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Xantrex RV Series Inverter/Charger Owner’s Manual
5
Search Sense Mode Using Optional RC7 Remote
The SEARCH SENSE menu on the RC7 is used for adjusting the sensitivity of the search mode
circuit. The RV inverter’s search sensitivity can only be set using the optional RC7 remote.
However, once the mode is set the remote may then be removed and the inverter will retain the
settings. The RV Series inverters feature an adjustable search mode circuit. It minimizes power
drain by reducing the inverter’s output to small test pulses when there is no load connected.
These pulses are used to detect the presence of a load. When a load is detected the inverter’s
output goes to full voltage. The sensitivity of the detection threshold is adjustable.
Example: With the SEARCH WATTS control set to detect a 40-watt load, a 50-watt load will bring
the unit to full output voltage. However, a 30-watt load will leave the inverter in its energy-saving
search mode state. If the sensitivity is increased by setting the control to 10, a 20-watt load will
bring the inverter out of the search mode, while a 5-watt load will not.
When in the search mode, the green power LED will blink and the inverter will make a ticking
sound. At full output voltage, the green power LED will burn steadily and the inverter will make a
steady humming sound. When the inverter is used as an “uninterruptible” power supply the search
mode function should be defeated.
A neon-type nightlight can also be used as a good indicator to determine if the inverter is in search
mode. Simply plug the light into any AC outlet. When the inverter is in the search mode the light
will blink. If the inverter is running a load, the light will be solid.
Exceptions
Example A: If the SEARCH WATTS control is set to detect a 40-watt load and a 30-watt
incandescent light is turned on, the inverter will detect the light. The light is a bigger load than 40
watts when its filaments are cold. When the light gets bright the filaments heat up and the light
becomes a 30-watt load. Since this is below the control setting of 40, the inverter will not detect it
and the light will go out, beginning the process all over again.
Example B: If the SEARCH WATTS control is set to detect a 30-watt load and a 40-watt
fluorescent light is turned on, the inverter will not detect the light. The light presents a smaller load
than 30 watts until the gas in the fluorescent tube ionizes.
Example C: There are some appliances that draw power even though they are turned off. TVs
with instant-on circuits, microwave ovens with digital displays and VCRs are examples. These
loads present a dilemma. If the sensitivity is set higher than the combination of these loads, then
an auxiliary load must be used to bring the inverter out of the search mode before the appliances
can be turned on. If the sensitivity is set lower than this combination of loads, the loads will be left
on and will put an additional drain on the batteries. (Three such 15-watt loads would amount to an
additional 90 amp hours per 24 hours in a 12 VDC system.) One solution is to turn these items off
at the wall. Use an extension cord with a rocker switch, a switch at the outlet, or the appropriate
circuit breaker.