On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 10:40:18 -0800, Stephen Trapani
wrote:

So, say I've got a measley 2 group 27s and my old Yanmar 2GM15 and I
want to by a 2300watt continuous inverter. BUT...

I'm willing to run the Yanmar while I'm using any heavy loads like a
power tool, microwave, or electric heat and I only use the inverter
*without* running the Yanmar/alternator for small loads like a TV/VCR or
a boombox.

Any problem with that?

Stephen

If I recall correctly, the stock (Hitachi?) alternator on my 2GM was
only rated at 35 amps - that would only be enough to sustain a 3 amp
(360 watt) load at 120 volts. (I replaced the stock alternator with a
higher output unit, and a smart regulator, to give me some chance of
keeping the batteries charged.)

Given the small alternator, and your very small battery bank, I think
the 2300 watt inverter is excessively large. In any case, I would
strongly recommend doing some re-wiring so that you have a dedicated
starting battery, and the inverter, and other non-engine loads, will
run off separate deep cycle batteries.

Forget about electric heat - it just isn't feasible with the batteries
you have. The microwave, power tools (and possibly an electric
kettle) are OK, as they are short-term loads, and the total
ampere-hours used by them should be fairly low. The TV and boom box
would be on for longer periods, but are fairly low draw, so may also
be OK - but I would definitely want a separate starting battery!



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Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
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