computer and converter/inverter modulation

[ToledoCharli]

I'm considering at some point in time replacing existing converter on new THOR- A.C.E. motor home to larger inverter. My question, will a modified sine wave inverter cause issues with computer or do I have to spend the bucks for pure sinewave inverter?

[TechWriter]

It might. Modified sign may also cause problems with TVs and some electric fridge control systems.

You'll get folks who will tell you it didn't harm their stuff, but if you have the $$$, go pure sign instead of taking a chance.

[alvinc]

Is the current inverter a SW or MSW? If it is a MSW you might be able to get away with a MSW.

On the other hand, this is a capital investment, that is you buy it and use it for a long time. If you get MSW inverter and are not happy, you will end up paying more. Inverters are not incrementally upgradable, you will have to replace the entire thing.

A 2000W SW inverter varies in price from $500 (PROwatt inverter only) to $1,900 for a Prosine inverter/charger or a Freedom SW inverter/charger for $1,400. This is a big range.

[wa8yxm]

Answered on another forum. As Tech Writer said. MSW inverters might (or might not) cause problems with Televisions, Radios, Audio systems, Anything with electronic controls or timers, (Microwave, Electric blanket of all things, Coffee pots) Or they might not.

True sine wave inverters: Simply work, so long as they are big enough to power the load, they work..

One mis-belief I had is that MSW's are more "Efficient" Turns out that they are not, Just so you know, 89-90 percent is peak efficiency for both the Prosine line and the X-power line from Xantrex, (TSW and MSW)

You also ask, in the other forum, abut the converter v/s converter/inverter combined.

The answer is: Depends. In many cases the inverter/converter/charger's charger stage is a top of the line 3-stage device possibly with an additional outstanding feature.

Those are hard (As in impossible) to beat.

In many cases the converter built into an older rig or even a trailer still, is a low end single stage converter.. Those need to be beat, with a big hammer smashing them to bits.

HOWEVER, the key words in both of those statements are "MANY CASES"

You might have a top line converter already. And I've not read the spec sheet on every inverter/charger out there.

[Tgonser]

I am looking at the same question.. The ACE has a 3 stage charger. Not sure if it is 'good' or not tho! Also want to use all my plugs, not just the ones on the inverter..

[John Hilley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tgonser I am looking at the same question.. The ACE has a 3 stage charger. Not sure if it is 'good' or not tho! Also want to use all my plugs, not just the ones on the inverter..

If you currently can use the inverter by plugging directly into it, you will have to add a transfer switch and possibly a sub panel. Some inverters have a built in transfer switch and if it is large enough you could insert it into the shore power cord circuit. You would want to make sure you switch your refigerator and water heater to propane if you power the whole RV with the inverter.