CED IR screens and power inverters

[dfry]

Has anyone used and or had any problems with the CED IR screens when using a power inverter? CED in one place says they don't recomend it and in another say to use one with a low amp fuse. I have a pretty good inverter that I can use with the truck when an outlet is not close at the range, thanks, Dave

 

[CatShooter]

Has anyone used and or had any problems with the CED IR screens when using a power inverter? CED in one place says they don't recomend it and in another say to use one with a low amp fuse. I have a pretty good inverter that I can use with the truck when an outlet is not close at the range, thanks, Dave

Make sure that the output is pure DC without a ripple current on the power. The screen on chrono's work on slight changes in the light coming in to the cell.

If there is a ripple current on the DC, the chrono will not work - it is the same as fluorescent lights

 

[itchyTF]

CED says the IR screens can be powered with an optional NiMH battery. If that's 12v, why not run the screens right off the truck battery?

The following is just my opinion -
Usually, the "inexpensive" DC to AC inverters put out square waves and some things manage to run on it. I tried running an oscilloscope with a square wave inverter and it wouldn't even turn on. That kind of power can be hard on circuitry designed for sine waves. I wouldn't do it unless it's a true or pure sine wave inverter. I wouldn't trust the ones that say they are modified sine wave.

FWIW -

A “modified sine wave” inverter is less expensive, but it produces a distorted square waveform that resembles the track of a pendulum being slammed back and forth by hammers. In truth, it isn’t a sine wave at all. The misleading term “modified sine wave” was invented by advertising people. Engineers prefer to call it “modified square wave.”

The modified sine wave has detrimental effects on many electrical loads. It reduces the energy efficiency of motors and transformers by 10 to 20 percent. The wasted energy causes abnormal heat which reduces the reliability and longevity of motors and transformers and other devices, including some appliances and computers. The choppy waveform confuses some digital timing devices.

About 5 percent of household appliances simply won’t work on modified sine wave power at all. A buzz will be heard from the speakers of nearly every audio device. An annoying buzz will also be emitted by some fluorescent lights, ceiling fans, and transformers. Some microwave ovens buzz or produce less heat. TVs and computers often show rolling lines on the screen. Surge protectors may overheat and should not be used.

Modified sine wave inverters were tolerated in the 1980s, but since then, sine wave inverters have become more efficient and more affordable. Some people compromise by using a modified sine wave inverter to run their larger power tools or other occasional heavy loads, and a small sine wave inverter to run their smaller, more frequent, and more sensitive loads. Modified sine wave inverters in renewable energy systems have started fading into history.

 

[dfry]

Thanks for the info, forgot abut the sine wave issue, also CED says not to hook up to a 12 v battery direct it can damage the circuitry accouding to them. They use a 12 v NIMH battery back that I could probably make, or jsut buy for the 40 bucks, Dave

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Cant use an extension cord? ???

 

[dfry]

yep, when i'm on a range with an outlet

 

[itchyTF]

Sounds like CED is just trying for a battery sale. 12v from a lead acid battery looks, feels, tastes and smells just like 12v from a NiMH battery!!! ;D Assuming the screens are working properly, they aren't going to draw any more current from the lead acid than the NiMH. What CED might have been referring to is if there is a fault the lead acid can supply a lot more current for a longer period of time than the NiMH. If it were me, I'd check what the DC output current of the AC adapter is and use a fuse of that value and run it off the car battery.

 

[dfry]

Sounds like a plan, I'll give it a test and fuse it!

 

[AlanPF]

I've made up a lead with alligator clips for direct connection to a 12V car battery, and have had no problems after several sessions. All the same I'd be interested to know what you decide about the fuse. Would also be good if the main unit had an external power connector - it makes short work of the 9V alkalines :-[. My old F1 Chrony is several times more "fuel efficient".