how does this inverter look? (Vector Brand Model VEC049D Power 1000W) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:02:19 pm
content: I don't have any experience with inverters. How does the design look?To me it seems like the power electronics are properly mounted to the heatsinks and there seems to be some kind of isolation barrier, and it has soft start.The capacitors are Jamicon brand. There does not seem to be a fuse on the 120V side either. The fuses say 35 on them, which I assume is 35A, but the front says '100 A max" so I don't know what to make of that, I assume that means I should not draw more then 35A. The remote control input does not have any protection on it either. It does have 4 fuses however, so are they paralleling fuses?? So then 50A might be a safe number? Also the cooling fan does not appear fused, but it appears to be powered from the regulated side not by direct battery connection so thats ok maybe.What else do you notice? I hope the soft start technology gives the probobly low grade parts some breathing room.

author: boB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:19:03 pm
content: Who's inverter is it ? What make ?boB

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:21:47 pm
content: Vector (LTD? Manufacturing?)VEC049D1000W

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:23:53 pm
content: Looks about what you would expect for a cheap inverter. The soft start is interesting because it's just a V/Hz ramp up, but apparently the way they did it (some clever bunch of analog parts) infringed on some patents so they had to stop using it.

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:25:30 pm
content: What features does a superior inverter have other then a higher margin on the part ratings?

author: Bratster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:08:23 pm
content: I had that exact model for a few years. It is your typical cheap modified sine inverter.Worked fine, even ran a vacuum that was right at Max capacity no problem.The 35a fuses are all in parallel on the DC input.Make sure your battery cables are big enough if you plan to use it anywhere full power.Sent from my Fi Moto x4 using Tapatalk

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:11:33 pm
content: Quote from: CopperCone on July 08, 2018, 10:25:30 pmBetter efficiency, lower idle current, less EMI, pure sine output, and some really fancy ones allow programming of the output voltage and frequency.

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:26:13 pm
content: how about what features do better ones have in regards to safety and reliability?

author: Bratster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:34:34 pm
content: Quote from: CopperCone on July 08, 2018, 11:26:13 pmSafety wise, some (most?) will have the neutral bonded to ground and use a GFCI outlet for the output.Sent from my Fi Moto x4 using Tapatalk

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:48:14 pm
content: hmm, are you supposed to use these with earth grounding? Mine has a lug on it. I never thought about it too much. I kind of imagined it being used in the field or such.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 12:09:34 am
content: Well for a permanent installation then earth grounding is a good idea. Otherwise it doesn't really matter, if no part of the setup is tied to earth then you can't really complete the circuit by touching an exposed connection.As far as overall safety, the best bet is overall quality construction so nothing blows up or catches fire. I've used quite a few inexpensive and midpriced inverters, until you get to the upper end of the range offering true sine output they all seem to be pretty similar and work as advertised.

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 01:42:13 am
content: I kind of imagined boy scouts hammering in grounding rods to their camp lolis there a patch for that yet?

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 01:19:49 pm
content: Hard to say without actually removing the main PWB and looking at the traces that carry the heavy current.But my concern would be whether those traces are capable to survive an overload. Perhaps once, but twice or more?If you plan to use one of these, I would solder some copper foil to those traces. You know, cheap insurance.

author: CopperCone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 01:07:30 am
content: Quote from: schmitt trigger on July 09, 2018, 01:19:49 pmI need a thermal imaging camera

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2018, 01:19:11 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on July 09, 2018, 11:45:39 pmI have opened up quite a few small inverters that worked that way, they actually use a trick of putting the output in series with the input to get 8% or so of the output power "for free". I have extended that trick by adding more diodes from the drains of the low voltage MOSFETs to a capacitor (other side to either ground or the input supply), then connecting the output in series with that, effectively using the load as part of the snubber.But two larger inverters I have opened up - a Harbor Freight 2000W and a CAT 1000W - were isolated. I can understand why the CAT was isolated since having an output not referenced to ground makes it a lot safer in construction environments. The build quality was actually not as good as that of the Harbor Freight - are "small" inverters on construction sites treated as almost disposable items?For those into inverter teardowns, here's the biggest collection I have seen:https://www.youtube.com/user/knurlgnar24/videos