Whistler 2000 WATT, 3000 WATT, 1200 WATT User Manual

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
www.whistlergroup.com

CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER

1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

P/N 20562
© 2004 The Whistler Group, Inc.

OWNER’S MANUAL

1200/2000/3000
WATT SERIES

HIGH SURGE POWER INVERTERS

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

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.
begins at the time of purchase. The war­ranty is validated only by your receipt.

Now is the time to record the serial
number of the unit in the space provided
in the warranty section of the

Note: Your warranty period

manual.

Dear Whistler Owner,

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.

Whistler offers a complete line of DC to AC inverters ranging
in capacity from 75 Watts to 3000 Watts. These inverters
offer advanced technology, dependable operation and will
provide years of reliable service when used in accordance
with our operating instructions.

Your new Whistler power inverter allows you to run most AC
appliances right from your car, boat or RV. They’re great for
weekend use and life on the road. They’re also great for
power outages from 1200 thru 3000 watts. To fully acquaint
yourself with the operation of your Whistler power inverter
we recommend reading this entire manual.

Sincerely,

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHISTLER FEATURES

Topic Page

Features Summary ..................................................................3-7

Important Information................................................................8

Inverter Information............................................................9 - 11

• Getting Started

• Don’t Push It

Battery Information...........................................................11 - 13

• Selecting the Optimum Power Source

Cable Information.............................................................13 - 14

• Wire Cable Gauges

Operation ..........................................................................15 - 23

• Making the Connection

• Tips

• Recharging Equipment

• Power Source

• TV’s & Microwaves

Technical Operating Principles........................................23 - 25

Operation Summary .........................................................25 - 27

Troubleshooting................................................................28 - 29

Specifications............................................................................30

Warranty Information ...............................................................31

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A Word About Whistler Power Inverters

Whistler inverters convert low voltage, direct current (DC)
to 110 volt alternating household current (AC). The AC output
is called “modified sine wave”. See “Technical 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.

Inverter Features

b

d

e

a

c

a). ON/OFF Switch.

1200 watt series shown

This switch controls the flow of power
from the power source to the inverter. It does not control
the power running from the inverter to the equipment or
appliance being operated.

b). High Temperature LED Indicator Light. This light will
turn RED and the inverter will automatically shut down when
the internal temperature exceeds design parameters for
safe operation. When this occurs, turn the equipment or
appliance off.

In the event of excess temperature, the High Speed Cooling

3

FEATURES

FEATURES

Fan also will automatically turn on. Overheating may result
when the inverter is being operated at levels exceeding
its wattage rating or because it has been placed in a location
or in an manner which prevents proper heat dissipation.
After approximately 15 minutes, the High Temperature
Indicator light and the Cooling Fan will turn off and the
inverter will automatically restart indicating that the inverter
temperature has dropped to a safe operating level.

Over Load LED Indicator Light. This light will turn RED and the
inverter will automatically shut down when the continuous
power draw from the inverter exceeds the maximum
continuous power rating for the inverter. Turn the inverter
OFF (O), determine and resolve the cause of the overload
prior to resuming operation of the equipment or appliance.
Turning the inverter ON (I) will reset it.

c).Remote Operation Jack.

The inverter is designed to be operated from a remote
location via the WHISTLER PP015DC Remote Control
Switch which plugs into this socket. This optional accessory
is available through WHISTLER or your WHISTLER dealer.

i

2000 watt series shown

j

d). Wattage & Voltage
Wattage Indicator.

tors the wattage being consumed by the inverter.
When the reading rises above the rated limits, the inverter
may automatically shut down. In this event, it is likely that
the draw of the equipment or appliance being operated is
greater than the battery is capable of producing.

Voltage Indicator. This Digital display monitors the voltage
being drawn from the battery by the inverter. The voltage
is measured at the Negative and Positive power input terminals
on the inverter. The voltage level reading will be lower
than the battery voltage due to the voltage "drop" that
occurs as the battery voltage runs through the terminal
connections and cables.

The inverter is designed to operate with input voltages
ranging from 10 to 15 volts. When the voltage drops below

10.5 volts DC an audible alarm will sound. If the voltage
drops below 10 volts DC, the voltage indicator will go out
and the inverter will automatically shut down. The inverter
also will shut down automatically when the input voltage
exceeds 15 volts DC. Despite this "built in" protection,
the inverter may be damaged if the input voltage exceeds
15 volts DC and damage caused by excess voltage input
is not covered under the WHISTLER warranty.

Note: In the event of automatic shut down or continuous

audible alarm, turn the inverter OFF (O) until the source of
the related problem has been determined and resolved.

This illuminated Digital display moni-

4

5

FEATURES

FEATURES

e). Standard North American 110 AC Outlets are provided.

f). High Speed Cooling Fan.

automatically when the internal temperature exceeds
design parameters for safe operation. The Cooling Fan
will automatically turn off when the temperature drops to
a safe operating level. This fan does not run continuously.

h). Power Input Terminals

Make note of the proper polarity.

i). Chassis Ground Terminal Lug.

Note:

The 3000 watt inverters incorporates all of the operating
and safety features of the 1200 and 2000 models. In addition
to these common features, the 3000 is equipped with circuit
breakers and a terminal for making direct connection
between the inverter and an electrical distribution panel.

This fan will turn on

d

b

a

c

3000 watt series shown - Front view

g). Circuit Breakers. (3000 Watt Only). Each 110 AC outlet
is equipped with a 15 amp circuit breaker.

3000 watt

series shown-

Back view

g
e

h

f

6

7

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Important Information About Your New Whistler Inverter.

This manual will provide you with directions for the safe
and efficient operation of your Whistle Power Inverter.

Important Note: Each of the following operating procedures
and safety features must be carefully reviewed and thor­oughly understood prior to using the inverter. Failure to
do so may result in damage to the inverter or equipment
or serious personal injury.

Notes:

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.

• 110 volts can be lethal. Improper use of your Whistler
inverter may result in property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.

NOTE: Not recommended for use with medical equip-

ment.

• Check with the appliance manufacturer for
compatibility with modified sine wave inverters.

Some appliances may not work well, not at all or be
damaged.
For more information on compatibility issues, please visit
our inverter FAQ page at:

This is especially true for medical equipment.

www.whistlergroup.com/faq-inverters.asp

8

INVERTER INFORMATION

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. This lower power requirement is referred to as
the "continuous load."

In order to ensure that the capacity of your Whistler inverter
is sufficient to meet the required start up load, you must first
determine the power consumption of the equipment or
appliance you plan to operate.

Power consumption is rated either in wattage or in amperes,
and information regarding the required "watts" or "amps"
generally is stamped or printed on most appliances and
equipment. If this information is not indicated on the appliance
or equipment, check the owner’s manual.

appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if
the device you are using (TV’s, battery re-charger, computer,
etc.) is compatible with a modified sine wave.

If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the number
of amps by 110 (AC voltage) to determine the comparable
wattage rating. Induction motors may require 2 to 6 times
their wattage rating to start up.

For further information on the fundamental operating
principles of Whistler inverters and related technical
data, see

"Technical Operating Principles"

Contact the

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