Whistler PRO-1200W User Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL

Pro-1200W, Pro-1600W Pro-2000W, Pro-2500W

Pro-3000W

POWER INVERTERS

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

3604 N.W. Frontage Rd. Bentonville, AR 72712 TEL (479) 273-6012 FX (479) 273-2927 www.whistlergroup.com

CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER

551 N. 13th St. Rogers, AR 72756 Customer Service Tel (800) 531-0004 Email: info@whistlergroup.com

P/N 401516

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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. 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 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 from 100 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. To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of this power inverter, we recommend reading this entire manual.

Sincerely,

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.

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WHISTLER FEATURES

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

Topic Page

Features Summary ..................................................................3-5

Important Information................................................................6

Inverter Information ..............................................................7 - 9

• Getting Started

• Don’t Push It

Battery Information...........................................................10 - 11

• Selecting the Optimum Power Source

Cable Information.............................................................11 - 12

• Wire Cable Gauges

Operation ..........................................................................13 - 20

• Making the Connection

• The Power Source

• TV Fans and Audiophiles

• Microwaves

• Powerful Advice

• Technical Types

Technical Operating Principles........................................21 - 22

Operation Summary .........................................................22 - 23

Troubleshooting ................................................................24 - 25

Specifications ....................................................................26 - 27

Warranty Information........................................................28 - 30

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note: Front panel layout and controls are similar for models 1200 watt and up.

“A” = Pro-2000w & up models “B” = Pro-1200W & Pro-1600W

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FEATURES

1. Three 110 AC Outlets

2. Remote Operation Jack

The inverter is designed to be operated from a remote location via a WHISTLER Remote Control Switch (P/N Pro-RS01) which plugs into this socket. This optional accessory is available through WHISTLER or your WHISTLER dealer.

3. USB Power Port

This port is always on and independent of the inverter’s on/off switch.

4. On/Off Switch

Turns the unit On/Off.

5. Digital Power Meter

6. On/Shutdown Indicator Light

The LED will illuminate GREEN when the inverter is powered in normal conditions. This light will turn RED and the inverter will automatically shut down (except low voltage alarm) when any of the following problems occur:

• Short Circuit Protection.

The inverter will shut

down until the short is removed.

• Low Voltage Alarm. An alarm will sound when the voltage from the battery discharges to 10.5+/-0.5

volts DC. This is an indication that the battery needs

to be recharged.

• Over Voltage Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the input exceeds 15.5+/-0.5 volts DC.

• Under Voltage Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the input is less than 10.0+/-0.5 volts DC.

FEATURES

• Overload Protection. The inverter will turn itself off

when the continuous draw or the surge draw of the equipment being operated exceeds the maximum power rating for the inverter.

• Thermal Protection. The inverter will turn itself off when the internal temperature exceeds safe design parameters.

7. Cooling Fans

8. Power Input Terminals

(Observe proper polarity)

Note:

In the event of an automatic shut down or continuous audible alarm, turn the inverter OFF (O) until the source of the related problem has been determined and resolved.

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INVERTER 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. Read the manual carefully before using your new Whistler inverter and keep the manual on file for future reference.

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, 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.

• Do not connect the inverter’s output to any other

power source.

• Not recommended for use with medical equipment.

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

Some appliances may not work well, not at all or be damaged.

This is especially true for medical equipment.

For more information on compatibility issues, please visit our inverter FAQ page at:

www.whistlergroup.com

IMPORTANT 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 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. Contact the

appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if the device you are using (TV’s, battery 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."

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power overload. Testing appliances and equipment with start up load ratings comparable to your inverter wattage rating will not damage it.

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 or your battery supply isn’t large enough to operate the equipment or appliance in question.

Selecting the Optimum Power Source.

Operating the inverter for extended periods combined with a high continuous load demand may result in excessive power drain from the battery. Therefore, the reserve capacity of the battery you select to power the inverter is an important consideration.

The potential power drain can be estimated by calculating the reserve power ("amp-hour"or Ah) of the battery and the amps required by the inverter to meet the continuous load demand of the equipment or appliance being operated.

INVERTER INFORMATION

Don’t Push It.

Although your Whistler power 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 Pro-1200W model has a maximum continuous rating of 1200 watts. Although this model has the capacity to briefly provide more than its continuous power (that is, excess current), it is designed to operate equipment and appliances with start up load requirements of 1200 watts or less.

Consequently, if the start up load rating of your equipment or appliance is slightly higher than the maximum continuous rating of the inverter, the inverter will attempt to start loads above the continuous rating.

Some refrigerators, freezers, pumps and other similar equipment and appliances require very high start up loads to operate. Before attempting to power up this type of equipment or appliance, make certain that all connections have been properly made and that the power source is fully charged.

To determine whether your inverter will operate a particular piece of equipment or appliance, run a test. The inverter is designed to shut down automatically in the event of a

INVERTER INFORMATION

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