Thanks for the review. I just got one of these to replace a Powertech 380W inverter that blew up finally after being used regularly for the past 10 years.
@@TheSimpleLivingAussie I paid less for this 500W inverter than I did for the 380W and it's marginally smaller in size (portablility). If it only lasts 5 years I'll be happy enough.
Yes you are right. I did think of that after shooting these videos. I plan to do a modified Vs pure sine wave inverter comparison video and will do the tests under load and see if we get any distortion on the wave form. I have a few inverters and generators to test so it should be interesting what results we get. 👍
Great review! Saw this on sale on the Jaycar website and wondered if it was any good. Nice to know it'll be worth getting. Also good to know about the wiring. It says leads are supplied but I didn't think those wires looked like they could comfortably handle 500 W / 12 V = 42 A. Did the unit itself get hotter than your old unit would get? If not I suppose that would mean the new unit is possibly a lot more efficient than your old one, otherwise it would definitely get hotter since its physically a lot smaller and the case / heating has less thermal mass. Anyway, keep up the Jaycar reviews!
For $99 it's a pretty cheap inverter and worth throwing one in your kit. I did do a current draw test with my clamp meter but I forget to add it into the editing. If I remember it was drawing amps in the mid to high 40's. The unit it's self didn't really get that hot, it was warm but very acceptable. I usually don't run units to there max output, I always get an inverter bigger than the loads I need, that ovoids stressing the units out, heat and adds to their longevity. I do want one of their 300 watt inverters for a project, I just don't wanna pay the $150 they're asking for the inverter, will keep an eye out for that to come on sale.
Good to know, I ended up picking up this unit today thanks to your review. Reckon I'll run it up to 450 W Max to not stress it so much as you say. Looking forward to your review on the 300 W version once it goes on sale!
Very cool video on inverter,,,I have a cheap giandel 1200 max pure sine wave inverter and does the job for what we need as just mainly used for mobile phone booster..as we have regular blackouts…not sure if you have heard of that brand… hope to see more videos like this..Enjoy watching all videos that you produce.. Thanks..
Thanks mate. I haven't heard of that brand but I think with most cheap inverters they are made in the same factory with different stickers on them. There is nothing wrong with cheap inverters. The trick is not to overload them or run them to their maximum output, that helps them to last the distance. I should see if I can find the cheapest inverter on the market and run some tests on it, that would be fun.
Thanks mate. Jaycar is become more expensive compared to other electronic shops so I will be starting to look at different avenues for the future, especially if my channels is going to be doing more review, testing and tear down videos off grid devices. Ahh gone are the days of Tandy Electronics and Dick Smith's.
Thumbs up for the editing. :) The video was pretty informative too. Jaycar I think, thoroughly test their imported units. Which part of Australia are you from?
@@BenMitro We have Altronics which is just across the road from Jaycay. I bought my bench top power supply and my little oscilloscope from them. They don't seem to stock as much as Jaycar though so I go to Altronics first, as they are a little cheaper then I finish my electronics shopping at Jaycar. 😄
I know one can buy the remote switch which plugs into the RJ45 connector but does anyone know the terminals on the RJ that the switch works on (circuit diagram)? PS great review
I didn't have any load on the inverter when I was doing the low voltage test, so I think it was the residual power in its capacitors that was making it hang on. If I had a load on it, I'm sure it would have shut down sooner, we'll I'm guessing that's what it was??
yeah they are not as good as the low frequency inverters for sure. I think with these little inverters, they are more for small resistive type loads with infrequent use and do the job ok for that application. If one wanted a permanent installation and is running more inductive loads then a low frequency inverter is the best bet for sure 👍
