Vector 400 W RMS DC to AC Power Inverter

[Titan4x4Aggie]

I was at EPO Electronics (The mecca of electronics stores - 10 X better than RadioShack - http://www.epo-ecp.com ) here in Clear Lake looking for car audio stuff, and found a power inverter for an awesome deal. 400 W (RMS) inverter for only $35. This site sells the same inverter for $48 (listed at $60), and charges $6 for shipping.

Best Buy has similar inverters for $60-80. This store has a great selection of lelectronics and amazing prices. Worth the drive from Houston.

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The Vector Maxx SST Series Inverters are the most advanced DC to AC inverters available. They are configured with the latest Soft Start Technology (SST). Before the introduction of Soft Start, high startup currents from large inductive loads could shut down the inverter. Soft Start improves inverter operation. Three major features incorporated in SST include:

1. Gradual voltage ramp-up during inverter startup. This eliminates failed cold starts under load.

2. Output that momentarily dips in voltage and quickly recovers to allow large motorized loads to start. This eliminates almost all shutdowns from momentary overloads.

3. Automatic re-starts. The inverter automatically re-starts when an overload that causes inverter shutdown is removed. Previously, manual reset was required.

This power inverter also incorporates a new cooling technology that more efficiently cools the power transistors, and combined with Soft Start, dramatically increases reliability and the life of the product.

Features:
# Vector Maxx SST
# 12 Volts DC to 110 Volts AC
# 400 Watt (3.6 Amps)
# Heavy Duty Cable Clamps For High Output Battery Connections
# 12 Volt DC Cigarette Lighter Accessory Plug
# Filtered Modified Sine Wave
# Outboard-Mounted User Replaceable Dual 25 AMP Spade-Type Fuses
# High Load Electronic Capacitors
# Single High Speed Fan with a Turbo Cooled Heat Sink Design
# Dual High Output 30% More Powerful Transformers- Exclusive Twin Circuit Design
# Mosfet Technology Transistors With Split Design for Cooler Internal Operating Temperature
# Low/Overload Battery LED
# LED Power Indicator
# Dual Grounded Standard 110 Volt AC Receptacles
# Product #VEC024
# 2 Year Warranty through Vector

Specifications:
# Maximum Continuous Power - 400 Watts
# Surge Capacity (Peak Power) - 800 Watts
# Maximum Efficiency - Approximately 90%
# No Load Draw - 0.4 Amperes
# Input Voltage Range - 10-14.7 VDC
# Under Voltage Shutdown Activation - 10.0 Volts
# Low Voltage Alarm Activation - 10.6 Volts
# Wave Form - Filtered Modified Sine Wave
# Fuses -25 Amp (Spade Type)
# Weight - 2.25 Pounds
# Length - 4.75 Inches
# Width - 1.75 Inches
# Height - 6 Inches
# Receptacles - 2 U-Ground, North American Standard

[Titan4x4Aggie]

best buy has the exact inverter, and they charge $70. best buy? more like worst buy...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&ref=03&loc=01

[CyBwRBill]

check out www.bestbuysux.org

[pciley]

haha.. I have that EXACT inverter in my company vehicle. It can run my Makita battery charger for the 14V cordless drill, while heating up a hot glue gun. Pretty good piece of equipment for the price. I have a LARGER one I found at Costco/PriceClub for around $70 in the Titan for the portable ice chest when we go to the desert. That one says 1000 watts, but I'm not sure how accurate that is... might not be RMS..

Anyways, have had the inverter pictured above for almost 3 years now without even a blown fuse.

PS. I didn't ever use the alligator clips, threw them away.

[bestatchess]

I think that the lighter sockets in the Titan are fused at 15 amps, right?. So won't a 400 Watt load blow the fuse? 400 watts / 12 V = 33.33 amps

Also, you need to make sure that what you are going to power doesn't require true sine wave A/C (and many things run fine w/o true sine wave, but some things don't)

[Titan4x4Aggie]

Originally Posted by pciley

haha.. I have that EXACT inverter in my company vehicle. It can run my Makita battery charger for the 14V cordless drill, while heating up a hot glue gun. Pretty good piece of equipment for the price. I have a LARGER one I found at Costco/PriceClub for around $70 in the Titan for the portable ice chest when we go to the desert. That one says 1000 watts, but I'm not sure how accurate that is... might not be RMS..

Anyways, have had the inverter pictured above for almost 3 years now without even a blown fuse.

PS. I didn't ever use the alligator clips, threw them away.

yeah, i would rather have purchased a 750 W RMS inverter, but they didn't have any at EPO Electronics. I'm guessing it would have been $60-70, which I dont know if i could have justified buying. i will probably only use it to power some basic power tools (drill), mini-fridge / electric ice chest, or a TV for tailgating. i doubt i will use it all that much, so i dont know if a $70 is worth it for occasional use. $35 is though, and it might come in handy in an emergency.