RedViking
Nord of the South
This Thread is for the Mecer Inverter only.
My personal opinion on the unit:
Seeing that there are lots of question and in lots if threads, here is my review/input on the Mecer Inverter. Instead of reposting I'll just reference here. I'll add more info soon.
This should give you an idea what it sounds like:
Mecer 2400VA Inverter (modified sine) 24V + 2 x Enertec 105AH 12V Deep Cycle Battery
It sounds amplified of course because the recorder is right next to it. The first 3 clips above the desk will give a more realistic idea what it actually sounds like.
• It is an affordable modified sine inverter. It is suggested not to be used on things with motors (fridge, washing machine, pumps etc.).
It is not a permanent solution to daily off-grid power , but rather a backup system (UPS). For a daily solution you need to look at a pure sine inverter, batteries and solar system. If you can afford a pure sine inverter, go for it! But that is beside this thread which focus on the Mecer Inverter.
• Also remember the more wattage you require the more batteries you will need. The more batteries you have, the longer it takes to charge.
Although the 2440VA can supply 1440W power. You do not want to use more than 400W if you want the batteries to last longer without having to add a lot of extra batteries. So 1440W might actually be overkill. Maybe rather go for a 1200VA (720W) 12V inverter if you are not planning to add more batteries. See calculations below for the time you will get on the batteries.
• Difference between 12V & 24V inverter beside the power output and draw. 24V inverter you have to add extra batteries 2 at a time. 12V this is not necessary.
• The inverter is supposed to shut down at **30% SoC (state of charge), this is also indicated on the Mecer Inverter LCD. However it is apparently suggested that a battery (Enertek Deep Cycle) should not go lower than 50% DoD (Depth of Discharge ) if you want it to stay healthy.
** I can not confirm this. It is possible that it only switches off when it reaches a specific voltage.
Here is another in depth review from user @soload00 worth checking out:
EDIT 2021:
I would not recommend getting the Enertec Deep Cycle batteries with only about 300cycles on them if you want batteries that will last longer than a year or two. Of course one should also consider what you can afford. But mine is dead after 2 years of about 2 hour sessions per loadshedding day.
Rather get something like this with double the cycles, slightly more expensive:
BATTERY UPDATE:
I now have the Hubble S-100's and so far it seems to work just fine. I have not run them down to 0% yet as I have had not needed to.
Also remember to get a Lithium Battery Balancer / Equaliser if you connect your Hubble batteries (two 12V batteries) in series (24V):
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
If you plan to use Lithium or other Drop in Replacement batteries other than Lead Acid, confirm with the supplier if the inverter will support it and if the manufacturer warranty will still be honoured.
USE 10A CHARGING ONLY FOR LFP TO AVOID OVERHEATING
Please Note:
I run affiliated links to the Geewiz products I use and review. Please remove "?aff=70" at the end of the links if you do not want me to earn a small commission. I do not affiliate with products I have not used or bought for my staff or friends. I started this thread many years before adding the links and do not mind if they are not being used. I will continue to suggest any company or product that gives good service and offer better pricing. Thanks for the extra support. Geewiz is awesome.
My personal opinion on the unit:
Seeing that there are lots of question and in lots if threads, here is my review/input on the Mecer Inverter. Instead of reposting I'll just reference here. I'll add more info soon.
This should give you an idea what it sounds like:
Mecer 2400VA Inverter (modified sine) 24V + 2 x Enertec 105AH 12V Deep Cycle Battery
It sounds amplified of course because the recorder is right next to it. The first 3 clips above the desk will give a more realistic idea what it actually sounds like.
• It is an affordable modified sine inverter. It is suggested not to be used on things with motors (fridge, washing machine, pumps etc.).
It is not a permanent solution to daily off-grid power , but rather a backup system (UPS). For a daily solution you need to look at a pure sine inverter, batteries and solar system. If you can afford a pure sine inverter, go for it! But that is beside this thread which focus on the Mecer Inverter.
• Also remember the more wattage you require the more batteries you will need. The more batteries you have, the longer it takes to charge.
Although the 2440VA can supply 1440W power. You do not want to use more than 400W if you want the batteries to last longer without having to add a lot of extra batteries. So 1440W might actually be overkill. Maybe rather go for a 1200VA (720W) 12V inverter if you are not planning to add more batteries. See calculations below for the time you will get on the batteries.
• Difference between 12V & 24V inverter beside the power output and draw. 24V inverter you have to add extra batteries 2 at a time. 12V this is not necessary.
• The inverter is supposed to shut down at **30% SoC (state of charge), this is also indicated on the Mecer Inverter LCD. However it is apparently suggested that a battery (Enertek Deep Cycle) should not go lower than 50% DoD (Depth of Discharge ) if you want it to stay healthy.
** I can not confirm this. It is possible that it only switches off when it reaches a specific voltage.
Here is another in depth review from user @soload00 worth checking out:
Mecer 2400VA Inverter (Community Support)
I personally like the Geewiz trolley with the inverter on top more, but taste differs so the people say. I want to still get one of those.
mybroadband.co.za
EDIT 2021:
I would not recommend getting the Enertec Deep Cycle batteries with only about 300cycles on them if you want batteries that will last longer than a year or two. Of course one should also consider what you can afford. But mine is dead after 2 years of about 2 hour sessions per loadshedding day.
Rather get something like this with double the cycles, slightly more expensive:
Batteries
Buy Batteries online at the Best Prices! Door to Door and Overnight Delivery. Voted the best online store in SA. View Here
www.geewiz.co.za
BATTERY UPDATE:
I now have the Hubble S-100's and so far it seems to work just fine. I have not run them down to 0% yet as I have had not needed to.
Hubble S-100A 1.2kWh 12V 100Ah Lithium Ion LiFePO4 Battery (FIRST LIFE CELLS) 3500 Cycles
The Hubble S Series is a standalone li-ion LiFePO4 battery. These lithium batteries are in the form factor of traditional lead-acid/agm/gel batteries (slightly SMALLER than a standard 100ah lead acid type battery). NB - Please ensure you can set your inverter CUT OFF voltage to 11.2V, else the...
www.geewiz.co.za
Also remember to get a Lithium Battery Balancer / Equaliser if you connect your Hubble batteries (two 12V batteries) in series (24V):
Lithium 24V Battery Balancer / Equaliser with LED VOLTAGE (suitable for all battery types) - 24V (2x 12V Batteries)
Can be connected to 24V battery banks (2x 12V in series) Monitors each battery voltage On deviation of more than 20 mV, the higher voltage battery will be discharged to the lower voltage batteries until all the battery voltages are equal Battery banks of 2x 12V can be used IP67 rated No external...
www.geewiz.co.za
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
If you plan to use Lithium or other Drop in Replacement batteries other than Lead Acid, confirm with the supplier if the inverter will support it and if the manufacturer warranty will still be honoured.
USE 10A CHARGING ONLY FOR LFP TO AVOID OVERHEATING
Please Note:
I run affiliated links to the Geewiz products I use and review. Please remove "?aff=70" at the end of the links if you do not want me to earn a small commission. I do not affiliate with products I have not used or bought for my staff or friends. I started this thread many years before adding the links and do not mind if they are not being used. I will continue to suggest any company or product that gives good service and offer better pricing. Thanks for the extra support. Geewiz is awesome.
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