Showing posts with label car electricity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car electricity. Show all posts

8/28/2011

Cobra CPI 475 400 Watt Power Inverter Review

Cobra CPI 475 400 Watt Power Inverter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We needed a higher power interter to use in our RV when camping without shore power.We needed to power two laptop computers, charge cell phones and PDAs and run a small fan.This Cobra unit reviewed well so I ordered one from Amazon.It was delivered in just a few days (thanks Amazon). It has a solid feel to it, connectors are of good quality, and it is small enough not to be obtrusive in the confines of an RV.I used the cigarette lighter plug and put this on our dining table.The two AC plugs accommodated two AC adapters for laptops.As a bonus, there is a USB port on the Cobra that will supply 5 volts! So, I can charge my Blackberry simultaneously.What a delight!!The unit has an internal fan which only runs as needed.If I'm just charging a cell phone, then the fan does not run - but when I've got a load on - the fan runs and effectively cools the inverter.This is not a pure sine wave inverter but I've had no trouble at all using it with various laptops, pdas, fans, and cell phone chargers.I've not used it to power a TV or Radio (those could be more sensitive to interter noise).After a months use, I'm delighted with the inverter - it meets my needs completely.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra CPI 475 400 Watt Power Inverter

Product Description:
The Cobra CPI 475 is a 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC power inverter with 400 watts continuous power handling and 800 Watts peak power.This unit contains a 5 volt USB output, modified sine wave, thermal shutdown, reverse polarity protection, low voltage shutdown, low voltage alarm, external fuse, 2 grounded AC receptacles, and includes a carry case, cigarette lighter plug, and direct- to battery cables.

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5/30/2011

Xantrex Technologies 813-0081-00 XPower Pocket Mobile Power Source 100-Watt Inverter Review

Xantrex Technologies 813-0081-00 XPower Pocket Mobile Power Source 100-Watt Inverter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a slick, useful product that does just what it says it will do.I used to work at Radioshack, and we sold a lot of these, and they were hardly ever returned, so I got one for myself.I use it to charge my cellphone (with the house charger) and my laptop while I'm traveling.It is much more quiet than other inverters, has a big, blue indicator light to show when it is working, and is slim enough to slip under a seat, or even between the center console and a seat (where I have mine).It says "100 watts", but that is only the peak output.Continuous output is only 80 watts, so be sure to check that what you are using it for is 80 or less.It is great for battery charging, but don't even think of running a vacuum or a power tool, that isn't what it is intended for.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xantrex Technologies 813-0081-00 XPower Pocket Mobile Power Source 100-Watt Inverter



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4/20/2011

Black & Decker 200-Watt Inverter VEC1045BD Review

Black & Decker 200-Watt Inverter VEC1045BD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I needed an inverter to charge my laptop and cell phone in the car on road trips, and this one fit the bill nicely.I have tested it out in the car with my computer plugged in, and it works fine.It powered my computer and supplied plenty of current to charge the battery while I was using it.
This thing is smart.If you try to run it off the 12V accessory outlet in your car without running the engine, the inverter lets out a constant beep telling you that you're going to run down your battery if you continue.According to the manual, this beep could also mean that the voltage dropped below 11.0V.I didn't know which it was in my particular case, but as soon as I started the engine, the squeal stopped and it was happy to charge my computer.
The ground fault interruptor, overpower and underpower warnings, battery drain warnings, auto shut-off, the 12V DC pass-through, and the option to hook the inverter directly to your battery are all very very useful features on a solid product.Well worth the reasonable price you pay!

A word of warning: if you need an inverter, make SURE you look at the amperage needed to power whatever it is you want to plug in!This one supplies 1.74 amps, which is more than enough for most laptops, game consoles, cell phones, and portable TVs, but ALWAYS double check and make sure.If you want to plug in a small fridge, for example, check the power requirements to make sure this thing can supply enough current!You'll save yourself a lot of frustration if you are certain of what you are buying.

I highly recommend this inverter!It's worth every penny, and it feels and performs like a much more expensive unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black and Decker 200-Watt Inverter VEC1045BD

Product Description:
The Black & Decker 200-Watt inverter converts your vehicle's 12-volt DC power into 115 AC power for your house. It comes with protection against high and low voltage shocks and an alarm for when your battery gets low. An automatic shutdown function keeps the battery from draining completely. A turbo cooling fan prevents overheating, and this inverter includes a cable set, battery clips, a DC accessory plug, and a 12-volt DC accessory outlet. It delivers up to 200 watts of continuous power with a maximum surge capacity of 400 watts. Black & Decker backs this inverter with a 2-year warranty.

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4/19/2011

Xantrex Technologies 851-0400 XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter Review

Xantrex Technologies 851-0400 XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This item works as advertised, but it is a modified sine wave inverter.If you are planning on using it to charge cordless tool batteries---don't.The owners manual contains a caution about using with cordless tool chargers (such as Dewalt).Do a quick Internet search on "cordless tools" and "modified sine wave inverter" to confirm whether your tool is effected.Some other items that may not work well are appliances with clocks, microwaves, etc.Be sure you understand the limitations of a modified sine wave inverter.
For those smaller appliances that will run on modified sine wave, this item works well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xantrex Technologies 851-0400 XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter

Product Description:
Power your electronic devices when you're on the road with the Xantrex XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter. The smallest 400-watt power inverter on the market, this handy device plugs directly into your car, truck, van, RV, or boat's lighter socket to convert power from your vehicle's battery into standard utility power. And with dual three-prong outlets, this in-vehicle power inverter lets you simultaneously run or recharge multiple devices, such as cell phones, camcorders, handheld gaming devices, stereos, laptops, TVs, and DVD players.
The Xantrex XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter
At a Glance:

    Quiet alternative to generators
    In-car power inversion for use during transit
    320 watts of continuous power with 600-watt surge capacity for safe, consistent power
    Dual 3-prong grounded 120-volt AC outlets for running multiple electronics
    Automatic shutdown protects against overheating and overloads


This in-vehicle inverter lets you turn your ride into a mobile office or entertainment center.
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Quieter and more compact than a generator, this powerful tool can run multiple devices at once.
View larger.
Power Your Electronics in Any Automobile
Plug the XPower Plus 400 into your vehicle's 12-volt lighter socket and turn your ride into a mobile office or entertainment center. This power inverter incorporates high-frequency technology to convert power from your vehicle's battery (12-volt DC) into standard utility power (115-volt AC, 60 Hz), so you can power your laptop to get some work done on the road--without draining your expensive computer battery--or plug in a TV or DVD player to keep the kids entertained on a long trip. This versatile gadget gives you options for keeping informed, up to date, or entertained anywhere, and it's a perfect companion for camping, beach trips, and tailgates.
Built-In Features for Convenience and Safety
The XPower Plus 400's dual three-prong grounded AC outlets give you the ability to simultaneously power multiple devices, such as cell phones, camcorders, stereos, laptops, and TVs. And with 320 watts of continuous power and a 600-watt surge capacity, this power inverter even has DC terminals so it can be directly connected to your car, RV, or boat battery to support higher AC loads.
For protection, an integrated automatic shutdown prevents overloads, overheating, and low/high battery conditions. The inverter also senses low battery voltage so you never have to worry about completely draining your batteries. An added bonus, the XPower Plus 400's operates quietly, so you can enjoy on-demand AC power in your car without giving up your peace and quiet or drowning out your favorite tunes.Lightweight and portable, this power inverter measures 5.88 x 4.12 x 2.25 inches (LxWxH) and weighs one pound, six ounces. The Xantrex XPower Plus 400 is covered by a one-year warranty.
About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company's products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.
What's in the Box
In-car power inverter.


Plug it into your car, truck, van, RV, or boat's lighter socket to power everything from DVD players to handheld gaming devices.



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4/06/2011

Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter Review

Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just opened the package and haven't used this thing yet - so I can't comment on functionality - but I wanted to let others know that this unit DOES come with a cigarette lighter plug (as well as a set of alligator clips) that you can attach to the screw posts.

I wasted a couple bucks on a separate cigarette lighter plug when I ordered because the product information says nothing about coming with the cigarette lighter plug.

Oh - There is also a sticker on the cigarette lighter cable warning not to draw more than 150 watts when using it plugged into a lighter socket (use the alligator clips or your own custom wires to connect straight to the battery for full power)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter

Product Description:
The Cobra CPI 2575 is a 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC power inverter with 2500 watts continuous power handling and 5000 Watts peak power.This unit contains a 5 volt USB output, modified sine wave, thermal shutdown, reverse polarity protection, low voltage shutdown, low voltage alarm, 3 grounded AC receptacles, LED volt/watt meter and has remote on/off capability.

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3/18/2011

CyberPower CPS150BI AC Mobile Power Inverter/Converter, 12VDC to 120VAC, 150W, Bottle Mount Review

CyberPower CPS150BI AC Mobile Power Inverter/Converter, 12VDC to 120VAC, 150W, Bottle Mount
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this product with the intention of using it for charging my laptop while on the road. According to the product's spec sheet, it is rated to supply 140-watts of continuous power (and 150-watts peak) and it is marketed as being a suitable power supply for laptops. Unfortunately, when I plugged my laptop (which uses a 90-watt charger) in to the unit it would overload and trip the surge protection after a few seconds.I was thoroughly unamused.

Additionally, I found this nugget from a review on Newegg:
"The problem with this unit is that neither the hot or the neutral plug on the unit are referenced to ground. In other words, the neutral actually has a potential of 60v above ground. This can lead to some shocking situations. The ground leg of the inverter is just a dummy hole -- there is no actual ground.

In layman's terms, the electrical design of this unit is very poor and would never achieve household electrical standards. I can't figure out how they are allowed to manufacture and sell this unit especially when they advertise it for use with laptops."

And upon further inspection, I can confirm that this is accurate, which could possibly be the reason why my laptop charger overloads the unit despite the fact that the unit is supposed to be able to supply 140-watts continuously.

This unit does seem to work well for small electronic devices, but I cannot recommend this unit for any electrical device that draws much power or uses a 3-prong connector.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CyberPower CPS150BI AC Mobile Power Inverter/Converter, 12VDC to 120VAC, 150W, Bottle Mount

Product Description:
150Watt Car/Bottle Inverter

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