[C320-list] Installing an inverter

[Bill Culbertson]

Ok I'll be the one to say it.  And I mean this as a gentle ribbing only

We use the microwave when we're at dock on shore power but we use the propane stove when AC power isn't available.  I can't think of much that the microwave can do that can't be done using the stove or oven.  

A friend of mine was taking some middle-school boys camping and they were planning to pop popcorn.  One of the boys wondered where they'd plug in the microwave.

 -bill
 Harmony #859




________________________________
From: Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 12:12:48 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing an inverter

Hi Jeff,

Definitely food for thought.  We sail on a lake in Kansas, where we are 
really never very far from the Marina.  We like to anchor out, but we 
lose the electricity.  I'm not sure what that is worth to me.  Cheaper 
is better, in many respects.  Perhaps I'll just trail a big ol' 
extension cord behind me.  :-)

I'll have to check out the better inverters and the generator.  I could 
use that other places, as well.

Thanks,
Dean

catalina at thehares.com wrote:
> Hi Dean,
>
> 1) I'm not sure about the startup load on the microwave, but it might need
> to be over 2kw peak.
>
> 2) The modified sine wave can be done but is not a great idea for the
> Microwave, especially if you're only running from batteries. Here's why:
> While a microwave will function from a modified sinewave inverter, the
> performance of the microwave will be very slow and gets even worse as the
> battery supply voltage drops. (e.g. to boil one cup of water on a modified
> sinewave inverter might take around 2.5 minutes while drawing around
> 100+amps DC, compared to around 30 seconds with a pure sine wave inverter
> also consuming 100+amps DC).  As your batteries voltage drops, the inverter
> will attempt to take more and more current to keep the output RMS voltage
> around 110+ AC.
>
> You might be better off getting one of those tiny nearly silent Honda
> portable generators like the EU2000i, putting it on the swim platform when
> you need AC.  It's less expensive than a sine wave inverter and will solve
> virtually all your AC needs under way.  You'll save money as well, but at
> the cost of a slight bit of inconvenience to plug in and start the
> generator.  Before ruling that option out, you might want to visit a dealer
> and hear just how quiet they are.
>
> 3) Yes. The closer to the batteries the better, however, you can run heavy
> expensive cables (like what feeds the starter) and mount the inverter
> elsewhere.  The voltage drop at 100+ amps is significant.
>
> -Jeff
> #809 
>
>
> On Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:03:30 -0600, Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us> wrote:
>  
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I'm thinking about installing an AC inverter to be able to run the
>> microwave, etc. when not in the marina.  I know a number of you have
>> done this.  I've done a little homework, but there is a reason I did not
>> major in electrical engineering.  So, I have a few questions:
>>
>> 1.  How many watts?  I figure I should have at least 1200 continuous.
>> 2.  Are the ones with a modified sine wave good enough?  I wouldn't
>> think the microwave would care too much.
>> 3.  Where should it be installed?  I've read that you should install it
>> close to the batteries, but those are on the starboard side and the
>> microwave is on the port side.
>> 4.  Any particular brands to avoid?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Dean Vermeire
>> Moonstruck II (#847)
>>    
>
>
>
>
>