DC to AC

POWER INVERTER

Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 2

2. How Your Portawattz 600 Works................................................................. 2

2.1 Principle of Operation............................................................................ 2

2.2 Portawattz 600 Output Waveform ......................................................... 3

3. Installation ...................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Where to Install...................................................................................... 4

3.2 Battery ................................................................................................... 5

Battery Type..................................................................................... 5

Battery Sizing................................................................................... 6

Using Multiple Batteries................................................................... 8

Battery Tips...................................................................................... 8

Alternators and Charging Systems.................................................... 9

3.3 Cables .................................................................................................. 10

Ground Wiring ............................................................................... 10

DC Wiring...................................................................................... 10

4. Operation ...................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Controls and Indicators........................................................................ 11

4.2 Operating Limits .................................................................................. 12

Power Output.................................................................................. 12

Input Voltage.................................................................................. 12

5. Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 13

5.1 Common Problems............................................................................... 13

Buzz in Audio Systems................................................................... 13

Television Interference................................................................... 13

5.2 Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................................ 14

6. Maintenance.................................................................................................. 15

7. Warranty....................................................................................................... 16

7.1 Warranty Terms ................................................................................... 16

7.2 To Obtain Warranty Service ................................................................ 16

8. Product Specifications.................................................................................. 18

8.1 Electrical Performance......................................................................... 18

8.2 Dimensions .......................................................................................... 18

9. Other Products From Statpower Technologies ......................................... 19

Portawattz is a trademark of Statpower Technologies Corporation. Copyright



1996,

1997, 1998 Statpower Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.

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1. Introduction

Your new Portawattz 600 inverter is a member of the most advanced line of DC to AC inverters available today. It will give you years of dependable service in your car, truck, boat, RV, service vehicle or remote home.

To get the most out of your Portawattz 600, it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions in this manual carefully before installing and using your

Portawattz 600. Pay special attention to the CAUTION and WARNING statements in this manual and on the Portawattz 600. CAUTION statements identify conditions or practices which could result in damage to your Portawattz 600 or to other equipment. WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

2.

How Your Portawattz 600 Works

An inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a battery or other power source to standard 115 volt AC (alternating current) household power. In designing the Portawattz 600, Statpower has used power conversion technology previously employed in computer power supplies to give you an inverter that is smaller, lighter, and easier to use than inverters based on older technology.

Figure 1. Principle of Operation

2.1 Principle of Operation

The Portawattz 600 converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC converter which raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to approximately 160 volts DC. The second stage is the actual inverter stage. It converts the high voltage DC into 115 volts, 60 Hz AC.

The DC-to-DC converter stage uses modern high frequency power conversion techniques that eliminate the bulky transformers found in inverters based on older technology. The inverter stage uses advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration. This gives you excellent overload capability and the ability to operate tough reactive loads like lamp ballasts and induction motors.

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2.2

Portawattz 600 Output Waveform

The AC output waveform of the Portawattz 600 is called a "quasi-sine wave" or a "modified sine wave". It is a stepped waveform that is designed to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. A waveform of this type is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and motors. This waveform is much superior to the square wave produced by many other DC to AC inverters.

CAUTION: RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES

Certain rechargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the

Portawattz. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

1) small battery operated appliances such as flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an ac receptacle to recharge.

2) certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers have a WARNING label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

Do NOT use the Portawattz with the above equipment.

Figure 2. Modified Sine Wave

This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery operated equipment. Most of this equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that the adapter or charger produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the Portawattz should have no trouble powering this charger or adapter safely.

The modified sine wave produced by the Portawattz 600 is designed to have an RMS (root mean square) voltage of 115 volts, the same as standard household power. Most AC voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS value.

They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave correctly.

They will read about 2 to 20 volts low when measuring the output of the Portawattz 600. For accurate measurement of the output voltage of the Portawattz 600, a true RMS reading voltmeter, such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Beckman 4410, or Triplett 4200, must be used.

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Figure 3. Connections to the Portawattz

3. Installation

3.1 Where to Install

The Portawattz 600 should be installed in a location that meets the following requirements: a) Dry - do not allow water to drip or splash on the Portawattz 600.

b) Cool - ambient air temperature should be between 0 o

C and 40 o

C (30 o

F and 105 o

F) the cooler the better.

c) Ventilated - allow at least 2 inches (5cm) of clearance around the Portawattz 600 for air flow. Ensure that ventilation openings on the rear and front of the unit are not obstructed.

d) Safe - do not install the Portawattz in the same compartment as batteries or in any compartment capable of storing flammable liquids such as gasoline.

e) Close to Battery - install as close to the battery as possible in order to minimize the length of cable required to connect the inverter to the battery. It is better and cheaper to run longer AC wires than longer DC cables.

CAUTION! TO PREVENT FIRE, DO NOT COVER OR OBSTRUCT VENTILATION

OPENINGS. DO NOT INSTALL THE PORTAWATTZ 600 IN A ZERO-CLEARANCE

COMPARTMENT. OVERHEATING MAY RESULT.

WARNING! THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS COMPONENTS WHICH TEND TO

PRODUCE ARCS OR SPARKS. TO PREVENT FIRE OR EXPLOSION DO NOT

INSTALL IN COMPARTMENTS CONTAINING BATTERIES OR FLAMMABLE

MATERIALS OR IN LOCATIONS WHICH REQUIRE IGNITION PROTECTED

EQUIPMENT.

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CAUTION! DO NOT CONNECT TO AC DISTRIBUTION WIRING.

The Portawattz is designed to be directly connected to standard electrical and electronic equipment.

Do not connect the unit to household or RV AC distribution wiring. Do not connect the unit to any

AC load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.

Mount the Portawattz on a flat surface using the mounting bracket on the front and rear panels.

Mounting hardware should be corrosion resistant and #10. The Portawattz may only be mounted horizontally.

NOTE: Chassis of the Portawattz 600 is connected to the battery negative and ground terminals of the AC outlets.

3.2 Battery

The battery you use strongly affects the performance you can expect from your Portawattz 600. It is important to connect the Portawattz 600 to the correct size and type of battery. The following information will help you select the appropriate batteries for your application.

Battery Type

The lead-acid battery which is probably most familiar is the starting battery in your automobile. An automotive starting battery is designed to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time

(so it can start your engine). Only a small portion of the battery's capacity is used when starting the engine and it is quickly recharged by the running engine. It is not designed for repeated chargedischarge cycles where the battery is almost completely discharged and then recharged. If it is used in this kind of deep discharge service, it will wear out very rapidly.

Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are designed for deep discharge service where they will be repeatedly discharged and recharged. They are marketed for use in recreational vehicles, boats, and electric golf carts so you may see them referred to as RV batteries, marine batteries, or golf cart batteries.

Figure 4. Connection for Light-Duty Applications

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Figure 5. Connection for Medium-Duty Application

For most applications of the Portawattz 600, Statpower recommends that you use one or more deepcycle batteries that are separated from the starting battery in your vehicle by a battery isolator (as shown in Figure 5). A battery isolator is a solid-state electronic circuit which allows equipment to be operated from an auxiliary battery without danger of discharging the vehicle's starting battery.

During vehicle operation, the battery isolator automatically directs the charge from the alternator to the battery requiring the charge. Battery isolators can be obtained at marine and RV dealers and most auto parts stores.

If your application involves relatively low power loads (i.e. power consumption of 300 watts or less) and relatively short operating times before recharging (one hour or less), you may connect the

Portawattz 600 directly to the vehicle starting battery.

CAUTION! THE PORTAWATTZ 600 MUST BE CONNECTED ONLY TO BATTERIES

WITH A NOMINAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF 12 VOLTS . THE PORTAWATTZ 600

WILL NOT OPERATE FROM A 6 VOLT BATTERY, AND WILL BE DAMAGED IF IT IS

CONNECTED TO A 24 VOLT BATTERY.

Battery Sizing

Unfortunately, there are a number of different standards for rating battery energy storage capacity.

12 volt Automotive starting batteries are normally rated by cranking amps. This is not a relevant rating for continuous use. Deep-cycle batteries are rated either by reserve capacity in minutes or by

ampere-hour capacity.

Battery reserve capacity is a measure of how long a battery can deliver a certain amount of current usually 25 amperes. For instance, a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 amperes for 180 minutes before it is completely discharged.

Ampere-hour capacity is a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time - usually 20 hours. For example, a typical marine or RV battery rated for 100 ampere-hours can deliver 5 amperes for 20 hours (5 amperes x 20 hours = 100 amp-hrs).

Actual battery capacity decreases as discharge current increases. A battery rated at 100 amperehours which can deliver 5 amperes for 20 hours, may deliver 20 amperes for only 4 hours, resulting in an actual capacity of 80 ampere-hours. For this reason, it is difficult to compare rated ampere-

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hour capacity with battery reserve capacity. For example a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes has the following calculated ampere-hour capacity:

180 min. ÷ 60 = 3 hr., 3 hr. x 25 amps = 75 amp-hrs

However its actual ampere-hour rating will be closer to 100 ampere-hours because it is rated at the discharge current required to get 20 hours of operation (about 5 amperes).

To determine the battery capacity you require, follow these steps:

STEP 1

For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the Portawattz 600, determine how many watts it consumes. This can normally be found on a label on the product. If only the current draw is given, multiply the current draw by 115 to get the power consumption in watts.

STEP 2

For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the Portawattz 600, estimate how many hours it will operate between battery charging cycles.

STEP 3

Calculate total watt-hours of energy consumption, total hours running time, and average power consumption as in the following example:

Equipment

TV & VCR

Sewing Machine

Waterpik

Blender

Totals

Power

Consumption

115 watts

150 watts

90 watts

300 watts

Operating

Time

3 hours

1 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

4.5 hours

Watt-Hours (Power x

Operating Time)

345

150

22.5

75

592.5 watt-hours

Average Power Consumption = 592.5 watt-hours ÷ 4.5 hours = 131 watts

12 volt Ampere-Hours Consumed = Watt-hours ÷ 10 = 592 ÷ 10 = 59.2 ampere-hours

STEP 4 Using the chart below (figure 6), find the battery size that will give you the required operating time at the calculated average power consumption. For instance, from the example above, the required operating time is 4.5 hours and the average power consumption is 131 watts. From the chart, the smallest battery size which will give more than 4.5 hours of operation at a power level between 130 - 150 watts is the 100 amp-hr.

battery.

When sizing your battery, be conservative. More capacity is better since you will have more reserve capacity, and your battery won't be discharged as deeply. Battery life is directly dependent on how deeply the battery is discharged. The deeper the discharge, the shorter the battery life. Ideally, the number of ampere-hours consumed by your loads before recharging the battery should be no more than 50% of the battery's rated capacity.

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INVERTER

12V AMP

OUTPUT

POWER

(WATTS)

TYPICAL LOAD

DRAW

FROM

BATTERY

100 19" Color TV

200 Computer System

300 Blender

400 Power Drill

600 Bread Maker

10

20

25

35

50

N.R. = NOT RECOMMENDED

BATTERY SIZE

BCI GROUP SIZE

22NF 24 27 8D DUAL 8D's

RESERVE CAPACITY

90 MIN.

140 MIN.

180 MIN.

400 MIN.

900 MIN.

AMP HOURS

50 75 100 200 400

OPERATING TIME

OPERATING TIME

OPERATING TIME

OPERATING TIME

OPERATING TIME

4 Hrs.

2 Hrs.

6 Hrs.

3 Hrs.

10 Hrs.

4.5 Hrs.

1.3 Hrs. 2.2 Hrs.

3 Hrs.

20 Hrs.

10 Hrs.

6 Hrs.

40 Hrs.

20 Hrs.

12 Hrs.

1 Hr.

1.5 Hrs.

2 Hrs.

4.5 Hrs.

10 Hrs.

N.R.

N.R.

1 Hr.

2.5 Hrs.

6 Hrs.

Figure 6. 12 Volt Battery Sizing Chart

Using Multiple Batteries

To obtain sufficient battery capacity you may need to use more than one battery. Two identical batteries can be connected + to + and - to - in a parallel system (see below) that doubles capacity and maintains the voltage of a single battery. Do not connect batteries from different manufacturers, or with different amp-hr ratings, in parallel . Decreased battery life may result.

Figure 7. Parallel Connection of Two Batteries

Battery Tips

1. With the exception of sealed, gel cell batteries, lead-acid batteries emit hydrogen and oxygen gases, and sulfuric acid fumes when recharging. Vent the battery compartment to prevent accumulation of these gases, and do not install electronic or electrical equipment in the battery compartment. Do not smoke or carry an open flame when working around batteries.

2. The capacity of lead-acid batteries is temperature sensitive. Battery capacity is rated at 25 o

C

(77

o

F). At -20

o

C (0

o

F) the ampere-hour capacity will be about half the rated capacity.

3. Do not leave batteries in a discharged state for more than a day or two. They will undergo a chemical process called sulfation which can permanently damage the battery. Also, batteries will self-discharge over a period of 3 to 6 months, so they should be periodically recharged even if they are not being used.

4. If your batteries are not the "maintenance-free" type, check the electrolyte fluid level at least once a month. Use only distilled water to replenish the electrolyte fluid. Excessive fluid loss is a sign of overcharging.

5. Connections to battery posts must be made with permanent connectors that provide a reliable, low-resistance connection. Do not use "alligator" clips. Clean the connections regularly and prevent corrosion by using an insulating spray coating or Vaseline.

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6. Battery state of charge can be measured with a hydrometer or, more easily, with a voltmeter.

Use a digital voltmeter that can display tenths or hundredths of a volt when measuring 10 to

30 volts. Make your measurements after the (12 volt) battery has not been charged or discharged for several hours. For a deep-cycle battery at 25

o

C (77

o

F), the following table may be used:

Battery Voltage

12.7 - 12.9

12.5 - 12.6

12.3 - 12.4

12.1 - 12.2

11.9 - 12.0

Alternators and Charging Systems

State-of-Charge

100%

80%

60%

40 %

20%

A good charging system is important for the health of your batteries. Poor recharging methods can quickly damage your batteries. When possible, recharge your batteries when they are about 50% discharged. This will give you much longer battery cycle life than recharging when the batteries are almost completely discharged. The Statpower TRUECHARGE family of battery chargers are designed to maximize your batteries performance and useful life (see your Statpower dealer for more details).

The charging system should be capable of delivering a charging current equal to 25% of the amperehour capacity of your battery. For instance, if you have a 200 ampere-hour battery, the charging system should be able to deliver 50 amperes. The charging system must also be able to charge each

12 volt battery up to approximately 14.4 volts and then drop back to a "float" voltage of 13.5 to 14 volts (or shut off).

A typical engine alternator (12 Volt) may not be able to meet these requirements if large capacity batteries are used. Alternators are typically rated for the current they can deliver when they are cold.

In actual use, alternators heat up and their output current capability drops by as much as 25%. Thus standard alternators with ratings of 40 amperes to 105 amperes will only deliver a maximum of 30 to 80 amperes in actual use and will deliver even less as battery voltage rises. Many alternators cannot produce more than 13.6 volts when they are hot. As a result, a standard alternator may not be able to charge a large battery quickly and completely.

One solution is to install an alternator controller that will bypass the voltage regulator and boost the alternator’s output voltage during charging. This will increase the alternator's charging rate at higher battery voltages and ensure more rapid and complete charging. Alternator controllers are available from marine product dealers.

Another solution is to install a high-output alternator. Heavy-duty alternators rated from 100 amperes to 140 amperes are available from RV and marine dealers, and auto parts suppliers. These alternators are designed to directly replace standard alternators but produce the higher current and higher voltage required to charge multiple battery systems.

When recharging from AC power, use a good quality marine battery charger or RV converter that meets the requirements specified above. Do not use chargers intended for occasional recharging of automotive starting batteries; these chargers are not intended for continuous use.

Your batteries may also be recharged from alternative energy sources such as solar panels, wind, or hydro systems. Make sure that you use the appropriate battery charge controller for your energy source.

Do not operate the Portawattz 600 directly from a charging source such as an alternator or solar panel. The Portawattz must be connected to a battery or a well-regulated, high-current DC power supply to work properly.

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3.3 Cables

Proper wire and wiring is very important to the proper operation of the Portawattz 600. Because the

Portawattz 600 has a low voltage, high current input, low resistance wiring between the battery and the Portawattz 600 is essential to deliver the maximum amount of usable energy to your load. Don't waste the investment you have made in batteries and a highly efficient inverter by using undersized wires.

Use only copper wire. Aluminum wire has about 1/3 more resistance than copper wire of the same size and it is more difficult to make good, low-resistance connections to aluminum wire.

We recommend #6 AWG copper cable (90 degrees C. insulation rating) as the minimum size for connections between the battery and the Portawattz 600. Keep the cable length as short as possible, ideally no longer than 4 Ft (1.5 meters). This will keep the voltage drop between the battery and the

Portawattz to a minimum. If the cables introduce an excessive voltage drop, the inverter may shut down when drawing higher currents because the voltage at the inverter drops below 10 volts. If you must use longer cables, then choose a larger cable, such as #4 AWG.

The end of the cable to be connected to the inverter must have its insulation stripped for about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) back from the end, exposing the bare copper conductor. The other end of the cable, which is connected to the battery, must be terminated with a battery terminal that clamps to the post on the battery. A SOLID, LOW RESISTANCE CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY IS

ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE PORTAWATTZ 600.

Ground Wiring

The Portawattz 600 has a screw on the rear panel labeled Chassis Ground. This is to connect the chassis of the Portawattz 600 to ground. The ground terminals in the AC outlets on the front panel of the Portawattz 600 are connected to the chassis which is connected to the battery negative.

The chassis ground screw must be connected to a grounding point, which will vary depending on where the Portawattz 600 is installed. In a vehicle, connect the chassis ground to the chassis of the vehicle if the battery negative is not already connected to the chassis. In a boat, connect to the boat's grounding system. In a fixed location, connect the chassis ground screw to earth ground by connecting to a ground rod (a metal rod driven into the earth) or other proper service entrance ground. Use a #8 AWG copper wire (preferably with green/yellow insulation) to connect the chassis ground screw to the grounding point.

WARNING! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. IF THE DC NEGATIVE IS NOT

CONNECTED TO GROUND, DO NOT OPERATE THE PORTAWATTZ 600 WITHOUT

CONNECTING THE CHASSIS TO GROUND.

DC Wiring

NOTE: You must connect to a 12 Volt battery or other 12 Volt DC power source able to deliver up to 70 Amps

STEP 1 Ensure that the ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 600 is in the OFF position. If you are using a battery selector switch, switch it off as well.

STEP 2 Connect the cables to the power input terminals on the rear panel of the Portawattz 600.

The red terminal is positive (+) and the black terminal is negative (-). Insert the bare ends of the cables into the terminals and tighten the screws to clamp the wires securely.

STEP 3 Connect the cable from the negative (black) terminal of the Portawattz 600 to the negative terminal of the battery. Make a secure connection.

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CAUTION! LOOSELY TIGHTENED CONNECTORS RESULT IN EXCESSIVE

VOLTAGE DROP AND MAY CAUSE OVERHEATED WIRES AND MELTED

INSULATION

STEP 4 Before proceeding further, carefully check that the cable you have just connected connects the negative terminal of the Portawattz 600 to the negative terminal of the battery. Power connections to the Portawattz 600 must be positive to positive and negative to negative.

CAUTION! REVERSE POLARITY CONNECTION (POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE) WILL

BLOW INTERNAL FUSES IN THE PORTAWATTZ 600 AND MAY PERMANENTLY

DAMAGE THE PORTAWATTZ 600. DAMAGE CAUSED BY REVERSE POLARITY

CONNECTION IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR WARRANTY.

WARNING! WE RECOMMEND THE PORTAWATTZ 600 BE INSTALLED WITH A

DEDICATED CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE INVERTER. A

FUSE SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN THE BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE TO PROTECT

AGAINST DC WIRING SHORT CIRCUITS (EXTERNAL TO THE INVERTER). THE

FUSE SHOULD BE AS CLOSE TO THE BATTERY AS POSSIBLE. WE RECOMMEND A

BUSS FUSE ANL-80 OR EQUIVALENT.

WARNING! DO NOT MAKE THIS CONNECTION IN THE PRESENCE OF

FLAMMABLE FUMES. EXPLOSION OR FIRE MAY RESULT. THOROUGHLY

VENTILATE THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT BEFORE MAKING THIS

CONNECTION.

STEP 5 Connect the cable from the positive (red) terminal of the Portawattz 600 to the load side of the ANL-80 fuse, or to the battery selector switch, if you are using one. Make a secure connection.

You may observe a spark when you make this connection since current may flow to charge capacitors in the Portawattz 600.

STEP 6 If you are using a battery selector switch, switch it to select one of the batteries. Set the

ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 600 to the ON position. Check the indicators on the front panel of the Portawattz 600. The green power LED indicator should turn on. If it does not, check your battery and the connections to the Portawattz 600. The other indicators should be off.

4. Operation

To operate the Portawattz 600, turn it on using the ON/OFF switch on the front panel. The

Portawattz 600 is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads. If you are operating several loads from the Portawattz 600, turn them on separately after the Portawattz has been turned on. This will ensure that the Portawattz does not have to deliver the starting currents for all the loads at once.

NOTE: The Portawattz 600 may beep when turned on. This is normal.

4.1 Controls and Indicators

ON/OFF Switch The ON/OFF switch turns the control circuit in the Portawattz 600 on and off. It does not disconnect power from the Portawattz.

When the switch is in the OFF position, the Portawattz 600 draws no current from the battery.

When the switch is in the ON position but no power is being supplied to the load, the Portawattz

600 draws less than 300 milliamperes from the battery. This is a low current draw. It would take

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more than a week to discharge a 100 ampere-hour battery at this current, so you don't have to worry about excessive drain on your battery if you leave the Portawattz 600 switched on for a few days.

Do switch the Portawattz off if you are not planning to recharge your battery within a week or so.

Green Power LED Indicator

This LED is ON when the inverter is connected to DC power and the inverter is switched ON.

Red Fault LED Indicator

The red fault LED indicator will turn on for one of the following reasons:

•

OVER TEMPERATURE Shutdown - indicates that the Portawattz 600 has shut itself down because it has become overheated. The Portawattz may overheat because it has been operated at power levels above its 600 watt continuous output rating, or because it has been installed in a location which does not allow it to dissipate heat properly. The Portawattz 600 needs to be turned off and then back on once it has cooled off.

NOTE: In order to cool the unit quickly, leave the switch on to operate the fan.

•

OVERLOAD Shutdown - The Portawattz 600 has shut itself down because of severe overload. Switch the ON/OFF switch to OFF for 4 – 5 seconds, correct the fault condition, and then back ON. Do not turn the Portawattz 600 ON again unless the fault condition is corrected (load removed/unplugged).

•

Low Voltage Shutdown – The supply voltage (battery) has dropped below 10.0 volts.

•

High Voltage Shutdown – The supply voltage (battery) exceeds 15.0 volts.

4.2 Operating Limits

Power Output

The Portawattz 600 will deliver 600 watts or 5.0 amperes continuously. The wattage rating applies to resistive loads while the current rating applies to reactive loads such as motors.

Input Voltage

The Portawattz 600 will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 volts to 15 volts. It operates best when the voltage is in the range from 12 volts to 14.0 volts. If the voltage drops below 10.7

volts, an audible low battery warning will sound. The Portawattz 600 will shut down if the input voltage drops below 10 volts. This protects your battery from being over-discharged. The

Portawattz will not restart unless the input voltage exceeds 10 volts and unit is manually reset.

Manual reset is achieved by turning the unit off for 4 – 5 seconds and then back on.

The Portawattz 600 will shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15 volts. This protects the inverter against excessive input voltage. Although the Portawattz 600 incorporates protection against overvoltage, it will be damaged if the input voltage exceeds 16 volts.

The Portawattz 600 will not restart unless the input voltage is less than 15 volts and the unit is manually reset. Manual reset is achieved by turning the unit off for 4 – 5 seconds and then back on.

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5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Common Problems

Buzz in Audio Systems

Some inexpensive stereo systems and "boom boxes" will emit a buzzing noise from their loudspeakers when operated from the Portawattz 600. This is because the power supply in the device does not adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the Portawattz 600. The best solution is to use a sound system that incorporates a higher quality power supply.

Television Interference

Operation of the Portawattz 600 can interfere with television reception on some channels. If this situation occurs, the following steps may help to alleviate the problem:

1. Make sure that the chassis ground screw on the back of the Portawattz 600 is solidly connected to the ground system of your vehicle, boat, or home.

2. Do not operate high power loads with the Portawattz 600 while watching television.

3. Make sure that the antenna feeding your television provides an adequate ("snow free") signal and that you are using good quality cable between the antenna and the television.

4. Move the television as far away from the Portawattz 600 as possible.

5. Keep the cables between the battery and the Portawattz 600 as short as possible and twist them together with about 2 or 3 twists per foot. This minimizes radiated interference from the cables.

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5.2 Troubleshooting Guide

Problem and Symptoms Possible Cause

Low output voltage (96 VAC to 104 VAC)

Load runs for a few seconds then the red fault indicator comes on.

No output voltage, buzzer sounding, red fault indicator on.

No output voltage, no LED indicators on.

Using average reading voltmeter

Overload

Low input voltage

Inverter switched off

No power to inverter

Internal fuse open

Solution

Use true RMS reading meter.

See section 2.2 of manual

Reduce load.

Recharge battery, check connections and cable.

No output voltage, red fault indicator on.

Reverse DC polarity

High input voltage.

Low battery alarm on all the time, load ran for short period.

No output voltage, Red fault indicator on, load in excess of

600watts/65 ampere input current. Unit hot to touch.

Poor DC wiring, poor battery condition

Thermal shutdown

Turn inverter on. Check wiring to inverter. Have qualified service technician check and replace.

Have qualified service technician check and replace fuse, OBSERVE CORRECT

POLARITY.

Make sure that Portawattz is connected to 12V battery, check regulation of charging system.

Use proper cable and make solid connections, Use new battery.

Allow Portawattz to cool off.

Reduce load if continuous operation required.

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Problem and Symptoms

No output voltage, red fault indicator on.

Possible Cause

Short circuit or wiring error.

Very high power load

Solution

Improve ventilation, make sure ventilation openings in

Portawattz aren't obstructed, reduce ambient temperature.

Check AC wiring for short circuit or improper polarity

(hot and neutral reversed)

Remove load.

6. Maintenance

Very little maintenance is required to keep your Portawattz 600 operating properly. You should clean the exterior of the unit periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals.

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7. Warranty

7.1 Warranty Terms

Statpower manufacturers its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard practices. Statpower warrants the

Portawattz 600 to be free from defects in workmanship or materials for 6 months from the date of purchase. During this period, Statpower will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge. This warranty will be considered void if the unit has suffered any physical damage or alteration, either internally or externally, and does not cover damage arising from improper use, attempting to operate products with excessive power consumption requirements, or from use in an unsuitable environment. This warranty will not apply where the product has been misused, neglected, improperly installed, or repaired by anyone other than Statpower. In order to qualify for the warranty, the product must not be disassembled or modified without prior authorization by

Statpower.

Repair or replacement are your sole remedies and Statpower shall not be liable for damages, whether direct, incidental, special, or consequential, even though caused by negligence or fault.

Statpower owns all parts removed from repaired products. Statpower uses new and reconditioned parts made by various manufacturers in performing warranty repairs and building replacement products. If Statpower repairs or replaces a product, its warranty term is not extended.

THIS IS STATPOWER'S ONLY WARRANTY, AND THE COMPANY MAKES NO

WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

7.2 To Obtain Warranty Service

If your Portawattz 600 requires service, please return it to the place of purchase. If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to provide service, contact Statpower directly.

BY PHONE:

BY FAX:

BY MAIL:

BY EMAIL:

WEBSITE:

(604) 420 1585

(604) 420 1591

Statpower Technologies Corp.

7725 Lougheed Hwy.

Burnaby, BC V5A 4V8

CANADA [email protected]

www.statpower.com

You must obtain a Return Authorization Number from Statpower before returning a Portawattz 600 directly to Statpower. Do not return a Portawattz 600 to Statpower without first obtaining a

Return Authorization Number. When you contact Statpower to obtain service, be prepared to supply the serial number of your Portawattz 600. The serial number is located on the back panel or on the bottom of the unit.

− a description of the problem,

− serial number of the unit (the serial number is located on the back panel or on the bottom of the unit),

− name and address of the dealer, where you purchased the unit, and date of purchase.

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If you are returning a Portawattz 600 to Statpower from the USA, follow this procedure:

1. Obtain a Return Authorization Number from Statpower.

2. Package the unit safely, preferably using the original box and packing materials. Include the

Return Authorization Number, a return address where the repaired unit can be shipped, a contact telephone number, and a brief description of the problem.

3. Ship the unit to the following address, freight prepaid.

Statpower Technologies Corporation

C/O International Parcel Service Warehouse

Unit # 8 - 14th Street

Blaine, WA 98230

If you are returning a Portawattz 600 from Canada, follow the procedure above but ship the unit, freight prepaid, to the following address:

Statpower Technologies Corporation

7725 Lougheed Highway

Burnaby, B.C. V5A 4V8

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8. Product Specifications

8.1 Electrical Performance

Output Power

Max. Continuous:

Surge

Output voltage:

Output waveform:

Output frequency:

Input voltage:

Low battery alarm:

Low battery cutout:

High battery cutout:

Optimum Efficiency:

No-load current draw:

8.2 Dimensions

Height:

Width:

Length:

Weight:

*

Specifications subject to change without notification.

600 watts

1200 watts

115 VAC RMS ± 10%

Modified sine wave, phase corrected

60 Hz ± 4 Hz

10 to 15 VDC audible, 10.7 volts

10 volts

15 volts

90%

< 0.3 A

2.5 ” (6.5 cm)

6.25 “ (16 cm)

11 “ (28 cm)

4.51 lb (2 kg)

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9. Other Products From Statpower Technologies

Statpower Technologies develops, manufactures and markets power electronic products. Our goal is to offer you top quality products that convert and control electric power. We specialize in DC to AC inverters, battery chargers, backup power supplies and other products associated with mobile or power backup applications.

Portawattz 140 Inverter An extremely compact and versatile inverter, the Portawattz 140 provides

140 watts of AC power for running everything from compact TV's and VCR's to laptop computers.

It is also ideal for recharging many of the battery-operated devices found on the market today

(camcorders, cellular telephones, etc.)

Portawattz 300 Inverter A higher power product than Portawattz 140, the Portawattz 300 delivers

300 watts of AC power yet is still small enough to hold in the palm of a hand. Ideal for small power tools, full size TV sets, desktop computers and other applications that are beyond the power capacity of the Portawattz 140.

Portawattz 1000 Inverter Compact 1000 watt DC to AC inverter designed for installation in trucks, vans, boats and RV’s. This inverter can operate tools and equipment that require less than

800 watts of continuous output power.

Portawattz 1750 Inverter Compact 1750 watt DC to AC inverters designed for permanent installation in a boat, vehicle, or remote home. This inverter can operate power tools, kitchen appliances, and a wide range of other electrical and electronic equipment.

Portawattz 3000 Inverter The perfect inverter for running multiple loads simultaneously, or for starting tough motor-driven loads.

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7725 Lougheed Highway

Burnaby, BC

CANADA V5A 4V8

Tel: (604) 420-1585

Fax: (604) 420-1591

Website: www.statpower.com

Part No.: 445-0062-01 Rev. 3