Cobra 150 Watt Power Inverter

Congratulations

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra CPI 150 Power Inverter. When used properly, your unit will provide many years of reliable service. The operating features of your CPI 150 include:

• Automatic thermal protection/shutdown
• Reverse polarity protection
• AC receptacle
• Low battery alarm
• Low battery shutdown

The Cobra Power Inverter takes low voltage DC (direct current) power from your automobile or other low voltage power supply and converts it to standard 110 volt AC (alternating current) power like the electrical current you have in your home. Simply by plugging your CPI 150 into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, you can use many of your household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks, and virtually anywhere else.

Introduction

Cobra 150W Output Waveform

This unit's output waveform is referred to as "square wave" or "modified sine wave." It is a stepped waveform designed to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. A waveform of this nature is suitable for most AC loads (including linear and switching power suppliers used in electronic equipment, transformers and motors).

For Best Results

Your CPI 150 must be installed and used properly to provide the best possible results. Please read all instructions carefully before installing and using the unit. Pay special attention to CAUTION and WARNING statements in this manual.

CAUTION statements specify conditions that could cause damage to the unit or other equipment.

WARNING statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

Quick Checkout

Connecting to the Power Source

Your CPI 150 comes with a 20-inch cigarette lighter plug wire for connection to the power source.

WARNING: Do not connect to the power source if flammable fumes are present. Explosion or fire may result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery compartment before making a connection.

To connect your inverter to the power source:

1. Push the inverter's ON/OFF switch to OFF.
2. If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it off.
3. Insert the cigarette lighter plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.
4. Plug the power cord from the test load into the inverter's AC receptacle.

Testing

Turn on the inverter. It should supply power to the load. If the inverter does not appear to work properly, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on page 7.

Installation and Operation

The location where you install your CPI 150 must be:

• Dry: Do not install the unit where water can drip or splash on it.
• Cool: Ambient air temperature should be between 30° and 105°F (0° and 40° C). The cooler the better.
• Ventilated: Allow at least 1 inch (3 cm) of clearance around the unit for proper air flow. Make sure that ventilation openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed.

CAUTION: To prevent fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings. Do not install the unit in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.

CAUTION: The inverter must only be connected to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. It will not work with a 6 volt battery, and will be damaged if it is connected to a 16 volt battery.

Turning on Your Power Inverter

Turn on your CPI 150 by pushing the ON/OFF switch to ON. The unit is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads.

Controls and Indicators

On/Off Switch

The ON/OFF switch turns the control circuit in the inverter on and off. It DOES NOT disconnect power from the inverter. When the switch is in the OFF position, the inverter draws no current from the battery. When it is in the ON position, but no power is being supplied to the load, the inverter draws less than 500 milliamperes from the battery. This is low current draw. It would take more than a week to discharge a 100 ampere-hour battery at this draw rate.

You don't have to worry about excessive drain on a battery if you leave the inverter switched on for a few days. However, you should switch it off if you are not planning to recharge the battery within about a week.

Fault Indicator

The "fault" indicator of your CPI 150 will light whenever the unit detects excessively high or low input voltage, or begins to overheat.

Operating Limits

Input Voltage/Automatic Shutdown

Your CPI 150 will deliver 150 watts continuously. It can deliver 180 watts for about 30 minutes, after which it must cool for about 15 minutes before it can resume operation at 150 watts. (NOTE: the wattage rating applies to resistive loads.)

Your CPI 150 will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 to 15 volts. Optimum performance occurs when the voltage is between 12 and 14 volts.

If the voltage drops below 10.7 ± 0.3 volts, an audible low battery alarm will sound. The inverter will automatically shut down if the input voltage drops below 10.0 ± 0.3 volts. This protects the battery from being over-discharged. The inverter will restart when the input voltage exceeds 12.0 ± 0.5 volts.

The inverter will also shut down if the input voltage increases to 15.0 ± 0.5 volts. This helps protect the unit from damage due to excessive input voltage. Although the inverter is protected in this way, it may still be damaged should the input voltage exceed 16 volts.

Automatic Shutdown

The unit will automatically go into thermal shutdown if it becomes overheated due to excessive input voltage, poor circulation or high ambient temperature.

Troubleshooting Guide

Maintenance & Service

Maintaining Your Inverter

Your CPI 150 requires very little maintenance to keep it operating properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Keep vents and fans free from dust or debris.

Service

If you suspect that your unit requires service, please call 773-889-3087 BEFORE shipping it to Cobra. This will ensure that you receive service as quickly as possible.

If you are asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory, please follow these steps:

1. Send the complete unit.
2. For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of purchase, such as a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.
3. Enclose a typed or clearly written description of the problem you are having with your unit, plus the name and address where you want the unit returned.
4. Pack the unit securely to prevent damage during transit. If possible, use the original packing materials.
5. Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express, or first class mail with delivery confirmation. Ship to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 USA
6. Please allow 3-4 weeks before contacting us about the status of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for assistance.

If your unit is under warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced upon receipt, depending on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will receive a letter informing you of the repair or replacement charge.

Customer Assistance

You can receive technical assistance with your unit through one of our customer support services:

• Automated Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087.
• Customer Service Operators are available at 773-889-3087 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
• Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269.
• Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com.
• On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: www.cobra.com

Power Consumption

Calculate the total watt-hours of energy consumption (power X operating time), then divide the watt-hours by 10 to determine how many 12 volt ampere hours will be consumed.

Specifications

Specifications

1. Continuous output power (4 hours): 150w
2. Continuous output power (30 minutes): 180w
3. Surge rating (0.1 second): 300w
4. Peak efficiency (12V—1/2 load): 90%
5. Efficiency (full load, 12V): >83%
6. No load current draw: < 0.1 A (12.6V)
7. Output waveform (resistive load): Perfect modified sine wave
8. Output frequency: 60HZ±2HZ
9. Output voltage: 110V±5%
10. Input voltage: 10-15 VDC
11. Alarm voltage (unload): 10.7 V ±0.3V
12. Shutdown voltage (unload): 10.0V ±0.3V
13. Operating temperature range: -10° C-40° C
14. Storage temperature range: -40° C to 85° C
15. Protection: Overload, short-circuit, Overtemp
16. Reverse polarity, under/over voltage

NOTES: All protection is automatically recovered. To protect the battery, if the unit needs to be restarted after low voltage protection, the voltage of DC input should be above 12V. The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety.

Limited 2-Year Warranty

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra Power Inverter, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, a defective inverter upon delivery to the Cobra® Factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated sales receipt.

You must pay initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply 1) to any product damaged by accident; 2) in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs; 3) if the serial number has been altered, defaced or removed; 4) if the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Product Information

The Cobra line of quality products includes:

• CB radios
• microTALK® radios
• Radar/Laser Detectors
• Safety Alert®
• Traffic Warning Systems
• Accessories
• HighGear™ Accessories

For more information about our products, or to order online please visit our website: www.cobra.com. Click "shop Cobra".

Nothing comes close to a Cobra™

Printed in China
Part No. 480-031-P

© 2002 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707 USA