Who has an AUTOFORMER? Do you like it?

[DonandPatti]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on getting an Hughes Autoformer but I wanted to check with you all before I do.

Any problems with it? Does it work as advertised? Let me know!!

Don
Maryland

[rynosback]

Got your PM and replied. A must tool to carry with you in my book. Sometimes you have to spend $$ to save $$.
I also have it in my power locker. It can be brought in loop or unplugged if power is good. Like right now I have 125volts coming in. So I have the Autoformer unplugged.
You get a plug in volt meter that’s a night light with buying one. It’s in my line of vission 90% of the time.

[Porthole]

They have their place, just be aware of what can and cannot do.

It can raise the line voltage from 2-10%
But - it does so at the reduction of an available amperage.

I carry one but in my experience we have had more issues only having 30 amp service or old parks that may have 50 amp service but can’t supply 50 amps. .

[Cummins12V98]

I have owned mine for at least 15 years. I built mine into the cord reel compartment.

[rynosback]

Originally Posted by Porthole

They have their place, just be aware of what can and cannot do.

It can raise the line voltage from 2-10%
But - it does so at the reduction of an available amperage.

I carry one but in my experience we have had more issues only having 30 amp service or old parks that may have 50 amp service but can’t supply 50 amps. .

I would agree that parks with 30amps tend to have more problems. But every once an a while I get one leg that needs a boost on 50. Plus if you’re in a heat wave where A LOT of power is being used, the voltage tends to sag.

[RVGlen]

I've had mine for about five years and no problems. I don't know if it helps and it is kind of heavy item to load and unload.

[blw2]

I thought about getting one but in my class C I figured it's not likely used enough to take the weight hit. I've thought that if/when I get a bigger Class A with plenty of load capacity that I'd likely get one.

thread hijack question: Why not permanently wire it into the shore power feed circuit? Seems to me that even if the power is good now, later tonight or tomorrow afternoon when I'm not looking it might not be good... so why not just use it all the time. I understand it trades amps for voltage, but it wouldn't if the voltage is good, would it?

[Pete'sMH]

I did a hardware install in my class A. “Hardwire” is not really correct though because it can easily be unplugged if not needed. I did not need it often but was mighty glad to have it when I did. It is not waterproof and would be easily stolen if used at the power pole. You need to have a good voltage meter in the coach so you’ll know when it’s needed. It is amazing how much the voltage varies through a day. Hughes provides a nice one that also makes a wonderful night light.

[MLP]

The Autoformer is a device, for the user, is a great tool. Some parks have outlawed them. The reason is they trade current for voltage. A parks cable with long runs maybe just marginal to handle heavy loads. The farther down the line the lower your voltage. An Autoformer will draw even more current. The voltage can drop low enough to damage other RV electronics do to Autoformer(s) being used. New to camping in an RV I had that wonderful experience along with a few other rigs. Only one Autoformer at the end of the power line damaged seven other rigs. The voltage at which Surge/Voltage protectors do not switch out fast enough. The voltage drops below a safe range and may move back above it before it switches out. Damage can occur. I lost a TV, microwave, refrigerator control board, and my Splendide washer control board. Only the microwave died that day. Over several months the others went out. So I hate them and that is why some parks outlaw their use. For the user, they are fantastic.

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by MLP

The Autoformer is a device

After this, almost completely incorrect.

[ducksface]

My inverter makes up low voltage by drawing from the batteries as needed.
Xantrex 3012.

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by ducksface

My inverter makes up low voltage by drawing from the batteries as needed.
Xantrex 3012.

Sure about that?

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by MLP

The Autoformer is a device, for the user, is a great tool. Some parks have outlawed them. The reason is they trade current for voltage. A parks cable with long runs maybe just marginal to handle heavy loads. The farther down the line the lower your voltage. An Autoformer will draw even more current. The voltage can drop low enough to damage other RV electronics do to Autoformer(s) being used. New to camping in an RV I had that wonderful experience along with a few other rigs. Only one Autoformer at the end of the power line damaged seven other rigs. The voltage at which Surge/Voltage protectors do not switch out fast enough. The voltage drops below a safe range and may move back above it before it switches out. Damage can occur. I lost a TV, microwave, refrigerator control board, and my Splendide washer control board. Only the microwave died that day. Over several months the others went out. So I hate them and that is why some parks outlaw their use. For the user, they are fantastic.

I wonder why these campers EMS didn't cut power when it dropped to an unsafe level? I don't remember exactly, but I think mine cuts out at 108 volts. Then just unplug and fire up the genny.

[ducksface]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...n16ELF0SPCMNPQ


Here's your chance to learn new things.

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by ducksface

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...n16ELF0SPCMNPQ


Here's your chance to learn new things.

Your chance as well.

[MCP]

Originally Posted by ducksface

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...n16ELF0SPCMNPQ


Here's your chance to learn new things.

Thank you! I learned new things. Table 11 page 41, low ac in starts inverting. And I don’t even have a xantrex! The subject piqued my curiosity.

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by ducksface

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...n16ELF0SPCMNPQ


Here's your chance to learn new things.

Originally Posted by ducksface

My inverter makes up low voltage by drawing from the batteries as needed.
Xantrex 3012.

So where is this feature documented?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Porthole

So where is this feature documented?

Page 42

Gen Support
GEN Support is basically generator (and also shore power)
support for the Freedom SW-RVC that allows power to be
automatically drawn from the batteries to assist an AC generator
or shore power to support heavy loads (for example, loads that
exceed the available current from either a generator or shore
power).
Generators and shore power have a limited output current and it is
possible to reach this limit when operating heavy loads. When
heavy current demand from the load is needed, additional power
from the batteries can supply the needed energy.
In addition, the battery charger can reduce its charging current to
the batteries so the combined charge AC current and total load
current do not exceed the capacity of the generator (and shore
power) or trip its output breakers or fuses.

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Page 42

I'll leave it to the OP to answer. Your answer doesn't match his statement.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Porthole

I'll leave it to the OP to answer. Your answer doesn't match his statement.

That's because he statement isn't true, in the strict sense.

Real load sharing between AC sources is not voltage dependent, it is frequency dependent. But the inverter does not have the capability to directly change either the voltage or frequency supplied by SP, only to assume some real and reactive loads to minimize current draw from SP (which may increase line voltage).

So as long as line voltage from SP is above the "Qualified" low voltage setting, the inverter does nothing.

The "Gen Support" assist is current dependent. It kicks in when the current from the input source (SP or generator) approaches the set limit.

Now back to your regularly scheduled transformer theory thread.