There are a number of things that inexpensive inverters will not power.
Transformers in general have some challenges with the AC from them which
looks like a bunch of square waves on a scope--they switch the power,
hence the square waves. Some transformers work fine because they smooth
the waves. Others overheat, or make nasty noises while they shake their
laminations loose, or put out too low a voltage. In general, the newer the
gear, the better it works.
The new Honda generators, while more expensive than your approach, are
really trick. They have a DC generator and an inverter, but they put out a
nice wave and they have a built-in battery charger. In econo mode they
make very little noise and use almost no gas. You can connect two of them
in parallel with a synchronizer cable and outlet setup to put out up to
4000 watts! I bought mine a long time ago so I got the little 1000 watt
version, which is a little too small to run my midget air compressor. I'll
probably have to get a second 1000 and a synch setup, though the new 2000
watt ones are reasonably inexpensive.
I'll make you a deal on my 1000 watt version, though I'm sure shipping
would make the idea silly.
-----Original Message-----
From: jaboruch
To: Friends of Triumph
Sent: 4/18/2003 9:07 PM
Subject: power inverters
I was trying to make a silent generator with a power inverter and a
marine deep cycle battery to use at the track, rather than lugging my
heavy and noisy gasoline powered generator. The power inverter works
well with tools such as electric drills, lights, televisions, etc, but
not with my battery charger. Have any of you tried to charge a 12v
battery off of a power (aka voltage) inverter? Not sure if is is just
my 20 year old battery charger that this will not work with or if I am
violating a law of nature and this just will not work Any ideas?
Yes, the charger works fine when plugged into household power. Joe(B)
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