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I am considering putting in a dedicated inverter hardwired to my batteries to eliminate the interminable delay when there is a power loss and the unit check the disk, checks the satellite, downloads the guide and finally lets me watch TV again. If I really only need to power the DirecTV DVR does anyone have any recommendation on what kind of small inverter I would need and where to get it? Let's assume that at some time in the future I will be using an HD DVR and would need the appropriate power. I found a 300W inverter at Radio Shack but have no idea if it's any good or if there might be a true sine wave inverters that is that small.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15774 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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Bill, I don't know if this is any help but I installed an inverter for those infrequent times when I needed the Internet and TV and have no source of electrical power. I also used this setup to calibrate my DataStorm compass which required me to power up and then turn 180 degrees with power. My electronics are too far from my 2 batteries to hardwire (well I guess it could be done ) but my inverter is only a few feet away from my trailer converter, so it's hardwired into it's 12 V supply. My 800 watt Cobra inverter powers a desktop computer, a 26" lcd monitor, an RCA digital TV box, a DirecTv Receiver, the D2, the Hughes 7000S modem, a LinkSys WAP, and a 4 port LinkSys Switch. 2 years ago we were dry camping and I used this setup one afternoon without any serious loss of battery power. I've also used it in Nebraska in a similar situation. The dish was of course raised and lowered and our 15' slide out cycled in and out without any negative effects.
I know this is a different configuration than you would use but my experience with an 800 Watt was positive.
I purchased this Cobra CPI 800 Inverter at a Flying J about 3 years ago for $69.00. The one objection I have with all the inverters I've used is the fan noise. If you're watching TV it's downright irritating. So mounting location might be important.
-------------------- Jim ------------------ F1 DataStorm | D2 | HN7000S | 89W | 1170 MHz | SL3 HD LinkSys WAP | SFF PC & LCD | SandPiper TT | Located Posts: 322 | Registered: Jul 2005
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We have a Samlex 600W PSW inverter, PST-60S-12A. It powers the Hughes Net system, D7000 modem and D4 controller, router, forward LCD TV, DirecTV receiver, home theater/DVD player, and the Winegard 3005 system without any problem. We boondock extensively for weeks at a time in Alaska and the system works beautifully. The system operates off 4 six volt Exide RV batteries that are charged from the RV DC system. In addition, we use a 120W solar panel that we leave on the ground and move manually to keep the system up in good weather. There are relays and switches in the system that allow us to keep the batteries charged, and to shut off the inverter when it's not needed.
The overall setup greatly extends our boondock time and also allows better electrical management. When we use the full up system, about 3 hours use will reduce battery voltage .2-.3 volts.
I've had a Samlex that failed in 18 months. I've had an AIMs that never worked and they charged me 20% to send it back. After some research, I purchased Carmanah's Go Power. I've had it for 1-1/2 years and it's still going strong (I run mine 24/365). The models range from 150 watts to 3000. I bought my 1500 watt from http://www.outsidesupply.com You can check out Carmanah at http://www.carmanah.com and their inverter at http://www.solarforrv.com/
-Steven
-------------------- HN7000s 5.8.0.82 ProPlus w/o static | 89W/1270H | 2 watt F1/D3 3.9.6T Datastorm | XP/W7/BSD/Android/iOS 6 LAN is now using a wifiRanger Posts: 322 | Registered: Oct 2004
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Bill: You don't need a sine wave inverter for any of your equipment other than maybe your TV. I Have even used an old square wave on mine. There are plenty of cheep modified and sign wave inverters on the market, Buy.com etc. Be sure and get one withe plenty of power, in continuous use it will get pretty warm and better ones have a hi-temp shutoff. Craig - W7TZL
-------------------- Motosat F1 D2 117W(Satmex5) 1050 & HN7000S; MCI-7 Conversion; Snow Birds ex Full Timers Posts: 20 | From: VC Highlands, NV 89521 | Registered: Jun 2009
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I have been using a MSW inverter for all of my equipment for many, many years. I just didn't know if I put a small dedicated one on the DVR if there might be a small TSW inverter that others had used. It sounds like most anything will work, I just don't want to have a fan running so I will have to use that as the guide. The thing draws less than 50 watts so I guess I can go pretty small.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15774 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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I have had both but prefer true sine. With that said, a DVR is a computer with hard drive and all. I believe TiVo runs Linux. So, I would think, just about any inverter would work being that computers need and have very clean power supplies. Although, the fan in the DVR might be noisy with a modified sine (different part of the power supply).
Steven
-------------------- HN7000s 5.8.0.82 ProPlus w/o static | 89W/1270H | 2 watt F1/D3 3.9.6T Datastorm | XP/W7/BSD/Android/iOS 6 LAN is now using a wifiRanger Posts: 322 | Registered: Oct 2004
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Our 5th wheel RV came equipped with a cheapie 400W MSW inverter installed in the basement that is wired (single dedicated extension cord type wire) to the entertainment center. There is a switch installed near the 110V outlet in the entertainment center (I think it's a DPDT) that in the upper position directs power from the 120V shore power to the entertainment center, in the lower position it sends power from the inverter to the entertainment center with the center switch position being off.
At times, Ive used the inverter when on shore power to compensate for high voltage (Mexico) and to eliminate hassles after power failures. Ive also been able to throw the switch quickly from shore power to inverter power (or back) without disturbing or shutting off the downstream pieces.
The inverter supplies enough power to be able to run the 7000S, a Linksys router, my laptop, a LCD TV, DVD player/speaker system and the sat receiver. It has an overload warning buzzer, the only time the warning has gone off is when Ive run the house batteries down while boondocking.
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I also don't like to have to reboot my DirecTV DVR each time I power it up so I have na old MSW Radio Shack 140 watt inverter Cat. #22-132B left on all the time. Also another same size unit powering my D3, router, and modem. That way I don't need to turn on my big 2000 w whole trailer inverter. Both these unites do not have internal fans so they run quit. The only problem is I don't find them in the Radio Shack catalog anymore. BTW I have never heard a fan run in my DVR. I did have to run a new heaver gage dc line from the batteries to the inverters. Where the tv is a small dc plug is part of the trailer off air antenna and it was not heavy enough to handle the load. Bought a long heavy orange ac power extension cord. Gage unknown to me right now. Cut off the ends and wired it in. The tv in is the rear wall entertainment center of the 5er so it's a long run to get back there. DC has greater loss on long runs than AC does.
My whole trailer inverter is TSW and love it. S if I too could find a couple of small TSW at about 140 w that didn't have fans I would get them. It is had to search for units on the web and find out if they have fans or if so how load they are.
I have never had prbplems with my MSW units but peace of mind with TSW would be nice.
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OK, this fan argument has got me confused. Computers have fans, both lap tops and desk tops. So, if they run more quiet on a pure sine wave, that's a good thing. Also, a quality inverter would have fans coming on only when needed, making the inverter more reliable. The only time I hear my inverter fans is on hot days with everything running and/or when I'm using my laser printer. Sense I don't have my inverter installed next to my ear, the fan noise have never been a problem. Kind of soothing, actuality.
- Steven
-------------------- HN7000s 5.8.0.82 ProPlus w/o static | 89W/1270H | 2 watt F1/D3 3.9.6T Datastorm | XP/W7/BSD/Android/iOS 6 LAN is now using a wifiRanger Posts: 322 | Registered: Oct 2004
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I do not believe that there would be any difference in the operation of a DC fan, and most-if-not-all computer fans are DC. I would expect that to be true in a DVR, but can't say before - they do make small AC muffin fans, but they are far less common.
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My understanding was there is two voltages, 12 volts and 5 (or 3.5, CMOS). Newer technology could very well be different but the 12 volts (fans and hard drive motors) did not require the same clean power. My experience has shown the computers fans to be more quiet with pure sine. Unless the DC power is coming from a battery, it must have some noise. My Bose Wave radio will buzz on modified sine and sounds perfect with pure sine, yet, the electronics get "DC" in both cases. DC is not always flat.
-Steven
-------------------- HN7000s 5.8.0.82 ProPlus w/o static | 89W/1270H | 2 watt F1/D3 3.9.6T Datastorm | XP/W7/BSD/Android/iOS 6 LAN is now using a wifiRanger Posts: 322 | Registered: Oct 2004
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I use a compute battery backup to handle the short term outages for my sat stuff and a NAS device. A 300W would do just as well, but I already had the battery backup at home and unused, so it was an easy/cheap solution.
Posts: 3 | Registered: Jun 2010
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