Vec010S manual 03/04 5/22/06 11:19 AM Page 1
START- IT®
™
JUM P - START SYSTEM
Re ch a r g e a b le DC P o w e r Su p p ly – 1 2 v o lt
P O RTABLE • CO RDLESS • RECHARG EABLE
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CO NTENTS
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KEYLESS ON/OFF
SAFETY POWER
SWITCH
12 VOLT DC
ACCESSORY
OUTLET
AC
RECHARGING
PORT
ON/OFF
AREA LIGHT
PUSH BUTTON FOR
BATTERY STATUS
CHECK
BATTERY CHARGE
LEVEL INDICATORS
BREAK-RESISTANT ABS
HOUSING
2 LED AREA LIGHT
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CONTAINS SEALED,
NON-SPILLABLE BATTERY
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RETURN/ REPAIR POLICY:
LIMITATIONS:
STATE LAW RIGHTS:
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT:
WARRANTY ACTIVATION:
ATTN.: CUSTOMER SERVICE / VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.
4140 SW 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
PH: 954-584-4446 • TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 • Fax: 954-584-5556.
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
VEC040
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the
responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other
than described herein. This Vector Manufacturing product is warranted, to the original purchaser
only, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase
without additional charge. The warranty does not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Vector
Manufacturing will not be responsible for any amount of damage in excess of the retail purchase
price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and consequential damages are specifically
excluded from coverage under this warranty. This product is not intended for commercial use. This
warranty does not apply to accessories or damage to units from misuse or incorrect installation.
Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity power sources.
7 0 WATT*
P O CKET P O W ER® INVERTER
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned postage
prepaid to Vector Manufacturing. Any defective product, other than accessories, that is returned to
Vector Manufacturing within 30 days of the date of purchase will be replaced free of charge. If such a
product is returned more than 30 days but less than one year from the purchase date, Vector
Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its option, replace it free of charge. If the unit is repaired, new
or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at Vector Manufacturing’s option. A unit may be
replaced with a new or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or replaced
unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period. The customer is
responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items after 30 days. During the warranty period,
Vector Manufacturing will be responsible for the return shipping charges.
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and batteries, defects resulting
from normal wear and tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage
or exposure to sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations,
unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and
maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God. If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our
Technical Support Department (954) 584-4446 or toll free (866) 584-5504 for general repair
information and charges if applicable. You may also contact us through our website
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the exclusions or limitations stated herein may not apply. This warranty
gives the purchaser specific legal rights; other rights, which vary from state to state, may apply.
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Vector Manufacturing Technical
Support by telephone, fax or mail. We suggest that you keep the original packaging in case you need
to ship the unit. When returning a product, include your name, address, phone number, dated sales
receipt (or copy) and a description of the reason for return and product serial number. After repairing
or replacing the unit, we will make every effort to return it to you within four weeks.
USER’ S M ANUAL
& WARRANTY INFO RM ATIO N
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector with
“VEC040” as Model and “Pocket Power Inverter” as Product Type. All Vector Manufacturing products
must be registered within 10 days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the completed
registration card, along with a copy of the original sales receipt to:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, USER MUST READ AND
UNDERSTAND THIS INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL. THIS MANUAL
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE
OPERATION AND WARRANTY OF THIS PRODUCT. PLEASE RETAIN
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
ATTN.: CUSTOMER SERVICE / Vector Manufacturing
4140 SW 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
PH: 954-584-4446 • TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 • Fax: 954-584-5556.
WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE.
BD042005
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.
2.
3.
Always use the inverter where there is adequate ventilation. Do not block
ventilation slots.
1
7
DO NOT use the inverter near flammable materials or in locations that may
accumulate flammable fumes or gases.
ALWAYS turn OFF the inverter by removing it from the DC accessory outlet when
not in use.
2
4.
5.
6.
NEVER IMMERSE THE UNIT IN WATER (fresh or salt).
DO NOT expose to extreme heat or flames.
Make sure nominal powering voltage is 12 volts DC, center connection positive
(+), 10 amps minimum.
3
7.
DO NOT replace fuse with higher amperage rating.
4
WARNINGS
•
•
•
Inverter produces 110/120 volt AC current
Never expose to water, flammables or use in non-ventilated areas
May cause shock and/or explosion resulting in personal injury
INTRODUCTION
6
5
Thank you for choosing the Vector Model VEC040 AC Pocket Power Inverter. Please read
this guide carefully before use to ensure best performance and avoid damage to the unit
or items that you are using it with. Read, understand and comply with all Warnings and
Safety Information to ensure safety of personnel and equipment. The Pocket Power
Inverter is a convenient, easy-to-carry, completely portable source of 110/120 volt AC to
operate appliances to 70 watts. It can be powered by any 12 volt DC accessory outlet that
can supply at least 10 amps. It is also ideal for use with Vector 12 volt DC
cordless/portable/rechargeable DC power supplies and jump-starter products.
Power Source Requirements/Runtimes
The Pocket Power Inverter can be used to operate: 110/120 volt AC laptop
computers, computerized games, reading lamps, small fans, and more.
The inverter can be powered by any 12 volt DC accessory outlet that can supply at
least 10 amps. A charged car battery with 50 amp hours of capacity can operate this
inverter at 60 watt output for approximately five hours. This calculation is made
without the engine running. With the engine running, the 70 watt output can be
continuous for up to 30 minutes.
Recharge: 110/120 volt AC devices (laptop computers, cellular phones, camcorders,
power tool battery packs) that have an appropriate recharging adapter with a three-prong
110/120 volt AC North American standard-type plug.
OPERATING AND VISIBLE FEATURES
It is also ideal for use with Vector 12 volt DC cordless/portable/rechargeable DC power
supplies and jump-starter products.
•
•
•
•
•
•
70 watts continuous output up to 30 minutes* —110/120 volt AC, 60 Hz
Easiest inverter to use — simply plug and play
Estimated runtimes at full 70 watt output:
Adapts to any size 12 volt DC accessory outlet
• Jump-starters with 17-19 amp hour battery
• Compact jump-starter with 15 amp hour battery
• Compact jump-starter with 12 amp hour battery
approx. 2.5 hours
approx. 2 hours
approx. 1.5 hours
Compact, efficient, and quiet
Electronic circuit protection prevents damage due to overload/ insufficient ventilation
Low-battery shutdown automatically occurs when battery discharges to 10.6 volts,
preventing battery damage
•
Self recovery from shutdown — if manual reset is required, remove and reinsert the
inverter into the accessory outlet
Lower operating output (less than 70 watts) reduces the current taken from the DC
source, so longer operating times can be realized.
*70 watts for 30 minutes – 60 watts continuous
OPERATION OF INVERTER
inverter can deliver. Inductive loads (such as TVs and stereos) require more current to
operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating. For safety reasons, the unit will
simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit, simply remove the load and the
unit will auto reset.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Insert the unit into the vehicle’s (or jump-starter’s) accessory outlet.
Rotate the plug slightly to make sure there is good contact.
A green LED light on the inverter will indicate a proper operation.
Note:
This inverter will not operate appliances and equipment that generate heat,
such as hair dryers, electric blankets, microwave ovens, and toasters.
If the inverter does not work, make sure the ignition/accessory switch is actually
powering the accessory outlet. Some vehicles need the ignition switch turned on.
5.
Plug in the AC appliance.
HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS
PROTECTIVE FEATURES
This inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity
from a battery to 110/120 volt AC (alternating current) household power. In designing this
inverter, Vector has incorporated design techniques previously employed in computer
power supplies. The result of these design innovations is a smaller, lighter and easier-to-
use power inverter. The Pocket Power Inverter converts power in two stages. The first
stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input
to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage that converts the high voltage
DC into 110/120 volts, 60 Hz AC. The DC-to-DC converter stage uses creative, high
frequency, zero voltage switching power conversion techniques that replace the bulky
transformers found in less technologically advanced models.The inverter stage uses
advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration. This ensures excellent
overload capability and the ability to operate reactive loads like lamp ballasts and small
induction motors.
The inverter monitors the following conditions:
Low Battery Voltage — this condition is not harmful to the inverter but could damage the
power source, so the inverter automatically shuts down when input voltage drops to 10.6
volts. When this condition is corrected, the unit will auto-reset.
Over Voltage Protection — the inverter will automatically shut down when the input
voltage exceeds 15 volts DC.
Short Circuit Protection — the inverter will automatically shut down when short circuit
occurs. The inverter will auto-reset after removing the short circuit. If the inverter’s fuse
fails, disconnect the shorter load and replace the fuse inside the Pocket Inverter. See the
Fuse Replacement section if a bad fuse is suspected.
OPERATING TIPS
Pocket Power Inverter 70 Output Waveform
The Pocket Power Inverter should only be operated in locations that are:
DRY — Do not allow water or other liquids to come into contact with the inverter.
The AC output waveform of this inverter is known as a modified sine wave. It is a stepped
waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. This type
of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies
used in electronic equipment, transformers, and small motors.
COOL — Surrounding air temperature should be between –20°C and 40°C - ideally
between 15°C and 25°C (60–80°F). Keep the inverter away from direct sunlight, when
possible.
110/120 Volt AC output
VENTILATED — Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure free air circulation
around the unit. Do not place items on or over the inverter during operation. The unit will
shut down if the internal temperature gets too hot. The inverter will auto-reset after it
cools down.
SAFE — Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or in any locations that may
accumulate flammable fumes or gases. This is an electrical appliance that can briefly
spark when electrical connections are made or broken.
The modified sine wave produced by this inverter has an RMS (root mean square)
voltage of 110/120 volts, which is the same as standard household power. Most AC
voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform
rather than the RMS value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption
that the waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly
read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave. Non-TRUE RMS meters will read about
20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter. For accurate
measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a TRUE RMS reading voltmeter such
as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8080A, Beckman 4410, or Triplett 4200.
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment
Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and audio/visual equipment have
labels that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power
consumption of the item to be operated is below 70 watts. If the power consumption is
rated in amps, simply multiply by the AC volts (110/120) to determine the wattage.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run; however, it will not run larger
resistive loads (such as electric stoves and heaters) that require more wattage than the
The inverter is capable of running most chargers and transformers.
COMMON POWER OUTPUT PROBLEMS
Possible Causes
It is also ideal for use with Vector 12 volt DC cordless, portable and rechargeable DC power
supplies and jump-starter products.
Recommendations
Battery voltage
below 10 volts.
Recharge battery or check
DC power supply.
CAUTIONS (Rechargeable Devices)
•
Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be charged by plugging them
directly into an AC receptacle.
Equipment being operated
draws too much power.
Reduce load.
•
•
These devices may damage the inverter or the charging circuit.
Inverter in thermal
shutdown condition.
Allow inverter to cool down. Ensure
that there is adequate ventilation
around unit, and load is no more
than 70 watts for continuous
operation.
When using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for the initial ten
minutes of use to determine if it produces excessive heat.
•
•
If excessive heat is produced, this indicates the device should not be used with
this inverter.
This problem does not occur with most of the battery-operated equipment. Most
of these devices use a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an
AC receptacle.
Main fuse failed (blown).
Inverter is overloaded.
Replace fuse in DC connector.
Reduce load to 70 watts max.
to maintain regulation.
STORAGE
1. Ideal storage temperature range is 50-68°F (10-20°C).
2. Store and use the Pocket Power Inverter in a cool, dry place with adequate
ventilation for all-around air circulation.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
If the Pocket Power Inverter is overloaded, and the green LED is not lit, the internal 15
ampere fuse may be blown.
3. Avoid locations that are exposed to heating units, radiators, direct sunlight, or
excessive humidity or dampness.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Unscrew the flange of the Pocket Power Inverter (counterclockwise).
Remove the end contact, flange and fuse.
COMMON AUDIO/VISUAL PROBLEMS
Problem: Buzzing Sound In Audio Systems
Inspect the fuse to see if it is good or blown.
Some inexpensive stereo systems and boom boxes make a buzzing sound when
operated from the inverter, because the power supply in the electronic device does not
properly filter the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. The only solution to
this problem is to use a sound system that has a higher quality power supply.
Replace with a new 15 amp fuse, if needed.
Carefully reassemble the fuse, end contact and flange. Do not overtighten the
flange (clockwise).
Problem: Television Interference
SPECIFICATIONS:
The Pocket Power is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals. However, in
some instances, some interference may still be visible, especially when the TV signal
is weak. Try the following to improve the picture:
Power
*70 watts for 30 minutes – 60 watts
continuous
AC Output
DC Input
Fuse
110/120 volts, 60 Hz
12 volts
1. Move the Pocket Power Inverter as far away as possible from the TV set, the
antenna, and the antenna cables. Use a short AC extension cord, if necessary.
2. Adjust the orientation of the antenna cables, and the TV power cord to minimize
interference.
10 amps
Waveform
Modified Sine Wave
3. Make sure that the antenna feeding the TV provides an adequate (snow free)
signal and that high quality, shielded antenna cable is used.
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