Cobra CPI 150 User manual
Introduction A1
How Your Cobra®Power Inverter Works A3
Rechargeable Appliances 1
Quick Checkout 2-3
Operation 4
Controls andIndicators 5
Operating Limits 6
Input Voltage/Automatic Shutdown 6
Troubleshooting Guide 7
Maintenance and Service 8-9
Power Consumption 10
Specifications 11
Limited 1-Year Warranty 12
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Table of Contents
1
1RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES
Certain rechargers for small
nickel cadmium batteries can
be damaged if connected to
the CPI 150 BK/WH. Two types
of equipment are particularly
prone to this problem:
1. Small battery operated
appliances that can be
plugged directly into
an AC receptacle for
recharging, including
flashlights, razors, and
nightlights.
2. Certain battery chargers for
battery packs used in hand
power tools, specifically
those that have a
WARNING label stating
that dangerous voltages
are present at the battery
terminals.
Problems do not occur with
the vast majority of battery
operated tools, most of which
use a separate charger or
transformer that plugs into
an ACreceptacle and
produces a low voltage
output. If the label on your
tool’s ACadapter or charger
states that is produces a low
voltage ACor DC output
(less than 30 volts) you
can safely power the charger
with your CPI 150.
CAUTION
2
QUICK CHECKOUT
In order to check the
performance of your
CPI 150 before using it,
please have the following
on hand:
1. A12 volt DC power source
(such as a vehicle battery)
2. Atest load such as a lamp
or other small appliance
that can be plugged into
the AC receptacle on the
inverter.
Power Source
You will need an 11 to
15 volt DC power source
capable ofsupplyingenough
current to run the test load. As
arough guide, divide the
wattage ofthetest load by 10
to get the current (in amperes)
that thepower source must
supply. A fully charged
standard automotive battery
will work fine.
Connecting to the
Power Source
Your CPI 150 BK/WH comes
with a 24 inch cable and
detachable cigarette lighter
plug that converts to an
airplane 12 volt female
connector.
Do not connect to the power
source if flammable fumes
arepresent. Explosion or
fire may result.
2
WARNING
2QUICK CHECKOUT
Quick Checkout (continued)
To connect your inverter
to the power source:
1. If the power source is a DC
power supply, switch it off.
2. Connect power cordto
theinverter.
3. Insert thecigarette lighter
plug into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
4. For airlineapplication, remove
lighter plug from cable.
Note:Some airplanes are
equipped with cigarette
lighter type socket.
5. Status LED on top of unit
will illuminate indicating
“on” status.
6. Plug thepower cordfrom
the test load into the
inverter’s AC receptacle.
Testing
Theinverter will comeon
automatically. It should supply
power to the load. If the
inverter does not appear to
work properly, refer to the
Troubleshooting Guide on
page7.
3
5V USB Outlet
Airplane Plug
Power Cord
4
The location where you should
use your CPI 150 must be:
•dry–Do not use the unit
where water can drip or
splash on it.
•cool–Ambient air
temperature should be
between 30˚ and 105˚ F
(0˚ and 40˚ C). The cooler
the better.
•ventilated–Allow at least
1inch (3 cm) of clearance
around the unit for proper
air flow.Make sure that
ventilation openings on the
ends of the unit are not
obstructed.
To prevent fire, do not cover
or obstruct ventilation
openings.
The inverter must only
be connected to batteries
with a nominal output
voltage of 12 volts. It will
not work with a 6 volt
battery, and will be
damaged if it is connected
to a 16 volt battery.
CAUTION
CAUTION
OPERATION 3
4CONTROLS & INDICATORS
Powering Up
To apply power to the CPI 150,
simply plug in to 12 Volt DC
source (cigarette lighter or
airplane power source).
Power/Fault Indicator
The "fault" indicator of your
CPI 150 will light whenever
the unit detects excessively
high or low input voltage, or
begins to overheat.
CAUTION NOTE: Makesure
you unplug inverter from
power source before you
leave your vehicle.
5
power/fault
indicator
Cigarette Lighter Plug
AirplanePlug
5
OPERATING LIMITS
INPUT VOLTAGE/AUTO SHUTDOWN
Power Output
AC Output:
Your CPI 150 will deliver
150 watts continuously. It
can deliver 180 watts for
about 30 minutes, after
which it must cool for
about 15 minutes before
it can resume operation at
150 watts. (NOTE: the
wattage rating applies to
resistive loads.)
USB Output:
5 Volt continuous output.
Input Voltage
Your CPI 150 will operate
from input voltage ranging
from 10 to 15 volts.
Optimum performance occurs
when the voltage is between
12 and 14 volts.
The inverter will automatically
shut down if the input
voltage drops below 10.0 ±
0.3 volts. This protects the
battery from being over-
discharged. The inverter will
restart when the input voltage
exceeds 12.0 ± 0.3 volts.
The inverter will also shut down
if the input voltage increases
to 15.5 ± 0.5 volts. This helps
protect the unit from damage
due to excessive input voltage.
Although theinverter is
protected in this way, it may
still be damaged should the
input voltage exceed 16 volts.
Automatic Shutdown
The unit will automatically go
into thermal shutdown if it
becomes overheated due to
excessive input voltage, poor
circulation or high ambient
temperature.
6
6TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
7
Problem/ Possible Solution
Symptom Causes
Low output voltage Overload Reduce the load.
No output voltage Low input Recharge battery.
voltage Check connections
andcable.
Short circuit or Check AC wiring for short
wiring error circuit or improper polarity.
Nooutput voltage High input Make sure the inverter
and "fault" voltage is connected to a
indicator is lit 12 volt battery.
Check regulation of
charging system.
Nooutput voltageThermal Allow inverter to cool down
when load is in shutdown Improve ventilation—
excess of150 watts make sure ventilation
or 1.3 amperes openings in the inverter
arenot obstructed. Lower
ambient temperature.
7
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
Maintaining Your
Inverter
Your CPI 150 requires very
little maintenance to keep it
operating properly. The
exterior of the unit should be
cleaned periodically with a
damp cloth to prevent
accumulation of dust and dirt.
Keep vents and fans free from
dust or debris.
Service
You can receive technical
assistance with your unit
through one of our customer
support services:
•Automated Help Desk
is available 24 hours a day,
7days a week at
773-889-3087.
•Customer Service Operators
are available at
773-889-3087
Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Central Time.
•Questions can be faxed to
773-622-2269.
•Automated Technical
Assistance is available
24 hours, 7 days a week
viae-mail at:
productinfo@cobra.com.
•On-line answers to
frequently asked questions
can be found at:
www.cobra.com
Cobra®, Nothing Comes Close
to a Cobra® and the snake
design are registered
trademarks of Cobra
Electronics Corporation, USA.
8
WARNING:This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
9
7MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
Service (continued)
If you suspect that your unit
requires service, please call
773-889-3087 BEFORE
shipping it to Cobra®.This
will ensure that you receive
service as quickly as
possible.
If you are asked to send your
unit to the Cobra®factory,
please follow these steps:
1. Send the complete unit.
2. For warranty repair,enclose
some form of proof-of purchase,
such as a photocopy or carbon
copy of a sales receipt. If you
send the original receipt, it
cannot be returned.
3. Enclose a typed or clearly
written description of the
problem you are having with
your unit, plus thename and
address where you want the
unit returned.
4. Pack the unit securely to
prevent damage during transit.
If possible, use the original
packing materials.
5. Ship prepaid and insured
using a traceable carrier such as
United Parcel Service (UPS),
Federal Express, or first class
mail with delivery confirmation.
Ship to: Cobra®Factory Service,
CobraElectronics Corporation,
6500 West Cortland Street,
Chicago, IL 60707 USA
6. Please allow 3-4 weeks
before contacting us about the
status of your service. Call
773-889-3087 for assistance.
If your unity is under
warranty, it will either be
repaired or replaced upon
receipt, depending on the
model. If your unit is out of
warranty, you will receive a
letter informing you of the
repair or replacement charge.
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