Replacing M380 Trace modified sine-wave inverter with pure sine-wave Magnum MS2812

[NoGas]

I chose Magnum because even back then, I was planning to do solar & their PT100 Solar Charge Controller works perfectly with the MS2812. The individual components - inverter/charger, shunt, remote display, auto gen start, PT100... are purchased separately so one only needs to buy what they need. Magnum then uses its own internal network (simple phone line) so all components work together seamlessly with the single remote display that controls everything! I also really liked the helpful Magnum techs at their customer service department. I've called them with install questions several times and on each call they took as much time as I needed to get my questions answered. A couple years ago iMarineUSA had the best prices but that may have changed. Their price now is slightly less than $2,000 for the inverter/charger, remote display and shunt BMK. Magnum also makes the highbred MS3012 which would be nice to have. However that unit uses a single 60 amp wiring configuration versus the L1/L2 30/30 amp configuration that our coach uses. I recall that installation in the M380 was much simpler with the MS2812. I have no idea how much or where one would go to have one installed. Lastly, I wouldn't change anything about my setup and would go with Magnum again in a heartbeat.

I know DonB installed a new Xantrex and I think he's happy with it. Perhaps he will pop in for that perspective. I recall he posted some details about his install somewhere on the WOG.
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[Dennis]

Thanks Van, I appreciate the quick response and information. It is helpful toward making a decision. Best, Dennis

[DonB]

Still happy with the Xantrex. I don't have solar, so that part didn't matter. As with Van, I have no idea who would be good to do an install.

[mewandertoo]

Starlight Solar in Yuma Az, Installed a Magnum 2812 in my last 94 PT40. They did a superb job. Inverter, Monitor,controler and (4) 8D Deka AGM's. I had 1000 amp hours of battery capacity. I could almost sell power to the campgrounds.

[Dennis]

Don, did you do the install yourself? If so, how long did it take. If not, how many hours did they charge for the swap out. Thanks

[DonB]

I did my own, and didn't keep track of time. It was awhile, with the biggest time-consumer being running the data cable across the front, over the door, down and through the trace and into the bay.

[Dc2x4drvr]

Dennis, my MS2812 install took around 8-9 hrs., Van did most of the work) we were able to use the Trace 4 wire cable, so didn't have to pull a new cable. I did printout Van's installation guide, which pretty much covers everything a tech would need to know.

[Jim Brookshire]

Am I missing something? A straight change out of modified sine to pure sine shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. If you went from zantrex to magnum you would have to swap one end of the remote cable and make a small plate to match the remote to the hole in the cabinet, but the rest is just switching wires. Now, if you are going to make "other improvements " all bets are off.

[NoGas]

The MS2812 is indeed a straight swap-out wiring-wise. That's why one would go with the MS2812 not the MSH3012. I agree that a true professional might take 3 hrs given having all the parts on-hand and being able to reuse the old Trace wiring to the new remote control head.

Originally Posted by Jim Brookshire

Am I missing something?...

Maybe - when using a "plastic wrench" I figure the cost of labor will = the cost of parts & materials. Not always true, but it's nice to be surprised when it's less. Plus, part of Lance's estimate above included valuable time we spent together including several trips to hardware stores, visiting the former homestead, a couple long lunches... you get the idea. Like I always say "I work cheap, not fast" and that's almost always on purpose. BB projects are supposed to be fun and as long as one takes the time to enjoy them, they are

[DonB]

Originally Posted by Jim Brookshire

Am I missing something? A straight change out of modified sine to pure sine shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. If you went from zantrex to magnum you would have to swap one end of the remote cable and make a small plate to match the remote to the hole in the cabinet, but the rest is just switching wires. Now, if you are going to make "other improvements " all bets are off.

Not all installs are the same. In the case of the Xantrex SW3012 the line is Cat5 rather than 4-wire, so a new cable is mandatory. The connections are also located differently, such that some 4/0 cabling changes had to be made. As I recall I was able to swap the longer chassis ground with one of the power cables that otherwise would have been too short.