Invrter - Radio Shack or Walmart

ukchris · 02-22-2004, 03:56 PM

I'm heading out to try a new inverter as someone said a better on might eliminate my buzz, I have a Radio Shack and a Walmart within close range, any suggestions on which have better Inverters?

Any tips on make, model, power etc welcome, I am using a 140W from Circuit City at the moment and get a nasty buzz whenever it is on, with our without the PC etc.

Chris.

chut · 02-22-2004, 04:05 PM

Costco, I got a 400 watt inverter for 24.00 and it works great.

ukchris · 02-22-2004, 04:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chut

Costco, I got a 400 watt inverter for 24.00 and it works great.

I don't think there is a Costco around here... thanks though.

none · 02-22-2004, 04:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chut

Costco, I got a 400 watt inverter for 24.00 and it works great.

A brand name on that inverter would be helpful to him. Walmart and Costco often have the same brands.

StratusPh34r · 02-22-2004, 04:13 PM

Got a 400W from Lowes Home Improvement for $29...works great!

StratusPh34r · 02-22-2004, 04:15 PM

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...1-37266-VEC024

ukchris · 02-22-2004, 04:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by StratusPh34r

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...1-37266-VEC024

Geez... Walwart list the same brand, 350W for twice the price... http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...3A3947%3A96391 - looks like it may be worth travelling further afield. I need to find a Lowes for some home theater stuff anyway..! Thanks.

icet · 02-23-2004, 09:40 AM

go to walmart get this ground loop isolator for around $13 bucks
it should get rid the noises...
i tried so many inverters, all of them gave me noises until i found this ground loop.
i have kenwood dash 400w amps with aux input hooked up my laptop, get rid of 90-95% of noises.
hope this help u...
icet

Confused · 02-23-2004, 09:47 AM

I got rid of 80% of my noise by grounding properly, overloaded a pair of JBL 6x9's by plugging in a Ground Loop Isolator, and got rid of the other 20% of the noise by getting a n Opus.

Garry

ukchris · 02-23-2004, 10:59 AM

I think I need a little clarification, if someone would be so kind. I currently have a kiosk PC mounted temporarilly, it is using a 140W Inverter and is (for now) using an IRock wireless FM modulator to get audio to my stereo.

Whenever the inverter is on I get a buzz on FM on the radio, even if it is just a cell phone charger plugged in. With the modulator etc, it makes audio pretty much unbearable.

I have read all the buzzing threads and it seems the two potentially simple solutions are a better Inverter and a Ground Loop Isolator. I was planning to swing by Lowes for a $30 400W Inverter tonight to try that, I really don't understand what the Ground Loop Isolator does for me. Follwing a post above I searched at Walmart and found this http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...%3A3947%3A4429 but it is only $2.99, not $14, is this the right thing? Would I jump this into the cable to the FM Modulator or does me using a wireless modulator imply this would not work for me?

Any tips welcome.

Chris.

Cherub211 · 02-23-2004, 11:15 AM

I'm having the same problem with my Vector brand 225w inverter, I've ordered a 90w opus but so far I haven't heard anything from Opus about my order.
Anyway, my problem is wierd, I have a Pioneer head unit, I can plug in DC powered devices to the AUX input without a hint of noise, but switch on that inverter and the noise is unbearable at whispered music levels. I'm going to go Office Space on my inverter when that Opus comes... unless someone wants it.

Confused · 02-23-2004, 11:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cherub211

I'm having the same problem with my Vector brand 225w inverter, I've ordered a 90w opus but so far I haven't heard anything from Opus about my order.
Anyway, my problem is wierd, I have a Pioneer head unit, I can plug in DC powered devices to the AUX input without a hint of noise, but switch on that inverter and the noise is unbearable at whispered music levels. I'm going to go Office Space on my inverter when that Opus comes... unless someone wants it.

For now, try putting a wire between your ATX power supply and ground

Believe me, once you get the Opus, you will wonder how the hell, you went without!!

Garry

Cherub211 · 02-23-2004, 11:27 AM

Between the output ground or the input ground ...and the car's groud?

Confused · 02-23-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cherub211

Between the output ground or the input ground ...and the car's groud?

Attach it to the metal casing of the PSU, and the car's ground (preferably the same place the rest of your audio equipment (especially amps) and your inverter are grounded)

Garry

owenjh · 02-23-2004, 12:25 PM

I believe inverters from radio shack are made by tripp light, quite a good brand, not sure how they cope with sound tho