, try
starting an electrical load that you know is in working order,
like a lamp with a 100 Watt or smaller bulb. If the bulb starts
then the problem is with the device you were trying to start, or
the connection in the set up. To correct this:
1) Be sure the device is properly plugged in and turned to the
ÒONÓ position.
2) Be sure that the device does not require more power than
the inverter can deliver.
3)
Be sure the device you are trying to operate is in proper working
condition. If the bulb does not start, check all electrical
connections including the fuse located in the tip of the plug
as well as your vehicle fuse (EXECUTIVE). Remember to turn
switches or buttons to the ÒONÓ position.
If the bulb will not
start it is likely that your inverter is not working properly.
ÒTHE DEVICE IÔM TRYING TO OPERATE DOESNÔT SEEM TO
WORK RIGHT.Ó
C)
The most common problems are 1) You are operating a device(s)
that requires more than 80 Watts (EXECUTIVE) or 140 Watts
(TRAVELER), or 2) The device you are trying to operate is not
working properly.
1)
As an example: A 27-inch color TV will often start, but after a
while the screen will ÒshrinkÓ or the picture will lose color and
turn into a black a white picture or the sound will drop out.
Or a 21-inch TV does just fine until you try plugging is a 40
Watt light bulb or running the VCR, at which point you
experience problems. This results from over-tasking the
capacity of the inverter. If any of these conditions occur,
turn the device off.
2) Please be sure that the devices you are trying to operate are
in proper working condition by plugging them into a standard
wall outlet before deciding that the inverter is not working.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TIPS (cont’d)
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109
ÒTHE INVERTER SEEMS TO GET TOO HOT, OR TURNS OFF
UNEXPECTEDLY.Ó
The most common cause is that you are losing electrical contacts at
the plug due to motion of your vehicle, which causes the electrical
connection to be broken. Asecond possibility is that you are pushing
the inverter beyond its rated limits. In most circumstances, the
inverter will simply reduce the output voltage and stabilize in
temperature. This lower voltage output may put the inverter below
the voltage requirements of the device(s) you are trying to operate,
and the device(s) may shut off unexpectedly. In this case, turn the
device(s) off, allow the inverter to cool down, and then turn the
device(s) on again.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TIPS (cont’d)
SPECIFICATIONS
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary
to furnish the following in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a
mechanical reproduction or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the
original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3.
Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed
or clearly
printed name and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the orig-
inal packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier; such as United
Parcel Service (UPS) or First Class Mail; to avoid loss in transit to Cobra
Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St.,
Chicago, IL60707.
6. If the unit is in warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be
repaired or exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for status. If the unit is out of
warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair
charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call
1-773-889-3087 for assistance.
For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk
which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked
questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aconsumer Service Representative can be reached through
this number 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.
If You Think You Need Service Call 1-773-889-3087
EXECUTIVE TRAVELER
Output Power,
Continuous: 80 Watts 140 Watts
Peak: 200 Watts 400 Watts
Input Voltage: 10 to 15 Volts DC 10 to 15 Volts DC
Output Voltage: 115 volts AC±5% 115 volts AC±5%
Output Frequency: 60 Hz ±2 Hz, 60 Hz ±1 Hz,
Modified Sinewave Modified Sinewave
Idle Current: 0.1A 0.25A
Efficiency: >90% >90%
Thermal Protection: Proportional Proportional
power reduction power reduction
Overload Protection: Dual mode limiter Dual mode limiter
Dimensions: 1
1
/2” H x 41/8” W x 11/2” D 11/2” H x 51/8” W x 21/2” D
Weight: 8.2 oz 14.9 oz
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COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its COBRA power
inverter products, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects
in workmanship and materials for period of one (1) year from the date of
first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective
inverter products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra factory
Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer
purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product
for warranty service. The return charges will be at CobraÕs expense if the
product is repaired or replaced under warranty. For further details concerning procedures for obtaining service, see the ÒIf You Need ServiceÓ
section of this OwnerÕs Manual.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply 1) to any product
damaged by accident, improper input voltage or weather related circumstances; 2) in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result
of unauthorized alterations or repairs; 3) if the serial number has been
altered, defaced or removed; or 4) if the owner of the product resides
outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the length of
this warranty.
Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other
damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss
of use or cost of installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
11 12
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
6500 W. Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707
In addition to its exclusive series of power
inverters, Cobra is also one of AmericaÕs leading brands of
CB radios and accessories,
Intenna
cordless telephones and
answering systems, and Safety Alert¨radar/laser detectors.
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NOTES
13
NOTES
14
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