What is the most effective and innovative way to use a 300 watt inverter
Submitted: Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 08:57
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jokirt
I am looking for innovative and effective ways to use my 300 watt inverter. My needs are simple and I drive a 4 cylinder Manga with a box trailer in tow. I usually
camp for 3 days at a time primitive style without any problems. I don't have any extras yet like deep cycle batteries or appliances. So I'm interested in how others have used 300w
inverters. Sorry not interested in buying another size inverter. Just want to play with this one.....
Cheers Jo
Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 09:48
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 09:48
Hi, Jo. I have a small inverter that I use for recharging phones, cameras and things. Lights also are in your range of tasks. Obviously, larger appliances will draw far too much for things like jugs, hair dryers, heaters, but should cope with a small fan.
If you rnverter is 300W, than this is the Max output at 240v. If you assume the inverter is 80 percent efficient, then it will pull 375W at 12v out of your battery at full load. With a 'normal' battery for a 4 cyl car, (say 60AH), you would get around an hours running max before its time to recharge the car battery.
But I have not yet mentioned the curly question of whether your inverter is a true sine wave inverter or not. If not, then there's big issues of risking your appliances, chargers etc. and especially lap tops, from trying to run them off
inverters. Plenty of advice on this on this and other sites!!
There are safer options for recharging phones and running laptops, like 12v chargers/adapters that plus into the cig lighter, without puts to suit (Jaycar sell these).
Does this help?
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Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 09:52
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 09:52
Sorry, should have said "with outputs"!! Incidentally, the ability to run 240v power
tools may be relevant to you. You'll need more than 300W to run a drill or say angle grinder, so really you are looking at stuff other than heat or power loads
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Follow Up By: jokirt - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:39
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:39
Thanks Chris
The inverter is a Arista 12v 300w Modified Sine Wave. Output 50Hz 240v.
It can be plugged into the cig socket or clipped onto the battery - which I understand will give more output.
I have cig chargers for DVD player, shower pump, and one basic mobile. The new Next G mobile does not have a cig charger nor does the lap top ( doubt if I would take the lap top anyway).
How ever it's the other appliances and how to use them effectively that I'm really curious about - things that add to creature comforts -perhaps a small fan as suggested. Was wondering what model/s would be effective. What fans have others tried on tiny
inverters? Only so many cig plugs one can use at a time.
Jo
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Follow Up By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:15
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:15
I've been using my inverter for the coffee grinder as
well as the suggestions above. Nothing like fresh-ground and brewed coffee when out in the bush. Bought a cheap Tiffany grinder for $15, plus a cheap bamix copy - useful for mixing stuff, tho I admit that doesn't get much use. Neither take up much space.
Not sure I'd take the full coffee machine tho ;-)
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:50
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:50
The most innovative way is to buy a bathroom Infra red heater globe 275w and use it as a heater from your invertor.
This can be used to project heat in windy conditions and used for pain relief.
There are different versions , common ones put out a lot of light as
well , whereas better ones are deeper red , and got from chemists etc (sunbeam replacements).
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:58
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 10:58
Hi
Just remember it is pulling 20amphrs from your battery , it will not take long to drop your battery to 50% the lowest you should take it for long life
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Follow Up By: jokirt - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:41
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:41
Like the idea of the innovative heater - thanks Robin. Might have wait until I upgrade for this one. I am certainly keeping it in mind.
Jo
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Reply By: Gronk - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:59
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 11:59
The cheapest way to use it is to leave it in the back of the car.........you're going camping.....if and when you get an aux battery, then buy things that run off 12V....
Laptops will run off a battery......phones and lights will charge off one as
well.....
My camera needs 240V to recharge ( haven't found an adaptor yet ), but thats the only thing.....try and limit the things to use off one ...don't try and increase the options ????
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Follow Up By: jokirt - Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 12:20
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 at 12:20
Thanks Gronk
Know you mean
well. But goal here is to understand my little unit fully and it's diversity of uses. Being smarter than the average bear I promise that I will be able to select wisely when the time comes.
Cheers
Jo
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