VEC024
400 WATT
POWER INVERTER
NEW
SOFT START
TECHNOLOGY
800 WATT
PEAK
OWNER’S MANUAL
& WARRANTY INFORMATION
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY,
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS PRODUCT. BEFORE USE, READ
AND UNDERSTAND ALL CAUTIONS, WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND PRODUCT
LABELS, PLUS YOUR VEHICLE’S BATTERY MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES. FAILURE TO
DO SO COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
4140 SW 28TH WAY, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312
TEL 954-584-4446 • FAX 954-584-5556 • TOLL-FREE 866-584-5504
www.vectormfg.com
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................4
2. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS ..................4,5
3. HOW YOUR INVERTER WORKS..............................................5
3.1 Principal of Operation ......................................................5
3.2 The MaxxSST 400 Output Waveform ....................................6
4. INSTALLATION..............................................................6
4.1 Power Source Requirements ............................................6,7
4.2 Connection to Power Source............................................7,8
4.3 Connection to Load ........................................................8,9
4.4 Placement of Inverter ........................................................9
5. OPERATING TIPS ........................................................10
5.1 Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment................10
5.2 Battery Operating Time....................................................10
6. PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF INVERTER ........................11
7. COMMON PROBLEMS ..............................................12
8. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................12,13
9. FUSE REPLACEMENT ..................................................13
10. SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................14
11. WARRANTY ........................................................14,15
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1.
INTRODUCTION
Your new Vector MAXX 400 SST inverter is one in a series of the
mostadvanced DC to AC inverters available today. With proper
careandappropriate usage, it will give you years of dependable service in
your car, truck, RV or boat.
The MAXX 400 SST supplies 400 watts of continuous power, with a 800
watt peak, in the form of two household-type outlets that are ready to
deliver 110 volt AC power whenever and wherever you need it! The heavy-
duty inverter has enough power to run most household or electronic
appliances, including color TVs (up to 25"), TV/VCR combinations, laptop
computers, camcorders, cellular phone, power tool chargers, lamps and
many more. It also comes equipped with battery clips to handle higher
amperage/load applications, such as; power tools, stereo amplifiers (up to
275 watt RMS), etc. Added safety features include automatic shutdown
and a low battery alarm to prevent damage to your battery.
This power inverter is configured with the latest soft start technology (SST)
to improve inverter operation. Before introduction of soft-start, high start-
up currents from large inductive loads could shut down the inverter. Three
major features are incorporated in SST. First, gradual voltage ramp-
upduring inverter start-up. This eliminates failed cold starts underload.
Second, output that momentarily dips in voltage and quickly recovers. This
eliminates most shutdowns from momentary overloads. Last, the inverter
needs to be turned off then turned on to re-start the inverter when an
overload that caused inverter shutdown is removed.
This power inverter also incorporates a new cooling technology that
directly benefits our customers. The new design more efficiently cools the
power transistors, and combined with soft start dramatically increases
reliability and the life of the product.
2.
CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS
Figure 1 details the front panel of the inverter. The front panel provides two
LED indicators. A green LED shows proper operation when lit. The red LED
shows inverter shutdown from overload, over voltage or over temperature.
Power is supplied through two grounded standard North American outlets.
Outlets accommodate either two or three pin AC plugs. An ON/OFF
switch turns the inverter circuitry ON and OFF. The switch is used to force
reset of inverter circuits if it is switched OFF, then ON.
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FIGURE 1
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1. RED SHUT DOWN LED
2. GREEN OPERATING LED
3. 2 110 VAC RECEPTACLES
4. ON/OFF SWITCH
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1
2
FIGURE 2
2
1. HIGH SPEED COOLING FAN
2. (+) DC POWER CONNECTION
3. (–) DC POWER CONNECTION
1
3
3.
HOW YOUR VECTOR INVERTER WORKS
The inverter converts low voltage DC (direct current) from a battery or other
power source to standard 110 volt AC (alternating current) household
power.
3.1 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The inverter converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC
conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to
145 volts DC. The second stage is the actual inverter stage that converts the
high voltage DC into 110 volts, 60 Hz AC.
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses modern high frequency power
conversion techniques that have replaced the bulky transformers found in
less technologically-advanced models. The inverter stage uses advanced
power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration.
FIGURE 3 - Principle of Operation
12VDC TO
145VDC
145VDC TO
110VAC
CONVERSION
CONVERSION
12VDC
Input
Internal
Fuses
ONE AC
Outlet
110 VAC, 60Hz
To AC Appliances
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3.2 THE MAXX SST 400 WATT OUTPUT WAVEFORM
The AC output waveform of the MAXX 400 SST is known as “modified sine
wave”. It is a waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave
shape of utility power. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads,
including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic
equipment, transformers, and motors.
The modified sine wave produced by the MAXX 400 SST inverter has an
RMS (root mean square) voltage of 110 volts, which is the same as
standard household power. Most AC voltmeters (both digital and analog)
a
r
e
sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS value.
They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the waveform
measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not read the RMS
voltage of a modified sine wave correctly. They will read about 20 to 30 volts
low when measuring the output of the inverter. For accurate measurement of
the output voltage of this unit, use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a
Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Fluke 77/99 series, Beckman 4410, or Triplett
4200.
FIGURE 4 - Modified Sine Wave and Sine Wave Comparison
4.
INSTALLATION
4.1 POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
The power source must provide between 10.5 and 15.5 volts DC and must
be able to supply the necessary current to operate the load. The power
source may be a battery or a well-regulated DC power supply. To obtain a
rough estimate of the current (in amperes) the power source must deliver,
simply divide the power consumption of the load (in watts AC) by 10.
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Example: If a load is rated at 400 watts AC, the power source must be able
to deliver: 400 divided by 10 = 40 amperes
CAUTION: The MAXX 400 SST must be connected only to batteries with
a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not operate from a
6 volt battery and will sustain permanent damage if connected to a
24 volt battery.
4.2
CONNECTION TO POWER SOURCE
The MAXX 400 SST comes equipped with a 12 volt DC plug and battery
clip cables for connection to the power source:
CAUTION: Do not use with positive ground electrical systems (the
majority of modern automobiles, RVs, and trucks are negative ground)
Connecting to Power Source Using 12 volt DC Plug:
The 12 volt DC plug is suitable for operating the inverter at power outputs
up to 175 watts. The tip of the plug is positive and the side contact is
negative. Connect the MAXX 400 SST to the power source by inserting the
12 volt DC plug firmly into the 12 volt DC socket of a vehicle or other DC
power source.
CAUTION: Connect directly to power source when operating above
175 watts.
NOTE: Most automobile 12 volt DC circuits use fuses rated at 15 to 20
amps or greater. To operate at full 400 watts output, either use the
battery clip cable (supplied) or directly wire to the power source with
user-supplied wire and fuse. Caution: Reverse polarity connection will
result in a blown fuse and may cause permanent damage to the inverter
and will void the warranty.
Connecting to a Power Source Using Provided Cables:
If the inverter is to be used for extended periods at power levels above 175
watts, direct connection to the power source is required. Use the provided
cables to connect the MAXX 400 SST directly to the 12 volt power source
using the following guidelines:
1. Check to be sure the MAXX 400 SST power switch is turned off and
that no flammable fumes are present.
2. Connect the black cable to the black post marked “(-)” on the back of
the inverter. Connect the battery clip to the negative terminal of
the battery.
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3. Connect the red cable to the red post marked “(+)” on the back of the
inverter. Connect the battery clip to the positive terminal of the battery.
4. Check to be sure that all connections between battery clips and
terminals are secure.
Direct Hardwiring to Power Source:
Use #10 AWG wire if the inverter to power source connection is 12 feet or
less. For longer cable lengths use #8 AWG wire. In either case, protect the
positive (+) wire from shorts by installing a 50 Amp fuse or circuit breaker
close to the DC power source (battery) terminal.
1. Check to be sure the inverter’s power switch is turned off and that no
flammable fumes are present.
2. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) DC power source (battery)
terminals.
3. Install a fuse holder or breaker close to the positive (+) terminal of the
DC source (battery).
4. Connect a length of wire on one side of the fuse holder or circuit breaker.
Connect the other end if the wire to the positive (+) terminal of the inverter.
5. Connect a length of wire between the inverter’s negative (-) terminal
and the DC power source negative (-) terminal.
6. Connect a short length of wire to the other terminal of the fuse holder
or circuit breaker. Mark it “POSITIVE” or “+”.
7. Connect the free end of the fuse or breaker wire to the positive
terminal of the DC power source (battery).
8. Insert a 50 amp fuse in the fuse holder.
9. Test the inverter by turning it on and plugging in a 100 watt lamp or
equipment.
10. If the inverter is not properly operating, then refer to the trouble-
shooting sections of this manual.
CAUTION: Loose connectors may cause overheated wires and melted
insulation. Check to make sure you have not reversed the polarity.
Damage due to reversed polarity is not covered by our warranty.
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4.3 CONNECTION TO LOAD
The MAXX 400 SST is equipped with dual standard North American AC
power receptacles. Plug the cord from the equipment you wish to operate
into the AC receptacle(s). The green LED indicator lights to indicate that the
inverter is functioning. Make sure the combined load requirement of your
equipment does not exceed 400 SST watts.
The MAXX 400 SST is engineered to be connected directly to standard
electrical and electronic equipment in the manner described above. Do not
connect the power inverter to household or RV AC distribution wiring. Do not
connect the power inverter to any AC load circuit in which the neutral
conductor
is
connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.
WARNING: Do not connect to AC distribution wiring.
CAUTION: RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES
Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be recharged by
plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These devices may
damage the inverter. Do not use the inverter to recharge items that q
can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle.
This problem does not occur with the majority of battery-operated
equipment. Most of these devices use a separate charger or transformer
that is plugged into an AC receptacle. The MAXX 400 SST is easily
capable of running most chargers and transformers.
4.4 PLACEMENT OF THE INVERTER
For best operating results, the inverter should be placed on a flat surface,
such as the ground, car floor or other solid surface. A power cord measuring
3 feet (1.0 meter) has been provided for easy positioning of the inverter.
The inverter should only be used in locations that meet the following
criteria:
DRY - Do not allow water and/or other liquids to come into contact with
the MAXX 400 SST inverter.
COOL - Ambient air temperature should be between 30 degrees F (-1
degree C) non-condensing, and 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). Do not
place the inverter on or near a heating vent or any piece of equipment
which is generating heat above room temperature. Keep the inverter away
from direct sunlight, if at all possible.
VENTILATED - Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure free
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air circulation around the unit. Do not place items on or over the inverter
during operation. A fan is helpful if the inverter is operating at maximum
power outputs for extended periods of time. The unit will shut down if the
internal temperature exceeds operating temperatures. The unit will restart
after it cools.
SAFE - Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or
in any locations that may accumulate flammable fumes or
gases.
5.
OPERATING TIPS
5.1 RATED VERSUS ACTUAL CURRENT DRAW OF EQUIPMENT
Most electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels
that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the
power consumption of the item you wish to operate is rated at 400 watts
or less (If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply by
the AC volts (110) to determine the wattage). The inverter has overload
protection, so it is safe to try to operate equipment rated at 400 watts or
less. The inverter will shut down if it is overloaded. The overload must be
removed before the inverter can be manually restarted by reseting the
on/off switch. Resistive loads are the easiest for the MAXX 400 SST to run.
However, larger resistive loads, such as electric stoves or heaters, usually
require more wattage than the MAXX 400 SST can deliver. Inductive loads,
such as TV’s and stereos, require morecurrent to operate than do resistive
loads of the same wattage rating. Induction motors, as well as some
televisions, may require 2 to 6 times their wattage rating to start up. The
most demanding in this category are those that start under load, such as
compressors and pumps. Testing is the only definitive way to determine
whether a specific load can be started and how long it can run. The unit
will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit after a shutdown
due to overloading, remove the overload and reset the on/off switch.
CAUTION: This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or
equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens
and toasters.
5.2
BATTERY OPERATING TIME
With a typical vehicle battery, a minimum operating time of 2 to 3 hours
can be expected. In most instances, 5 to 10 hours of operating time is
achievable. However, Vector recommends that the operator start the vehicle
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every 2 to 3 hours to recharge the battery system. This will guard against
any unexpected shut-down of the equipment and will ensure that there is
always sufficient battery capacity to start the vehicle’s engine. The inverter
will sound it’s alarm when DC voltage drops to 10.6 volt.
The inverter may be used whether or not the vehicle’s engine is running.
However, the inverter may not operate while the engine is starting since the
battery voltage can drop substantially during cranking.
The inverter draws less than 0.4 ampere from the battery when it is not
supplying power to a load. In most instances, the inverter can be left
connected to the battery when not in use since it draws so little current
when the power switch is in the ON position. However, if the vehicle is to
remain unused for several days, disconnect the inverter from the battery.
6.
PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF THE INVERTER
Your MAXX 400 SST monitors the following potentially hazardous
conditions:
LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE - This condition is not harmful to the inverter but
could damage the power source. An audible alarm will sound when input
voltage drops to 10.6. The MAXX 400 SST automatically shuts down when
input voltage drops to 10.0 volts. When the condition is corrected, the
unit may be restarted.
OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION - The MAXX 400 SST will automatically
shut down when the input voltage exceeds 15.5 volts DC.
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION - Reverse polarity or a short circuit
condition will usually result in an external fuse being blown.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION - The inverter will automatically shut down
when the continuous draw exceeds 400 watts.
OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION - If the temperature inside the MAXX
400 SST is too hot to operate, the unit will automatically shut down. Allow
the unit to cool for at least 15 minutes before restarting after a heat-related
shutdown. Unplug unit while cooling.
LOW BATTERY ALARM - An alarm will sound when the voltage from the
battery drops to 10.6 volts. This is an indication that the battery needs to be
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recharged. The user should stop operation of the electronic device at this
time since the inverter will shut down automatically shortly thereafter, when
the battery voltage drops to 10 volts. Start your engine to recharge the
battery.
If the low voltage alarm sounds when the battery is fully charged, follow
the steps for solving lack of output power in the Troubleshooting Guide. The
alarm will sound when the inverter is overloaded, in thermal shutdown, or
if there is an excessive voltage drop between the battery and inverter.
NOTE: It is normal for the alarm to sound while the unit is being connected
to, or disconnected from, the power source. This is not indicative of a
problem.
7.
COMMON PROBLEMS
“BUZZING” SOUND IN AUDIO SYSTEMS:
Some inexpensive stereo systems and “boom boxes” emit a buzzing sound
from their speakers when operated from the MAXX 400 SST power
inverter. This occurs because the power supply in the electronic device does
not adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. The
only solution to this problem is to use a higher quality sound system that
incorporates a higher quality power amplified supply.
TELEVISION INTERFERENCE:
The Vector MAXX 400 SST is shielded to minimize interference with TV
signals. However, in some instances, some interference may still be visible,
particularly with weak TV signals. Try the following corrective measures:
•
•
•
Position the inverter as far as possible from the television, the antenna
and the antenna cables. Use an extension cable, if necessary.
Adjust the orientation of the inverter, the antenna cables and the TV
power cord to minimize interference.
Make sure that the antenna feeding the television provides an
adequate (“snow free”) signal and that high quality, shielded antenna
cable is used.
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8.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:
TABLE 1 - INVERTER POWER SWITCH TURNED ON
TROUBLE/ INDICATION
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SUGGESTED REMEDY
No AC output –
DC input below 10 volts
Recharge or replace
red LED lit
battery
No AC output –
red LED lit
Excessive appliance
load-thermal shutdown
then turn ON
Reduce load-wait for
inverter to cool. Turn OFF,
No AC output –
Green LED not lit
Inverter fuses open
Contact technical Support
toll free 866-584-5504
TROUBLE/ INDICATION
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SUGGESTED REMEDY
Low battery alarm
sounds continuously
Bad connection or wiring
Tighten all DC
connections
Low battery
Low battery voltage
Recharge battery.
Remove load from
inverter while recharging
battery
alarm sounds
Motorized power tool
Excessive start-up load
won’t start
If appliance does not start,
then appliance is drawing
excessive wattage and will
not work with inverter
Motorized power tool
does not operate at
correct speed
Purely inductive load
Make the load not purely
inductive. Operate an
incandescent lamp at
same time as motor
Television/Radio
Snow in picture, buzz
interference in speaker
Keep inverter and
antenna distant from
each other. Use shielded
antenna cable. Connect
antenna to amplifier
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9.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
If external fuses blow, (or breakers trip), then there is a short or overload
in the DC wiring. Find and fix the problem before replacing the fuses (or
resetting the breaker). After fuse replacement, reconnect the inverter.
This power inverter is equipped with multiple internal fuses. Normally,
these fuses will not blow unless there is a serious problem inside the unit.
Internal fuses are replaceable, however, only electronically knowledgeable
people should attempt fuse replacement. If the unit is damaged during fuse
replacement, the warranty may be voided. Vector recommends contacting
Vector Technical Support for guidance. Based on experience, it is best to
return the unit to Vector for repair. Vector Technical Support can be
reached by calling toll free 866-584-5504. You may also contact us by
10.
SPECIFICATIONS
Output Connection ..........Dual North American Standard Receptacles
Output Voltage..................................Approx 110 volt AC RMS 60 Hz
Output Current....................................................................3.6 amps
Output Waveform ..................................Modified Sine Wave (filtered)
Input Voltage Range ..........................................10.5 to 15.5 volt DC
Low Voltage Alarm ........................................................10.6 volt DC
Low Voltage Shutdown....................................................10.0 volt DC
No Load Input Current ........................................................0.4 amps
Input Fuses ............................................................................Internal
Input Cables: ..........................One 12 volt DC Plug (up to 175 Watts)
Battery Clip Cable....................................................(up to 400 watts)
Additional Protection ..........................Overload, Over volt, Over temp
Weight....................................................................1.45 Lbs (.66 kg)
Length ..................................................................6.0 in. (15.24 cm)
Width ..................................................................6.0 in. (15.24 cm)
Height ..................................................................2.0 in. (5.08 cm)
11.
WARRANTY
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets
forth all the responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, Ltd., regarding this product. There
are no other warranties, other than those described herein.
This Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. product is warranted, to the original
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purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the
date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty does not extend to subsequent
purchasers or users. Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will not be responsible for any amount of
damage in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances.
Incidental and consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this
warranty. This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply
to accessories or damage to units from misuse or incorrect installation. Misuse includes
wiring or connecting to improper polarity power sources.
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned
postage prepaid to Vector Manufacturing. Any defective product, other than accessories,
that is returned to Vector Manufacturing within 30 days of the date of purchase may be
replaced free of charge . If such a product is returned more than 30 days but less than two
years from the purchase date, Vector Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its option,
replace it free of charge.
If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used,
at Vector Manufacturing’s option. A unit may be replaced with a new or reconditioned
unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or replaced unit will then be
warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period.
The customer is responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items.
During the warranty period, Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will be responsible for the return
shipping charges.
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and
batteries, defects resulting from normal wear and tear (including chips, scratches,
abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage or exposure to sunlight),
accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations, unauthorized
use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and
maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God.
If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our Technical Support
repair information and charges if applicable.
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the exclusions or limitations stated herein may not
apply. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights; other rights, which vary from
state to state, may apply.
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Vector Manufacturing
Technical Support by telephone, fax or mail. We suggest that you keep the original
packaging in case you need to ship the unit. When returning a product, include your
name, address, phone number, dated sales receipt (or copy), and a description of the
reason for return and product serial number. After replacing the unit, we will attempt to
return it to you within four weeks.
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and
mail to Vector Manufacturing. Enter “VEC024” as Model and “400 Watt
Power Inverter” as Product Type. All Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. products must
be registered within 10 days of purchase. To activate this warranty, mail
completed registration form, a copy of the original sales receipt to:
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.
4140 S.W. 28th Way; Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
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© 2004 VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312 MADE IN CHINA
VECTOR MANUFACTURING, LTD
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