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MovingCastle · 04-25-2022, 04:44 PM

Here is my problem, new to me 2018 Thor Challenger, with a Xantrex 1800 inverter with remote switch. If you want to skip the backstory skip to the last paragraph. The first time we went to use the inverter it faulted to low voltage, I discovered one of the batteries had a hole amd the dealer replaced them. It kept throwing codes and showing different displays each time it was turned on, sometimes it would work fine the next a low voltage code, next some line bars, sometimes just a backlit screen. While troubleshooting my initial thought was the cable to the switch was bad, so I removed the switch and plugged it directly into the inverter. Worked 2 times then faulted on the 3rd, when it did this I had my voltmeter on the inverter and watched the volts drop from 12 to 7 and climb back to 10. I grabbed the wire thinking loose connection and the volts went back to 12.7. Replaced all battery cables (dealer) I believe because of the hole in the battery and all the fumes, the inside of the cables were corroded. Everything was good for 2 weeks, yesterday I turned on the inverter and it just showed a backlit screen (not making power) I pulled the switch and went straight to the inverter and it worked as it should.
I have decided to replace the remote cable, it's a 4 wire cord, my dealer says it's a data cord, Thor said they believed it's a phone cord (says phone line on it) but suggested I call Xantrex. So I did, and had the option of receiving a call back to keep my place in the Q (I have already read about their customer service), 3 hours later I called back, told them I have an 1800 inverter with a 4 wire remote switch and needed to know what cable to use phone or data. He informed me there is a 4 and 6 wire (the latter being better). I clarified 4 wires and he said phone cord, so I wanted to clarify both ends of the cable should be wired the same side by side, he said yes phone cord. I then added mine are not and he then said "then it's a data cable",

I said thank you and hung up. A few minutes later I get my original callback, it's a different person so I figured I would ask him. The conversation went the same, use a phone cable but he stated the phone cable is wired differently on the ends and the data is the same

.
So my question is does this system use a standard phone cord, if so should both ends match when compared side to side, I don't want to damage anything.

HarryStone · 04-25-2022, 04:57 PM

A simple ohm meter test will confirm either way. Grab both ends of the cable and go point to point. If not long enough, make a simple wire extender.

vsheetz · 04-25-2022, 05:11 PM

Use a test meter to verify the layout of the cable. Assuming it's a telephone type RJ11 or similar it could be wired a couple ways.

Cables usually don't go bad in the middle, rather at a connector. Replace a connector(s).

US1 · 04-25-2022, 05:18 PM

Just installed the Xantrex Prowatt 2000, and have read that only 2 of the wires are all thats needed for the on/off purpose.... For those that didnt want to buy the Xantrex remote and just hook up to a simple Mom On switch. I believe you can find out which wires by a simple web search if so desired. That said, my remote wires has what looks like a coil wrapped by the remote wires and encased in heat shrink. Really no idea what it does as the inverter can be switched OFF/ON by either the remote or at the unit itself.

You can buy the tool and cable ends at any hardware dept store. Possibly just cut the ends off 1 at a time leaving enough old wires so you can reference it and crimp on a new end. I'd think the ends would be the problematic spot. I will be back out to my RV tomorrow afternoon and will try to remember to compare the ends on my remote wire.

MovingCastle · 04-25-2022, 07:03 PM

Appreciate all the replies, I have checked for continuity (and should have clarified I want to replace the connections) I am concerned that someone replaced one of the ends and made a mistake. I just want to clarify if both ends of the cable need to be wired identically since I am getting conflicting information from the manufacturer. I have several phone lines and all of them are the same on each end.

153stars · 04-28-2022, 11:34 AM

The last paragraph says reversed. Read several times old heart Inverter cables were like phone cable and newer inverter com cables were one plug flipped. But I don't want you to damage anything . I know have to flip a plug just not 100% sure on some cables but not sure of the proper final orientation. I can't believe no one has chimed in that has upgraded and kept original cable and changed the plug. Have tried hard reset to removed all power.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...print/true.cfm

MovingCastle · 04-28-2022, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

The last paragraph says reversed. Read several times old heart Inverter cables were like phone cable and newer inverter com cables were one plug flipped. But I don't want you to damage anything . I know have to flip a plug just not 100% sure on some cables but not sure of the proper final orientation. I can't believe no one has chimed in that has upgraded and kept original cable and changed the plug. Have tried hard reset to removed all power.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...print/true.cfm

153stars thank you for the reply, I looked thru the attachment you provide, some people said pins flipped others standard 4 wire phone line. There was one that said a Prosine 1800 had the pins flipped, so maybe that's it. Yes, I have done a hard reset.

MovingCastle · 04-28-2022, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

The last paragraph says reversed. Read several times old heart Inverter cables were like phone cable and newer inverter com cables were one plug flipped. But I don't want you to damage anything . I know have to flip a plug just not 100% sure on some cables but not sure of the proper final orientation. I can't believe no one has chimed in that has upgraded and kept original cable and changed the plug. Have tried hard reset to removed all power.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...print/true.cfm

153stars, based on the link you sent I felt comfortable enough to flip one end like it originally was. I did replace the cable, I had one section between the step wall and the storage bay (inaccessible) where I could not pull the cable one way or the other. Not sure if it was pinched or had a fastener thru it. Ran a new cable and no issues so far, thanks again.

153stars · 04-28-2022, 07:58 PM

Did you buy new inverter com cable and check what the orientation is. So one is flipped com. style or straight phone style and you flipped it.? Just not clear to me in case it comes up again. Glad you got it fixed. I could see the wire run in tight spot and getting pinched or wedged in place then rattle down the road and short out or cut.

MovingCastle · 04-28-2022, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

Did you buy new inverter com cable and check what the orientation is. So one is flipped com. style or straight phone style and you flipped it.? Just not clear to me in case it comes up again. Glad you got it fixed. I could see the wire run in tight spot and getting pinched or wedged in place then rattle down the road and short out or cut.

I did not buy a new cable, I had some heavy-duty phone cord laying around, and RJ-11 connectors. Yes, one of the connectors is flipped, so I placed the wires yellow, green, red, and black and installed them with the locking clip on top, the other end I placed the wires in the same order but slid the connector on with the locking clip below. FYI some of the older ones do use a standard 4 wire phone cord with identical ends.