Q & A
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What is the best type of batteries to use in my Inverter/Charger installation? We always recommended that Deep Cycle batteries be selected. Deep Cycles come in several different forms. Wet cell batteries, Gel cell batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries. Wet cell batteries would include 6-volt (golf cart) batteries. Wet cell batteries do require some maintenance. Gel cell batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries are a sealed battery and typically require very little maintenance. What is the best type of batteries to use in my Inverter/Charger installation? We always recommended that Deep Cycle batteries be selected. Deep Cycles come in several different forms. Wet cell batteries, Gel cell batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries. Wet cell batteries would include 6-volt (golf cart) batteries. Wet cell batteries do require some maintenance. Gel cell batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries are a sealed battery and typically require very little maintenance. How many batteries do I need? Two factors determine the quantity of batteries required. First, the type and case size of the battery selectedon how many Amp Hours you want to use between charge cycles. Most people have a 400-450 Amp Hour Bank, but this depends on how you use your system. When do I need to recharge my batteries? 1. Most people use the
50% rule, where the discharge to 1/2 full then recharge when dry camping or on
the hook. Can I turn on my inverter when I am on the road? Yes, the alternator should keep up or catch up with any loads you may run on the inverter. Can I hook up more than one inverter in order to increase my power? Our current models do not support cascade operation, but you can install more than one inverter on one bank and split the circuit so some are on one and others on the other one. Why do I need to equalize my batteries? After 10-12 deep cycles (use approximately 50%) the plates become sulfated and over time the acid settles, so it is stronger at the bottom than the top. An equalize charge mixes up the acid so that is as strong at the top, as at the bottom, therefore getting as much electricity off the whole plate. Also it gets the sulfur off the plate so it can go back into the acid or fall harmlessly to the bottom Can I hook an extra battery charger up to the same batteries used by the inverter? Yes. However, the high output 3-stage charger of the Freedom Inverter/Charger is generally sufficient to rapidly and completely recharge even large battery banks. Can I run my DC loads off the charger without my batteries hooked up? No. The charger is designed specifically to operate while connected to a battery bank. Why do my batteries go dead when I use the inverter/charger in invert mode? The Freedom Inverter takes the available Battery power and changes in into AC power to operate your household appliances. In many cases there are additional “hidden loads” that will draw power from the inverter even when they are turned off. Some examples are: TV tubes being kept warm, Microwave & VCR clocks and logic that are always on. In addition to the AC loads, there may also be DC loads that draw power from the same battery bank as the inverter. These loads can include CO detector, accent lighting, bay lights, and water pumps These phantom loads can consume over 70 Amp Hours a day and most bank would be dead in about 3 Days with the inverter on and no loads on. Should I leave my inverter ON or OFF when shore power is available? There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. If you leave your inverter powered ON, you have immediate back up AC power should you lose shore power, but you might not know you have lost shore power until your batteries are discharged. If you choose to leave your inverter OFF you have the advantage of knowing when you have lost shore power but at the expense of losing automatic back up power capabilities. Why am I reading only 100 VAC when my inverter is ON? Most Multi Meters are averaging meters and read a modified sine wave anywhere between 90 to 130 VAC. If you have a true RMS meter your reading would be 120 VAC. If in doubt, check the intensity of an incandesent light bulb on shore power or generator and then on Inverter, the intensity will be consistant between the two. If the inverter were putting out 100 VAC, the light would be much dimmer on inverter. What is Automatic AC Transfer Switching? Freedom Combi Inverter/Chargers are smart. When AC power is present, the unit automatically transfers the loads to the source of power (shorepower or generater). It also switches the Freedom from inverter mode to charge mode. Do I need a remote control? No the remote controll is not required, but the Remote Controls provide three primary benefits. You can control, monitor and diagnose your Freedom Combi Inverter/Charger. The LINK 2000 and LINK 1000 provide battery-state-of-charge information and control the operation of the Freedom Combi Inverter/Charger. LINK monitors are compatible with the Freedom 10, 15, 25, and 30. The Freedom Remote Control Panel also enables you to control and diagnose your Freedom Combi Inverter/Charger. Can I use my computer with a Freedom Inverter? Most sensitive electronics like computers operate properly on Freedom Inverters. How do I know how much time is left in my batteries? The Freedom Remote Control and LINK 1000 and 2000 tell you how much time you have left in your batteries. Multi-color LED`s display critical battery information for worry-free power management. Why should I own a Freedom Inverter? Freedom Inverters provide silent AC power anywhere, anytime without the hassles of continuous generator use. A Freedom Inverter enables you to use the comforts and conveniences of home (microwaces, tools, hair dryers, etc.) while camping in the wilderness or relaxing at your favorate anchorage. Freedom Inverters are smaller, lighter, maintenance-free and less expensive than built -in generators. Freedom Inverters are also environmentally friendly...no noise, no fossil fuel, no vibration and no fumes. |