If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call consumer relations:
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. If the unit is returned without a
dated proof of purchase, an out of
w a rranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period 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
manual.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Owner,
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It
can be a mobile office, communications or entert a i n m e n t
c e n t e r, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler
p roducts are designed to make the time you spend in your
vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply
m o re fun. Our mission is to provide products that impro v e
your driving experience.
Whistler offers a complete line of DC to AC inverters
ranging in capacity from 140 Watts to 2750 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 GO AC power inverter allows you to ru n
most AC appliances right from your car, boat or RV. They’re
g reat for weekend use and life on the road. They’re also gre a t
for power outtages!
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of this inverter we
recommend reading this entire manual.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP
We’re Driving Technology
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TopicPage
Features Summary......................................................................3
Important Information................................................................4
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 inform a t i o n .
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.
4a
4b
1
2
3
1.AC Output Sockets
2.On/Off Switch
3.Power/Overload LED
4.Power Cords (400 watt shown)
On 200 watt model 4a is attached and 4b is not included.
2
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 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 WHISTLER inverter. Read
the manual carefully before using your new WHISTLER
inverter and keep the manual on file for future reference.
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.
•The length of the supplied cables is matched for the
current needed by the inverter. Making this cable longer
will make the inverter less efficient and may cause the
cables to heat up.
•Do not attempt to lengthen the supplied power cables.
•110 volts of current can be lethal. Improper use of your
WHISTLER inverter may result in pro p e rty damage,
personal injury or loss of life.
•Check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibilitywith modified sinewave inverters. Some appliances may
not work well, not at all or be damaged. This is especiallytrue for medical equipment. For more information on
compatibility issues, please visit our inverter FAQ page at
www.whistlergroup.com/faq-inverters.asp
4
INVERTER BASICS
Getting Start e d
Power equipment and appliances which operate with motors
or tubes re q u i re an initial surge of power to get them up and
running. This power surge is re f e rred to as the "starting load"
or "peak load." (By comparison, electrical devices such as
s t a n d a rd light bulbs do not re q u i re a large starting load).
Once the equipment or appliance has been powered up, it
settles down to a slower pace and re q u i res far less electrical
power to operate. This lower power re q u i rement is re f e rre d
to as the "continuous load."
In order to ensure that the capacity of your WHISTLER inverter is sufficient to meet the re q u i red 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 ampere s ,
and information re g a rding the re q u i red "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. Contact the
appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if
the device you are using (TV’s, battery re-charger, computer, medical equipment, 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. As a general rule, you can determine the
re q u i red start up load by multiplying the wattage rating by 10.
For further information on the fundamental operating principles of WHISTLER inverters and related technical data,
see "Technical Operating Principles"
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 9
INVERTER BASICS
Don’t Push It.
Although your WHISTLER GO AC inverter has the capacity
to provide power output (excess current) equal to appro x imately 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 400 watt model has a maximum continuous rating of 400 watts. Although this model has the capacity to briefly provide up to 800 watts of power (that is, excess
c u rrent), it is designed to operate equipment and appliances with start up load re q u i rements of 400 watts or less.
C o n s e q u e n t l y, if the start up load rating of your equipment
or appliance is the same or approximately the same as the
maximum continuous rating of the invert e r, the inverter will
attempt to start loads above the continuous rating for up to
10 seconds.
The inverter is designed to shut down automatically in the
event of a power overload. Testing appliances and equipment with start up load ratings comparable to your invert e r
wattage rating will not damage it. However, make sure the
appliance your testing is compatible with modified
sinewave inverters. See page 4 for more inform a t i o n .
INVERTER BASICS
If a piece of equipment or an appliance will not operate, first
c o n f i rm 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 invert e r
rocker switch ON (l), OFF (O) and ON (l) again in quick suc-
cession. If this pro c e d u re is unsuccessful, it is likely that the
i n v e rter does not have the re q u i red start up capacity to
operate the equipment or appliance in question.
Note:
•Most heat generating appliances re q u i re start up loads
in excess of 1000 watts and this inverter will not operate
such appliances as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers or
h e a t e r s .
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OPERATION
Making the Connection.
This inverter is designed to connect to your 12 volt battery
using the light socket plug or by the supplied #10 gauge
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. (400 watt
model only)
Steps 3 - 5 are used when and appliance requires
over 150 watts.* Step 6 is for appliances under 150
watts.*
3. Connect the cable from the (BLACK) Negative (-) terminal on the inverter to the Negative (-) terminal on
the 12 volt power source. Make certain the connection is secure.
4. Confirm that the cable you have just installed is properly connected. Specifically, make certain that the
cable is connected to the Negative (-) terminals on
both the inverter and the 12 volt power source.
5.Connect the cable from the (RED) Positive (+) terminal
on the inverter to the Positive (+) terminal on the
power source.
400 watt shown
8
OPERATION
6.Remove the cigarette lighter and push the adapter plug
firmly into the cigarette lighter socket.* (Make certain
both the socket and adapter plugs are clean.)
Note:
•If the equipment or appliance you intend to operate
requires more than 150 watts of continuous power, this
i n v e rter should be connected directly to the power
source using the Hard Wire Cables (400 watt model) or
the optional Hard Wire Adaptor P/N PP010DC. 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.
•Failure to make proper connection between the inverter
and the power source will result in reverse polarity.
Reverse polarity will blow the internal fuses in the inverter and may cause permanent damage to thei n v e rter. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered
under the WHISTLER warranty.
•Making the connection between the Positive terminals
may cause a spark as a result of current flowing to the
capacitors in the inverter. This is a normal occurrence.
Due to the potential for sparking, however, it is extremely important that both the inverter and the 12 volt battery
be well removed from any possible source of flammable
fumes or gases.
Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or explosion.
*Some vehicle lighter sockets may only supply 10 amps or approximately 100 watts.
If so, use the hardwire cables. Check vehicle’s owner’s manual for lighter socket
fuse rating.
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 13
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 re m a i n
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.Turn the inverter rocker switch to the 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).
8.Confirm that the equipment or appliance to be operated is turned off. Plug the equipment or appliance
into one of the three AC receptacles on the front
panel of the the inverter.
10. Turn the inverter to the ON (I) position. Turn on the
equipment or appliance.
Note:
•As indicated in Step 7 above, the audible alarm may
make a momentary “chirp” when the inverter is
turned OFF (O). The same alarm may also sound
when the inverter is being connected to or disconnected from the 12 volt power source. Again, this is
normal.
10
OPERATION
•The use of an extension cord from the inverter to the appliance or equipment being operated will not significantly
decrease the power being generated by the inverter. For
best operating results, the extension cord should be no
more than 50 feet long.
•Check frequently to ensure that the input and output connections are secure. Loose connections may damage the
inverter or the power source or may generate excessive
heat.
Important Information on Battery Chargers
Using your inverter to re c h a rge units designed to charge such
p o rtable equipment as power tools, flashlights, video cameras and
laptop computers may cause damage to the inverter or t h e
c h a rging unit. Check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility with sine wave inverters if you’re unsure .
Although we advise against it, if you attempt to re c h a rge a charging unit, monitor the temperature of the charging unit for appro ximately 10 minutes. If the charging unit becomes unusually warm ,
disconnect it from the inverter immediately.
Don’t Blow A Fuse.
This inverter is equipped with either a 20 amp (lighter socket - 400
watt model) or a 40 amp spade type fuse (20 amp 200 watt
model). With reasonable care, it should not be necessary to
replace the fuse(s) in your invert e r.
Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short circ u i t
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 15
OPERATION
within the appliance or equipment being operated. If t h e
fuse(s) does blow, turn off and disconnect the appliance or
equipment from the inverter immediately, repair the re l a t e d
p roblem and replace the fuse(s). The fuse is easily accessed
either inside the lighter socket plug or inline on the hard w i re
c a b l e .
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.
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
i n v e rt e r.
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 re c h a rge the battery. We also re c o mmend that the device plugged into the inverter be turned off
b e f o re turning over the engine.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when
t u rning over the engine, the inverter may momentarily cease
operation as the battery voltage decreases. When the invert-
er is not supplying power, and turned on, it draws very low
amperage from the battery (<0.40 A ).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Automatic Shut Down & Related Safety Features.
Each inverter has an unique LED indicator warning light system which operates in conjunction with the automatic shutdown feature. These indicator lights operate as follows:
GREEN LED: System re a d y.
YELLOW 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
9.5 volts.
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 16 volts.
3. The continuous draw of the appliance or equipment
being operated exceeds the design parameters of the
inverter.
The inverters are also equipped with the following additional
safety feature s :
1. T h e rmal Cut Off:
Automatic shut down when the internal circuit temperat u re exceeds standard design parameters for safe
operation.
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 17
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
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.
In the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible
a l a rm, turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF (O) position
until the source of the related problem has been identified
and re s o l v e d .
Wall Mounting:
Whistler inverters have provisions for wall mounting; two
slotted holes in the handle area and a notched area at the
power cord end allow for easy wall mounting of the unit.
Some Powerful Advice.
Your WHISTLER GO AC inverter will work best when placed on
a reasonably flat surface. The floor or seat of your car or tru c k
both are good locations.
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
s h i f t .
14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To maintain your inverter in proper working condition, note
the following important safety pre c a u t i o n s :
•MOISTURE. Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it
to m o i s t u re. Do not operate the inverter if you, the
i n v e rt e r, the device being operated or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power
sources are wet. Water and many other liquids can
conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or
death.
•HEAT. For peak efficiency, the ambient air temperature should be between 50° and 80° F. Avoid placing
the i n v e rter on or near heating vents, radiators or
other sources of heat. Do not place the inverter in
d i rect sunlight.
•V E N T I L ATION. In order to disperse the heat generate d while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
•FUMES & GASES. Avoid using the inverter near
flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in
areas such as battery compartments. Where fumes or
gases may accumulate.
In Review.
•Never attempt to operate your WHISTLER inverter
from any power source other than a 12 volt battery or
group of batteries that total 12 volts.
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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
For You Technical Types.
1. Basic Operating Principles:
WHISTLER GO AC 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 conv e rted 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. The output waveform resulting fro m
these conversions is a "quasi-sine wave" or a "modified sine
wave" as shown on the following page.
This stepped waveform is similar to the power generated by
utilities and has a broad range of applications.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage
and assume that the measured waveform will be a pure sine
w a v e .
C o n s e q u e n t l y, 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 volt-
age of your invert e r, 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 FA Q
page at www. w h i s t l e rg ro u p . c o m / f a q - i n v e rt e r s . a s p
The modified sine wave produced by
your WHISTLER GO AC Inverter
The modified sine wave produced by your Whistler invert e r
has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 volts. The
16
A true sine wave typical of home AC outlet.
17
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 21
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 (400 watt only). 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.
•Always make certain that the power cable terminal connections run Negative (-) to Negative (-) and Positive (+)
to Positive (+). Check these connections frequently to
e n s u re that they are secure .
•Make certain the rated power consumption of the appliance or equipment you wish to operate is compatible with
the capacity of your invert e r.
•If the rated power consumption of the equipment is in the
range of the maximum specified wattage of your converte r, test the inverter to ensure that it will operate pro p e r l y.
•This Inverter is not designed to operate heat generating
appliances such as coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, toasters and heaters.
•B e f o re attempting to use a battery charger see page 11.
OPERATION SUMMARY
•B e f o re attempting to use medical equipment see page 4.
•Use only fuses which conform with the design specifications outlined in this manual.
•When operating the inverter with the engine off, start the
engine every hour and let it run for at least 10 minutes to
re c h a rge the battery.
•In the event of automatic shut down, turn the inverter OFF
(O) immediately. Do not re s t a rt the inverter until the
s o u rce of the problem has been identified and corre c t e d .
•To avoid battery drain always disconnect the inverter
when not in use.
•Do not expose the inverter to moisture.
•Avoid placing the inverter near sources of hear or in
direct sunlight.
•When in use, make certain that the inverter is properly
ventilated.
•Do not use the inverter near flammable materials,
fumes or gases.
•Always operate the inverter in accordance with the
instructions in this manual. Failure to do so may result
in property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 23
TROUBLESHOOTING
Please visit our Inverter FAQ page on our website
(www.whistlergroup.com), for more troubleshooting information and FYI topics.
PROBLEM: TV Interference
ProblemSolution
Electrical interference fromAdd a Ferrite data line filter
inverter.on to the TV power cord.
This filter is available at
RadioShack,
part number 273-105.
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage
ProblemSolution
Inverter fuse blown.Replace fuse according to
Guidelines in "Don’t Blow A Fuse" Section of this
manual.
Make sure that inverter is
connected to power source
with correct polarity.
Using incorrect type ofUse a true RMS reading
voltmeter to test outputmeter.
voltage.See "For You Technical
Types" Section of this
manual.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time
ProblemSolution
Input voltage below Keep input voltage above
10.5 volts.10.5 volts to maintain
regulation.
Poor or weak batteryReplace battery.
condition.
Inadequate power beingUse lower gauge wire.
delivered to the inverter(400 watt model)
or excessive voltage drop.
Yellow LED on
ProblemSolution
Equipment has a highTurn inverter power switch
start up surge.OFF (O) and then ON (l)
again until the inverter
powers your appliance.
Repeat as necessary
to get your appliance
"started".
Battery voltage below Recharge or replace
10 volts.battery.
Equipment being operatedUse a higher capacity
draws too much power.inverter or do not use this
equipment.
Inverter is too hot (thermalAllow inverter to cool.
shutdown mode).Check for adequate
ventilation. Reduce the
load on the inverter to
rated continuous power
output.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work
ProblemSolution
TV does not turn onTry 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
WHISTLER 200 WATT INVERTER SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Continuous Power .....................200 Watts
Maximum Surge Capability (Peak Power)..400 Watts
No Load Current Draw....................................<0.21 A
Waveform....................................Modified Sine Wave
Operating Input Voltage Range.....9.5 – 16 Volts DC
AC Receptacle ........................................ Two 3 Prong
This Whistler is warranteed to the original purchaser for a
period of two years, from the date of original purc h a s e ,
against all defects in materials and workmanship. This limit-
ed warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified,
installed impro p e r l y, had its housing removed, or has a
missing serial number. T h e re are no express warranties cov-
ering this product other than those set forth in this warr a n t y.
All express or implied warranties for this product are limited
to two years. Whistler is not liable for damages arising fro m
the use, misuse, or operation of this pro d u c t .
S e rvice Under Wa rr a n t y
During the warranty period, defective units will be re p a i re d
or replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at
W h i s t l e r’s option, without charge to the purchaser when
re t u rned with a dated store receipt to the address below.
Units re t u rned without a dated store receipt will be handled
as described in section “Service Out Of Wa rr a n t y.”
When re t u rning a unit for service under warr a n t y, please follow these instru c t i o n s :
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturd y
equivalent, fully insured, with re t u rn receipt requested, and
shipping charges prepaid to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Road
Rogers, AR. 72756
WARRANTY
I M P O RTA N T: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss
or damage incurred in shipping. There f o re, please ship your
unit insured with re t u rn receipt re q u e s t e d .
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS),
a daytime telephone number, (No P.O. Box please.) and email
a d d ress (if applicable).
• A detailed description of the problem, i.e. Unit powers up but
no AC output.
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is re t u rned with its serial number. For
re f e rence, please write your unit’s serial number in the following
space: s/n __________________.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warr a n t y.
I M P O RTA N T: To validate that your unit is within the warranty
period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated store re c e i p t . Yo u
may register your warranty online at www. w h i s t l e rg ro u p . c o m ,
h o w e v e r, for warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated
s t o re receipt must accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
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200/400 Watt Series 3/6/02 3:05 PM Page 29
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 $25.00 (U.S.) and the 400 watt inverter
is $45.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty service,
please return your unit as outlined in the section “Service
Under Warranty” along with a certified check or money
order for the correct amount. Payment may also be made
by MasterCard, VISA and American Express; personalchecks are not accepted. In the event repairs cannot be
covered by the minimum service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler technical service specialist who will outline options available to you. If you elect not to have your
unit repaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along
with your certified check or money order.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be certain to include a daytime telephone number.
Consumer Relations
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler invert e r, or re q u i re service during or after the
w a rranty period, please call Consumer Relations at
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer
your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
( C T ) .