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

[bwinter1946]

Originally Posted by DonB

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.

I would never disagree with Don because he has my respect as a knowledgeable electronics technician. I would simply point out that some dealers are offering an adapter for the Cat 5 to Cat 4 cable issue with Xantrex Freedom inverter chargers. Unknown to me if there are compromises in information or control of the inverter/charger by using one of these adapters.

https://www.donrowe.com/Xantrex-808-...p/808-9010.htm

[DonB]

Where were you three years ago? Don;t know if it existed then...

[bwinter1946]

Originally Posted by DonB

Where were you three years ago? Don;t know if it existed then...

Yep, I have been there.

This probably came out shortly after you installed it. I don't know when you installed yours but I would bet it was before or about August 2014. The installation guide for the adapter is dated August 2014. It was probably written and published prior to the shipping dates of the adapters given modern manufacturing time lines.

http://pdf.donrowe.com/freedom_sw_re...ners_guide.pdf

You got me curious so I did a search and found the thread where you put your old inverter from your M380 on the forum for sale in June of 2013. So this adapter was not available at the time.

[DonB]

Time flies when you are having fun!

[DonB]

It appears that the Xanbus does not use more than 4 data lines. It is not clear why they chose to not use standard phone wire, like all earlier models, unless their protocols are designed to use much higher transfer rates. I don't know if their original wire is Cat1 or Cat2, but those are 1Mbps and 4Mbps respectively, while Cat5 is 100Mbps.

It might also matter how many things are on the Xanbus. I have the Auto Gen Start, for example.

[NoGas]

No special adapters required! With a $17 kit off eBay and the correct wire color coding order for the plugs, you can make your own cables & connectors as needed. The kit linked below even includes a tester to verify your crimping work. Check out YouTube for tons of How To vids about crimping network plugs. When I moved the MS2812 to its new rear compartment I employed some spare Cat5e cable instead of telephone wire, then crimped on the appropriate plugs as needed. As long as you pass-thru or flip the twisted pair wiring as specified by the manufacturer, it's a piece of cake to do.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

[Daniel bellant]

Hey Guys, Im ready to replace my RV3012 inverters and can't decide on which way to go: Xantrex Freedom 3012 or Magnum Hybrid 3012... I know there are personal experiences with each on here just wondering how you're liking the units?
Also somewhat confused with the comment from Van involving MS3012 using a single 60amp wiring configuration versus the L1/L2 30/30 amp configuration?

Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[rrueckwald]

Several years ago I replaced mine with Magnum MS-2812 pure sine wave inverter/chargers because most in the industry said they were the best. Never had a problem. Very capable units. The only issue was a slightly different hole size for the remotes.

[NoGas]

My MS2812 continues to perform flawlessly. When I went to a much larger battery pack (see THIS THREAD), it’s flexible programming functions made the transition easy and it can do lithium if you’re headed that way. If you go solar, Magnum’s PT100 charge controller will integrate seamlessly with everything being controlled from the same remote. As to the differently sized remote control panel Ron mentioned, talk to LanceH. He has a source for the custom backing plate you see in the attached picture.

I’d originally intended on doing Magnums hybrid model, but went with the MS2812 due to how the M380 electrical system is set up (one inverter vs two, with its AC buses split into two 30A sides - one with inverter power & one not). Note Daniel that on your second connections picture the L2’s are not used. You will find that the other inverter powers the L2 side. With a two inverter setup, doing two MH3012 Hybrid models would make sense. Of course, two inverters will require two remote control heads.

As to which manufacturers model is better, that’s a Ford vs Chevy argument. I can tell you that one of the ways I make those decisions for big equipment purchases is to call the manufactures technical support department and ask few questions. Whichever seems the most helpful and willing to assist this novice, is the one that gets my business.
.

[DonB]

Still completely satisfied with my SW3012 setup!