Inverter problem now...

[Dot]

Ray the first thing I would do would be to talk to the manufacturer, (their tech people) but that's a female's take on things..

[generdawg]

Ray the first thing I would do would be to talk to the manufacturer, (their tech people) but that's a female's take on things..

I agree. You just might strike someone who sez, "yeah we've been getting a few of these and it just needs the right hand widget setup for left hand", "we'll send you an email with picys on how to, just give us your whoto@"

[Craig]

My $1800 was based on the cost as an option from Winnebago on their current range (pre-Avida).
If it's around $200 replacement, and the elec says it's the inverter, not the wiring from there to the house harness (which is where I suspect the problem lies), we'd be happy to replace it with a 2500w unit!
The reasons I suspect the house harness are:
- the inverter is receiving 12v from the house batts - indicated by the fact that the inverter hums & the fan kicks in.
- the multimeter shows power at & beyond the fuse block.
- the inside switches for Inverter On, Mains Source, & Inverter Output when correctly selected, show zilch on the voltmeter.

So what voltage are the batteries at??? If it is high, did you try dropping it by turning on some 12v lighting or appliances?

[Greynomad]

12v-side voltmeter shows 12.5v.
Did not try turning on anything on the 12v circuit.
Will try that tomorrow.
Have emailed Brisbane Service Agent for Mastervolt, explaining symptoms & asking for help.
Might have to take Girt to them to sort it out...
$$$

Had a look at their site. Only items listed for Mastervolt brand were plain marine battery chargers: $400+ & $700+.

However, they DO have a 10,000sq.m. warehouse. SURELY They'll have an inverter/charger in there somewhere.
Their website seems concentrated exclusively on marine & mining/remote installations... nothing on caravans or m/hs.

[oldtrack123]

12v-side voltmeter shows 12.5v.
Did not try turning on anything on the 12v circuit.
Will try that tomorrow.
Have emailed Brisbane Service Agent for Mastervolt, explaining symptoms & asking for help.
Might have to take Girt to them to sort it out...
$$$

Had a look at their site. Only items listed for Mastervolt brand were plain marine battery chargers: $400+ & $700+.

However, they DO have a 10,000sq.m. warehouse. SURELY They'll have an inverter/charger in there somewhere.
Their website seems concentrated exclusively on marine & mining/remote installations... nothing on caravans or m/hs.

HI
Inverters including the Dakar can take a range of voltage around 12V [depending on maker & model from around 10.5V <15V]
If the voltage is a little high they draw less 12V Amps to supply the load
If the voltage is a little low ,THEY draw more Amps to supply the same load
There are internally set SAFE limits which turn the Inverter "Off "IF those limits are exceeded AND give an indication/warning such has occurred

PeterQ

[Greynomad]

Peter,
Where would I look for that warning?
All the pretty lights say all is well... on the inverter, at least.
And as far as I can determine with my multimeter & its instruction sheet (the extent of my electrical knowledge) all is well as far as the fuse (which is also OK).
Beyond that, as David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush) said in 'Shine'... "Ah, It's a mystery, It's a mystery."

BTW, turning on 12v circuits: zilch difference. Just nothing there. From the inverter circuit, anyway.
If I turn the inverter OFF the 12v works fine.

At the Bris Caravan & Camping Show, I got in a quick chat with one of the Springers from Springers Solar.
Girt is booked in for next Wednesday for a check & explore.

We just need this prob fixed asap. Can't fart around with it now. Looks like it's the $$$ route. Considering an inverter upgrade to 2000W if the Dakar is the problem.
Also need that silly solar regulator moved from the underfloor box (where I have to literally stick my head into the box) to inside & upgraded from a two-indicator-lights model to one with an LCD screen to tell me battery SoC, solar input, & all the other stuff.
Dunno what Winnebago were thinking... probably didn't. Just 'Where is the easiest place to stick this thing?'

Anyway, thanks for trying, everyone.

[T1 Terry]

There is a mob some where around Bulahdelah NSW that repairs inverters, they have the circuit diagrams for a lot of them, might be worth a google search.
What was the reply from Mastervolt, do they have a service agent. It’s likely just a bad conection or a FET has passed on, but without the circuit diagram it would be quite a job to trace out the circuit so a diagnosis could be done.

[Greynomad]

T1,
It's a long drive from Brisbane to Bulahdelah!
We want to head north...


Mastervolt said they were very busy & couldn't fit us in for 3~4 weeks, but gave us the name & number of a nearby service agent.
Then we went to the Bris C&C Show, and after hearing the Springer bloke talking about solar, power use, system design for different types of demand, etc, we were able to get in a quick chat after his seminar & he immediately phoned the shop & booked us in for his personal attention next Wednesday...
Suits us, even if it costs $$$. Just want it fixed.

BTW, FET???

[oldtrack123]

Hi
I would say you have made the best move
It could be as SIMPLE???as something in the internal change over system, BUT it is 240 V ,Not good for nonexperienced people to play around with

PeterQ

[T1 Terry]

Field effect transistor, the black square things that are bolted to the aluminium bits so they can displace their heat. There are voltage regulators and diode blocks that look similar too so it's an identify by part number thing, but they are generally soldered into a part of the circuit board with a wide track and lots of solder I knows you wanted ta pull it appart and fix it ya self didn't ya