I am trying to determine if a boat with no generator can operate the V3 using a 1000wa inverter. Power it up and run for one hour or three hours than shut it down. If so what size 4D. 8D group 27 and amp hour would be required. This is a sailboat so starting the engine is the only charging. Keep in mind I am a electrical idiot. Spec sheet says: antenna is DC powered by ACU Belowdecks eq: Modem: 90-240 VAC, single phase power only, 50-60 Hz auto switching, 3 A max, Control Unit/Antenna: 90-240 VAC, single phase power only 2 amp max. We will also have a lap top plugged in to this mix of boxes
Switching or light weight power supplies do not like square wave inverters. With that, find a nice true sine wave inverter. A pair or three group 27/31 batteries may be easier to stow below than a large 4/8D battery. Battery recovery will be your largest problem. Without a large solar panel, shore power or genset, looks like your main engine will have to do the dirty deed. Get a big ole alternator installed to help your charging times. Maybe change the drive pulley some (larger) to make sure the alternator spins a lil faster at low engine rpm. 5 amp max you noted will draw around 600 watts. Then up to another 125 watts for your laptop. Then a light and fan, then,,,,,,, Your Gonna Need a Bigger Boat.
rcrapps, Many Thanks on the input. Very helpful. I have a professional installing this unit but he has cautioned me about the power needed. This has turned into a huge project. Bet you will not see many 37' sailboats with a V3 antenna. Too late to turn back now
A properly sized inverter should have no problem with a light load like that. As rcrapps mentioned be sure to use a true sine wave unit.
