Heart Interface

[Pete Masterson]

At 2:35 AM +0000 4/5/06, Jay Darst wrote:
>Ernie,
>
>The inverter is the single most important update you can do to improve
>the usability of your Bird, IMO.
<snip>

Jay,

This was a wonderfully helpful description of inverter installation.

My wife and I are planning on semi-full-timing. (We'll have a "base
camp" in a family owned apartment house -- but we _really_ don't plan
to be there much.) When I get my 'bird, I will be setting up an
office in the front area (replacing the sofas/chairs that are
standard) so that I can maintain my business on the road.

I plan to have three Macintosh computers on board (laptop, MacMini,
and G5). Currently I use APC UPS power supplies to isolate the
computers/monitors from the city power system in my home office.

So, my question is, would I be wise to invest in a full sine wave
inverter? If so, what brand is best. (I ran across an Internet site
describing the Outback VFX2812, 2500 watts, 12 volt, that looked
interesting, if expensive.)

I would plan to keep the APC-UPS online to further insulate the
computers from voltage surges, sags, and noise... (and the APC web
site, or other product info, doesn't describe if the output is
modified sine wave or full sine wave on the UPSs.)

Any comments you (or others) can provide will be very much appreciated.

(Not a bird owner yet, but looking and waiting for spouse to say ok.)
--
Pete Masterson -- pete@...
Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
Voice & FAX: (510) 222-6743 -- 9AM to 5PM M-F Pacific Time
Visit my web site at http://www.aeonix.com for publishing hints
P.O. Box 20985, El Sobrante, CA 94820-0985

[dr71@...>]

FRom Newberry84-84pt40 I am interested in installing an inverter, but would
like more details.
Would it be possible for me to call? If not a good idea, I would like to foward
a list of questions.
Bill Rush 803-276-6553 Thanks for any consideration.
>
> From: "Jay Darst"
> Date: 2006/04/04 Tue PM 10:35:49 EDT
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Heart Interface
>
>

[Blair]

>.
>So, my question is, would I be wise to invest in a full sine wave
>inverter? If so, what brand is best. (I ran across an Internet site
>describing the Outback VFX2812, 2500 watts, 12 volt, that looked
>interesting, if expensive.)
.
1. Outback is the best. The company was started by the guys in the outback
after Trace was bought out ..... when you called Trace to
get technical help, the operator always said: "Just a minute and I'll
transfer you out back". These where the guys that did the design work and
the initial breadboarding of new products...
Heart and Trace do not have the quality of the Outback products and are
generally several years behind.

2. If you can, always go with a "perfect" sine wave inverter. The Trace and
Heart are multistage square wave that they call a sine wave, but it's dirty.

Blair In Oregon

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Blair]

>.
>So, my question is, would I be wise to invest in a full sine wave
>inverter? If so, what brand is best. (I ran across an Internet site
>describing the Outback VFX2812, 2500 watts, 12 volt, that looked
>interesting, if expensive.)
.Couple of other points, laser printers sometimes will not work with a
sqare wave, and if you want new inverters or anything of that ilk, I can
get it for 30% off list.

Blair in Oregon

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Stephen Birtles]

You can send meyour list of questions we deal in outback power
products but have access to others
I would be happy to help
Stephen 77fc35


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
> FRom Newberry84-84pt40 I am interested in installing an inverter,
but would like more details.
> Would it be possible for me to call? If not a good idea, I would
like to foward a list of questions.
> Bill Rush 803-276-6553 Thanks for any consideration.
> >
> > From: "Jay Darst"
> > Date: 2006/04/04 Tue PM 10:35:49 EDT
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Heart Interface
> >
> >
>

[Ron & Patty]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
>
> Has anyone else installed an inverter/charger in a PT?
>
Tom,

In our PT, we removed the two battery boilers in the bay located
street side in front of the engine, and installed a 2500 in their
place. We installed a breaker box right next to the original breaker
panel located in the one closet we have in a 36'. I think it has
about eight circuit breakers. This powers everything except heavy
draw electric appliances such as electric heat, air conditioning, etc.
Jeff Miller had commented in the past about including the front air
conditioner (house)to the system, to be used only while running the
engine (alternator). I may still add this circuit. Haven't had any
problems with moisture, heat or dirt in almost two years using that
vented bay.

Ron - No. California
85PT36

[robertnloomas]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Darst"
wrote:

Hi Jay Question What is your battery bank capacity?
Bob Loomas 1985 PT36
>
> Ernie,
>
> The inverter is the single most important update you can do to
improve
> the usability of your Bird, IMO.
>

> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

[Tom Warner]

Ron that is where I have decided to install my inverter/charger in
the place where the redi line is. But on my PT40 with the 3
cruiseairs there is no room in the hall closet for an additional
power panel for it. So I am going to install the panel in the rear
closet behind the bed and run the A/C wires in water tight conduit up
into that area. Then I will have to extend the circuits now
terminated on the hallway panel back to this new panel. This
installation will keep all of the cables very short.

In my FC35 I now wish that I had installed the inverter/charger in
the passenger side front compartment instead of where the old battery
boilers used to be. That would keep the battery cables short enough
to cut down on the loss. Hind sight is sure nice?

Thanks,

Tom Warner
Vernon Center,NY
1982 FC35 (for sale soon)
1985 PT40

At 09:03 AM 4/6/2006, you wrote:
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone else installed an inverter/charger in a PT?
> >
>Tom,
>
>In our PT, we removed the two battery boilers in the bay located
>street side in front of the engine, and installed a 2500 in their
>place. We installed a breaker box right next to the original breaker
>panel located in the one closet we have in a 36'. I think it has
>about eight circuit breakers. This powers everything except heavy
>draw electric appliances such as electric heat, air conditioning, etc.
>Jeff Miller had commented in the past about including the front air
>conditioner (house)to the system, to be used only while running the
>engine (alternator). I may still add this circuit. Haven't had any
>problems with moisture, heat or dirt in almost two years using that
>vented bay.
>
>Ron - No. California
>85PT36
>
>
>
>
>
>
>----------
>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> * Visit your group
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> *
> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> *
>
Wanderl\
odgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> *
> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>----------

[Jay Darst]

Tom,

From the factory I have all the panels you have. I shopped for a
narrow panel, one that usually holds just 2 breakers. Then, I
installed the narrower "double" breakers in each of the 2 spots.
This gives you 4 breakers.

My inverter is Xantrex 2500D, meaning dual in/dual out. This allows
for 2 legs of 30 amps instead of 1. So, there is a 30 amp breaker on
on each of the 2 legs in the factory distribution panel that feed
power to each of the 2 (dual in) power legs of the inverter.

I installed 2 auxillary power distribution panels, 1 for each leg
(dual out) coming from the inverter. Now I have 8 breakers that are
powered by the inverter.

I would install the panels in the closet, even if you have to flush
mount the boxes instead of cutting the factory panel and recessing
the boxes. All 110V distribution in 1 spot! I also installed my link
1000 in the closet so all of my power is controlled from 1 location,
very handy.

The Redi-Line compartment must be water proofed. I used silicone
caulk to plug every little hole in the compartment, Made sure the
access cover installs tightly. Maybe use a little weater seal,
prefer rubber instead of foam.

My system works VERY well, no problems at all.

One error i have seen people make. They have a tendancy to connect
the white wires and the bare ground wires to the same place in the
distribution panels. You CAN NOT do that, you automatic internal
switch will fry trying to "lift" this connection.

You MUST have isolated ground strips in each distribution panel, in
other words, the white wires and bare ground wires must be isolated
from each other.

Here is a link to the installation manual:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/429/docserve.asp

Go to page 45, it will show you a simple schematic.

For the Inverter selection process, go to:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/254/docserve.asp

For those of you wanting something really technical, something that
will start your grn automatically, you'll need to look at the RV
series.

You are welcome to call me with questions- 217-971-0036.

Jay Darst
85PT40 Xantrex 458 series X-81-2530-12 equipped.
by the way, the "X" at the beginning of the part nuumber would
indicate that the unit is a "rebuilt" unit. Usually about $450
cheaper than the brand new one. Remember, its brand new until you
open the box, then its used.


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
>
> Jay how did you install the distribution panel next to the main
load
> center in your PT40. In my 1985 PT40 there is absolutely no room
to
> mount one on the back wall. There is already a main load center,
the
> 30 amp disconnect panel and a panel for the 3 cruise air
> solenoids. I am thinking of installing mine in the rear closet
> behind the center bed. There is already a switch there for the
engine
> battery heaters, etc.
>
> What model Heart did you install? Is there any problem with
moisture
> where the rediline is?
>
> Tom Warner
> Vernon Center,NY
> 1982 Fc35 (for sale soon)
> 1985 PT40
>
> At 10:35 PM 4/4/2006, you wrote:
> >Ernie,
> >
> >The inverter is the single most important update you can do to
improve
> >the usability of your Bird, IMO.
> >
> >Install it CORRECTLY, and you will be VERY satisfied with it. You
can
> >cut a number of corners to make the install go easier. I
wouldn't, it
> >really limits the ability, durability, and effectiveness of the
> >inverter.
> >
> >Use a Link 1000 control(at least, better yet Link 2000R!)
> >
> >Wire the inverter so the power supplied to the inverter comes
from a
> >30amp breaker in the factory Bluebird distribution panel. Install
an
> >additional distribution panel next to the factory distribution
panel
> >and move the loads from the factory panel to the additional panel.
> >Move all outlets, the microwave, the ice maker, the curtains(if
> >electric)over to the aux box.
> >
> >With the automatic internal switch engineered into the Inverter,
all
> >these items that have been moved from the factory distribution
panel
> >to the additional panel will have 110V all the time.
> >
> >With the remote copntroler(Link 1000, for example) you will be
able to
> >monitor your batterys as well as turn the inverter/charger on/off
from
> >inside the Bird.
> >
> >I mounted my Xantrex in the same location where the Redi-Line was
> >removed. Use at least 3/0 battery cable wired directly to the
> >batterys, both positive and ground(well, if you use a Link
controller,
> >there will be a shunt in the ground circuit)
> >
> >At Maxton rally, I had the electric skillet making breakfast, the
> >coffee pot doin its thing, the outside TV and satellite tuner and
the
> >icemaker running- NO GENERATOR RUNNING-NO SHORE POWER-NO PROBLEM!
> >
> >My current Inverter is the 6th install I have done with this
system,
> >it works so good ;~}!
> >
> >Jay Darst
> >85PT40 Xantrex 85-2530-12 equipped(2,500 watt dual in/dual output)
> >
> >
> >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, erniecarpet@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks, Jack. I haven't installed it, yet. The fella that I
got it
> >from says
> > > it works great. He needs carpet and I think I need an inverter.
> >Ernie-83pt40
> > > in Louisiana, moving up to hi-tech
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >----------
> >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > * Visit your group
>
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
on the web.
> > *
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > *
> > subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > *
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> >----------
>

[Jay Darst]

Pete,

I'd go with the Prosine 3000, here is a link to its information:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/42/p/docs/...roduct.asp

Data is:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/242/docserve.asp

Installation:
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/241/docserve.asp

Jay Darst
85PT40
Spfld, IL

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> At 2:35 AM +0000 4/5/06, Jay Darst wrote:
> >Ernie,
> >
> >The inverter is the single most important update you can do to
improve
> >the usability of your Bird, IMO.
> <snip>
>
> Jay,
>
> This was a wonderfully helpful description of inverter
installation.
>
> My wife and I are planning on semi-full-timing. (We'll have
a "base
> camp" in a family owned apartment house -- but we _really_ don't
plan
> to be there much.) When I get my 'bird, I will be setting up an
> office in the front area (replacing the sofas/chairs that are
> standard) so that I can maintain my business on the road.
>
> I plan to have three Macintosh computers on board (laptop,
MacMini,
> and G5). Currently I use APC UPS power supplies to isolate the
> computers/monitors from the city power system in my home office.
>
> So, my question is, would I be wise to invest in a full sine wave
> inverter? If so, what brand is best. (I ran across an Internet
site
> describing the Outback VFX2812, 2500 watts, 12 volt, that looked
> interesting, if expensive.)
>
> I would plan to keep the APC-UPS online to further insulate the
> computers from voltage surges, sags, and noise... (and the APC web
> site, or other product info, doesn't describe if the output is
> modified sine wave or full sine wave on the UPSs.)
>
> Any comments you (or others) can provide will be very much
appreciated.
>
> (Not a bird owner yet, but looking and waiting for spouse to say
ok.)
> --
> Pete Masterson -- pete@...
> Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
> Voice & FAX: (510) 222-6743 -- 9AM to 5PM M-F Pacific Time
> Visit my web site at http://www.aeonix.com for publishing hints
> P.O. Box 20985, El Sobrante, CA 94820-0985
>