Guidance about power inverters, sorry if in wrong area.

Vampira · Post by **Vampira** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:17 pm

Someone left this at my house, and I was wondering how to use it out at burning man, any suggestions?

Chicago DC TO AC Power inverter 700 watt.

What type of battery should I get to run maybe a fan & blender?

Thank you for any replies.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 6:50 pm

A deep-cycle marine or RV battery.
That should run a blender for the event, but the continuous power draw of a fan might require some recharging, which you could do with some jumper cables to your car.

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:39 pm

I just hooked a slightly smaller power inverter up. I have a two battery Ford E-250 that I am planning on bringing to the playa this year. I connected the inverter directly to the batteries and expect I will need a jump if I run it for too long. I could also run the vehicle if I am not going to be using it for too long. I have a 100 watt inverter that plugs into the lighter socket for lesser needs like lights, chargers and such. I figure I could run the little 100 watter for much longer and not put a big strain on the batteries.
Marine/deep cycle batteries are great for this application, but they are expensive as hell. (whatever that means) By using a jumper box or jumper cables from a neighbor, you would make out much better. Either way, you would need to be charging batteries all week, you may as well have them in a vehicle to start!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:54 pm

On the different size inverters, you need to check the efficiency as they vary a lot.
Some are very inefficient at low loads and others are efficient at all levels.
It's better to use dc equipment when possible.
They do make dc blenders, coffee pots, etc.
A blender may draw too much power on a 700 watt.
Be sure to check.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:01 pm

They make some ultra efficient 12 volt fans.
Electronic muffin fans come in super quiet and high flow types.
All metal ones are the best, euro or usa.
Even cheap ones can be okay for a bit.
If you need more air flow, a blower style is best.
You may be able to get a used heater blower from a yard.
You may need the switch with it.
I think most are resistive type though, so not needed.
Hella has some good fans designed for car use.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:19 pm

Vampyra, check this article here:
http://www.cieux.com/bm/chargingSystems.html

You need to know the wattage of the stuff you're going to run off batteries, convert that to amps, then you'll know the size battery you need. That page explains it. If you have questions about details, just post here.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:40 am

Drop by a large truckstop and check the 12v fans which you could run straight off the battery. MyLarry has two or three in his truck so he doesn't have to idle and run the AC to stay cool in Vegas.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:50 am

and, with inverters make sure you don't run very near the max. output of the inverter....they get hot and that lowers effiency, and, breaks them. Mostly, the load stated is the max, and, for short periods of time..........

I've heard a lot of applaices will run on D.C. just as they are. Anyone know?

phil · Post by **phil** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:06 pm

ygmir wrote:I've heard a lot of applaices will run on D.C. just as they are. Anyone know?

I would be shocked if an AC appliance ran on DC. Give it a try with one of your own. :->

phil · Post by **phil** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:09 pm

> Drop by a large truckstop and check the 12v fans which you could
> run straight off the battery.

Anything that runs on 12VDC instead of through an inverter is better for all concerned. The only issue is that some appliances just don't cut it on 12VDC. Coffee pots come to mind, and I'm sure anti-m has others.

A fan, definitely yes. There are tons of 12VDC fans out there; same with lights. I have know idea about blenders. Of course, the original poster has 110VAC fans and blenders already and isn't asking about buying new stuff that runs on 12V.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:32 pm

phil wrote:
ygmir wrote:I've heard a lot of applaices will run on D.C. just as they are. Anyone know?
I would be shocked if an AC appliance ran on DC. Give it a try with one of your own. :->

I will do that. It seems the reference was to motors.....not like a radio or something.....

I'll get an old drill out and try it.......

a wager, perhaps?...........I do love Absinth..........grin.........

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:06 pm

tears before bedtime, I think.

I don't know where this idea comes from.
Maybe because a lot of electronics run off dc of varying voltages?
A lot of computer whatzits run off 5 VDC for some reason.
DC changes the amount of power with a motor especially and you need to pay close attention to the voltages.
Some resistive loads are okay with ac/dc, but I've never even tried this with anything else.
Mystery components are tested with a control that slowly ramps up voltage, but even this is not always gentle enough.

If a component has diode protection, it may run on half the ac cycle.

As some stereo instructions said,
Please to not connect the wires out of sequence or smoke may result.

Vampira · Post by **Vampira** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:04 pm

Thank you very much for your input! I really appreciate it very much.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:25 pm

Is this it?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=91848

http://www.zetatalk.com/energy/tengx112.htm

Vampira · Post by **Vampira** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:51 am

Yes it is gyre.
Peck Surge Power 1800w
Continuous Use 700w
INput 12v Nominal )19-15) dc
output 115v Ac

Yep that's it.

munney · Post by **munney** » Thu May 15, 2008 1:06 am

Stay away from inverters, charge up the Deep cycle 12 volts, and get a multi port/ adapter for cigarette lighter action.

Cut the cord and connect it direct to the battery(s) and run cool 12 volt stuff directly from the battery, ....

I found that the inverter took as much power as it gave, as it has to run itself to power the plug-ins for whatever your needs may be.

Plus it's burning Man, so make a Gas Powered Blender, or get a battery or hand crank model, ... Try roughing it, or better yet, Join Camp RV Generator city.

There's plenty of power out there, so get the Solar panels out and take it from the sky.

Vampira · Post by **Vampira** » Thu May 22, 2008 11:35 am

munney wrote:Stay away from inverters, charge up the Deep cycle 12 volts, and get a multi port/ adapter for cigarette lighter action.

Cut the cord and connect it direct to the battery(s) and run cool 12 volt stuff directly from the battery, ....

I found that the inverter took as much power as it gave, as it has to run itself to power the plug-ins for whatever your needs may be.

Plus it's burning Man, so make a Gas Powered Blender, or get a battery or hand crank model, ... Try roughing it, or better yet, Join Camp RV Generator city.

There's plenty of power out there, so get the Solar panels out and take it from the sky.

I would love to go solar, but I don't have the resources to do so, but I have the inverter, and if I don't use it it will go to waste, and I feel waste is a waste, and I'm trying to be self reliant. Gas is so expensive here, 4.20 lowest price, so that wouldn't work for me either.

Thank you for all the information!

phil · Post by **phil** » Thu May 22, 2008 12:01 pm

Munney's right that it's better to run 12V stuff directly off the battery. However, all my rechargeable batteries have different voltages (i.e., not 12VDC) and different wallwarts that plug into 110VAC wall outlets and expect to work off that to properly charge the various batteries to their various voltages.

This means that inverters are a necessity for me, I'm sorry to say. I wish someone would standardize all those batteries, but I'm sure that would mean all my rechargeable devices would have to be bigger and would run down faster.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:13 pm

There are some sophisticated chargers that will run all batteries.
Many chargers come with an optional auto jack as they run off 12 volts at heart.
But not all.

munney · Post by **munney** » Fri May 23, 2008 6:09 pm

Vampira wrote:Someone left this at my house, and I was wondering how to use it out at burning man, any suggestions?

Chicago DC TO AC Power inverter 700 watt.

What type of battery should I get to run maybe a fan & blender?

OK Vampira,

If you just wannabe working the Blender and Fan,

Q: Is this a big Fan? Can you get by with battery powered Tent Fans? Are you aware of the large Breeze we sometimes come upon out there, ie. Dust storms, ???

Also

Blender, ? Why? The best Margaritas are simple without the need for a blender, they contain 2 shots of Good (only 100% Agave Quality [usually expensive] Tequila), plus 1 oz Lime (Juice of one lime), plus 1 shot of Tripple Sec /or / Cointreau, Add Ice in a pitcher, Stir, and Voila! You've got a great Margarita.

I am happy to come over and help you taste test, Aight?:roll:

Post by **AntiM** » Fri May 23, 2008 7:05 pm

I have a two speed, hand-crank blender just waiting for a playa test drive. No electricity required.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Fri May 23, 2008 7:11 pm

You can plug your blender's electric cord right into one of my margaritas, but I'd run it through a surge protector if I were you!!

Post by **AntiM** » Fri May 23, 2008 7:36 pm

Are you talkin' dirty again?

skibear · Post by **skibear** » Fri May 23, 2008 8:57 pm

The gasoline chainsaw blender was one of the most amazing things
seen last year.

The chain was gone and a blender jug attached in it's place.
The dude yanked the cord and it started with the most scary noise
possible -like it was about to rip your leg off then it stopped after
5 seconds and Margaritas are poured out!

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Sat May 24, 2008 8:02 am

Living in a state capital get me into state sales and auctions..

The have some of the biggest batteries I've ever..

Or just clamp unto The Captain Damnit's Peter Built starter battery..

Some where is cyber space I ran across a bike with a blender mounted on the rear carrier..

Inverters take to much power per results

They fill up with dust because of the little cooling fan inside

And are a all around pain in the ass..

Sell the thing on Crag's List and buy beer..

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat May 24, 2008 9:28 am

They make inverters with enough proper design they don't have fans.
Might be possible to convert one with a fan to one without it.
Could put a filter on a fan as a last resort.
Some inverters are quite efficient.
Most vary as to the range where they are efficient.

Post by **mdmf007** » Sat May 24, 2008 10:48 pm

Itty bitty generators are still an easier alternative - smaller than the battery youll need to suck the DC off of, certainly lighter.

quiet, and can be resold easily after the event. They will aso be lighter, and put out more power than a battery/inverter combo of comparable output.

Vampira · Post by **Vampira** » Sun May 25, 2008 5:21 pm

munney wrote:
Vampira wrote:Someone left this at my house, and I was wondering how to use it out at burning man, any suggestions?

Chicago DC TO AC Power inverter 700 watt.

What type of battery should I get to run maybe a fan & blender?

OK Vampira,

If you just wannabe working the Blender and Fan,

Q: Is this a big Fan? Can you get by with battery powered Tent Fans? Are you aware of the large Breeze we sometimes come upon out there, ie. Dust storms, ???

Also

Blender, ? Why? The best Margaritas are simple without the need for a blender, they contain 2 shots of Good (only 100% Agave Quality [usually expensive] Tequila), plus 1 oz Lime (Juice of one lime), plus 1 shot of Tripple Sec /or / Cointreau, Add Ice in a pitcher, Stir, and Voila! You've got a great Margarita.

I am happy to come over and help you taste test, Aight?:roll:

I fully aware of the dust storms. ( one of the reasons why I'm going to burning man )

You got it close about the margaritas, you forgot to blend it all together with a high powered blender!

Any time, Munney, I do appreciate your thoughts, Thank you.

munney · Post by **munney** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:18 am

Vampira....

I hate to Pull Rank on you here, yet I have earned my Master's Degree in Tequila Technology,

So I think I know what I am talking about....

If one uses a blender to mix a drink, OK, for some drinx, Yet if you want your ice to melt sooner and dilute the nectar of the spirits then by all means, use a massive blender and pulverize that Ice.

This is Why we gently blend our mixtures with a spoon,

So we can taste it and modify it if need be &

So we don't make a diluted drink, (it does get quite warm out there and I'd rather have my ice last longer, maybe for a couple drinks)

Remember that a strawberry margarita is good for only a couple reasons:::

If you need to get rid of Strawberries that are turning, OR

If you need to get rid of Cheap Teauila (Cuervo) OR

If you need to get rid of a newby Alcohol leach and you have Cuervo and or old Strawberies and a Powerful blender

Lets have a Cold one together this year, OK

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:27 am

A friend of mine had a hand cranked ice crusher.
It gave a nice sized result.
I don't know if they are still made.
Looked like it came from the 40s or 50s.
Small like it was made for a bar.

Guidance about power inverters, sorry if in wrong area.

Guidance about power inverters, sorry if in wrong area.

fuck inverters

Re: fuck inverters

Re: Guidance about power inverters, sorry if in wrong area.

Re: Guidance about power inverters, sorry if in wrong area.

Blender?