Nobody has mentioned *Powermaster* inverters. I had a large 24-volt x 3000watt Powermaster for my Pengalanty.
***POWERMASTER*** What FANTASTIC SERVICE I have had from this small family company in Cambridge. The original inverter had a manufacturing fault, (The case was slightly too small for alla the *Gubbins* inside it and had some metal bolts internally (Live +), which were touching the internal paintwork of the casing. After about 4 months, the paint failed and +bolt met -casing, with almost an explosion, sparks and a bit of smoke. It was just switching it on and it made me jump! I informed Powermaster. They sent per carrier immediately, a new one and asked for the faulty one to be returned at their cost in the packing the new one came in. The problem was overcome within 48-hours. My excellent servicing and support doesn't end there. The new unit worked fine for 2 years. Then one half of the AC circuitry failed. This was due to the torroidial transformer coming loose from the base framwework. This caused a short circuit of one small piece of copper winding, which in turn bypassed some of the safety circuitry I then had a loud buzzing noise and it wouldn't work. Now, this unit is well out of its warrantee period. NO PROBLEMS. I returned the unit myself to their Cambridge warehouse. The unit was looked at there and then, hence knowing the fault problem. There was no question. They gave me another NEW UNIT! This was a much later version with many more modifcations, like slightly larger case, updated circuitry and other things I cannot remember now. This new unit has worked unfailingly on a daily basis since and is reliable. Whilst I have had problems, due to having an early model of this type of unit, I have had a 100% back-up from this copmpany and recommend them on this basis. I believe that after the early Powermaster problems the newer ones are as good as you can get in quality of parts and manufacture. A BIG PLUS is that you get an after service which better than most people experience from other companies! ***STIRLING*** I have also had extremely good swervice from this company. I have their PDAR alternator control/battery management unit. My original one failed because the alternator went open circuit whilst the engine was running. (Completely my fault). I sent it back to Stirling for checking out. They asked me if the alternator had been charging and the batteries disconnected, as this would cause a "run away" situation, which in turn would blow all the power transistors in the Stirling unit. I truthfully said that I was not aware of this but on thinking through my circuitry and switching, it was technically possible, so I could not deny the possibility. The technitian that looked at the unit said, well, we cannot be 100% certain that the fault was your end, so I will arrange for another one to be sent to you. I received a brand new packaged one at NO CHARGE. Now that is what I call a very generous gesture on the part of Stirling Electronics. ~Allan~ --- In [email protected], Bruce Napier <br...@...> wrote: > > > On 8 Jun 2009, at 17:12, rigdent wrote: > > > We have to replace our 4yr old Sterling 1500W pure sine inverter > > and are reluctant to shell out a grand for a new one. So are > > considering a cheaper alternative 1000W quasi sine wave units. > > I have seen a 1000W unit at Maplin, for £90 another contender is > > the Waeco at £162. I wonder if anyone has any experience with > > them. Or should I Spend the extra for a proper marine unit? like > > the Victron if so why ? > > > > BTW After my experience I'm VERY reluctant to put more money > > Sterlings way > > > > > Does Mr Sterling have any satisfied customers? I'm serious, everyone > seems only to have bad stories about them, but of course those are > the ones that get told. > > As far as what to get instead, it depends what you want it for. Stuff > like vacuum cleaners and hair dryers will be happy with quasi sine, I > think, but anything with an electronic controller tends to want a > nice smooth curve going up and down at 50 (or perhaps 60) Hertz. > > In which case the choice seems to be either Victron or Mastervolt for > best quality, each have their sterling adherents, ho, ho. > > All the best > > Bruce > > Go steady, but keep going. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >
