For a few years, I’ve had an AC50S that I use on my 4x4 primarily to power the refrigerator and other small peripherals like computers, radios, etc. I use a 600-watt Bestek inverter to power it and have never had any problems. A few days ago, I purchased an Elite 100 V2 to increase the power and runtime of my devices.
Now I’m having a problem: when I connect the Elite 100 V2 to the inverter, it doesn’t charge. The “GRID” light comes on, but the input power doesn’t appear on the display. The firmware is updated to the latest version. I’ve also tried reducing the input current to 2A to reduce the load (about 460W) on the inverter, but that doesn’t work. Can anyone help me solve this problem?
Is your inverter Pure Sine Wave (PWS) or Modified Sine Wave (MSW)? If it is MSW, that is likely the cause as MSW is “dirty power” and the smarts of the elite 100 won’t accept it to protect sensitive electronics.
The Elite 100’s charging rates are Silent Standard and Turbo, I won’t go into Turbo as that is to high a load for your inverter. That said, Silent and Standard modes are both 600W, however, they do differ in their charging algorithm. Silent provides 600W, with reduced fan cooling and will ramp down below 600W if temperature requires it to do so. Standard provides fan cooling when temperature becomes an issue, but will maintain the 600W charge.
It is never wise to charge at the maximum output of an inverter. Just because it can, doesn’t mean you should or it will. You are far better off using the Charger 1 and charging the Elite 100 via DC as it is a far more efficient use of vehicle sourced power. It only changes DC voltage to a higher DC voltage and is perfect for power stations as against changing DC power to AC power to then charge a DC battery. ![]()
As an example, I had a 375W Victron PSW inverter I used to charge my AC70 in my 4x4. Using its Silent mode of 300W was no issue and the Victron is very clean AC output. With my Elite 100, the Victron is useless as the Elite wants 600W and the inverter overload trips the moment it is switched on.
I bought the Charger 1, it will charge up to 560W, but the difference with the DC input of power stations (PS) is; They will only take what the charge source offers, regardless of charge setting as the PS uses its MPPT charger to charge the battery. Providing the input to the PS is within the voltage range, a charge is given. Whereas an AC charger has a given load and will want that regardless of input. If input is higher, it only takes what it needs, if input is lower, it won’t charge.
Thanks, I ordered this inverter: NOVOPAL 500W Pure Sine Wave, I think it will solve my problems, I only got the 500W one because otherwise it would be too big for the passenger compartment of my Toyota. When I charge it in the car I will lower the power supply to 2A (420W) so I will have time to charge it on long trips.
What is this power supply? Does its charging output provide AC or DC power?
I ask, as the Elite 100 has an inbuilt AC charger. Plus, 2A giving 430W is nominally 240VAC and if you input that to the DC port of the Elite 100, you will damage the PS.