24v - 120v Inverter

[totaljoint]

Occasionally it's nice to have 120v power, so I'm considering a 24v invertor.
Will be running power tools, compressor, etc..
Does it make a big difference running a modified sine wave vs. pure sine wave inverter, if no computer electronics will be plugged in?
Anyone have any experience with these for reccomendations?
Thanks,
Ed

[yaknowthatguy]

if you're looking at small motors and such, modified sine or square wave are probably alright. for electronics, a sine wave inverter is way better.

I have a 1200 watt inverter on my diesel F350 that I got from invertersrus.com. It's been just fine, handled heavy loads, and is built pretty well. It's not nearly as good as a xantrex, but it's also not near as expensive. I'm happy with it. They also supply 24v inverters.

One trick I've used - a small UPS inline with the inverter. The UPS helps to condition the power a bit and probably makes the laptop happier. It's not as perfect as a sine wave, or as a AC-DC-AC UPS..... but again, not nearly the expense either.

[audiocontr]

They are handy! I use it to power my tools while working on the truck. Wish they made one that was 12/24v switchable.

[edzz]

I have a PowerBright ML1500-24 http://www.powerbright.com/ML1500-24.html that came with my Pinz. Works OK however I’m more likely to use my Honda eu2000i if I need AC power, don’t have to worry about draining the batteries that way and as a bonus I can always use the Honda to charge the truck batteries if needed. If I ever get around to installing a couple more auxiliary batteries I may be more inclined to use the inverter.

For 12 volt gear I have a DC-300 30 amp 24 volt to 12 volt converter http://www.neuron.com.hk/product/dc.html as well as a standalone 100 ah battery (charge it at home before use or with the Honda generator in the field). That way I can run the ham radio gear and some 12 volt light without being concerned about the truck batteries.

[Jimm391730]

I have a 1500W Samlex modified sine wave inverter that I use to run a small microwave. The microwave "complains" a bit (makes slightly more noise) but otherwise works just fine and has been doing so for 8 years.

The Samlex inverter cost about $300 back when I got it but is a 24V input. I once accidentally reversed the input polarity and blew all 8 automotive blade fuses inside, but replaced the fuses and corrected the polarity and all is well. Seems much more dependable then their 24-12V converters.

BTW, I have a 2000W 12V input inverter that I don't use -- Anyone who needs it, make me an offer.