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Inverter "Remote" Madness

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RhodeIslandTraveler

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Inverter "Remote" Madness
« on: December 20, 2021, 11:18:30 am »
Ahoy, all -

Owner of 2019 Model 2350 here.
Background: 2nd owner - - purchased unit from Campers Inn where they were unable to fix anything in a timely or proper way, lied about the condition of the batteries, etc., so I just took the MH home to figure it out at home.  (Regarding Campers Inn, my experience over several months was the worst customer service experience imaginable. I wouldn't buy a wheelbarrow from them.)

Has anyone had the experience of the "remote" control for the Xantrex Pro 1800 inverter not working, and finding that it's something to do with the cable between the inverter itself and the remote which is installed in the wall behind the drivers seat?

1 - After opening up examining the remote installation in the wall, I find that the cable is a 6 wire cable (RJ45?), while the remote has a 4 wire connection (RJ11).
2 - The Owners Guide says that the remote should be installed using R11 extension cord, and yet what is in my wall is NOT an RJ11 extension cord.
3 - Looking at the existing extension cord wires closely, I see that some of them are blackened, which seems like there must have been short of some sort.
4 - The connector between the weird extension cord and the remote has burned marks inside it, so clearly something happened.
5 - When I go under the bed to the inverter, and plug the "remote" directly into the inverter, it seems to function normally (hooray!).

So... after several weeks of trying to find a connector that would work, and trying to find a non-burned part of the wire and install a new plug on the end of it, I've decided to go another route.
I am going to install a plain old RJ11 extension cord, plugging it into the inverter and then thread it through the galley cabinets to a new location, and then install the remote in the galley rather than trying to thread an extension cord across the MH to the control panel. 

My question for someone on this forum is, have I missed something obvious? 
Is there any possible reason why the extension cord in the wall is NOT an RJ11 cord as specified in the Owners Guide? 
To it all even more interesting, the extension cord in the wall doesn't match the extension cord currently plugged into the inverter.  I've tried to traced the cord starting from the inverter, but it is buried in the overall bundled wires, and disappears. 

I am beyond frustrated.  Any insight will be welcomed!

Thanks in advance.
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Engineerlt

Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2021, 01:39:26 pm »
I changed mine to a full sinewave instead of modified. Mine was wired that way. 
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RhodeIslandTraveler

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2021, 11:22:26 pm »
Thanks, Engineer - - while it’s puzzling as to why they might do it that way, at least now I know my PC isn’t an anomaly.

UPDATE:  My approached worked - - the plain RJ11 extension cord connected between the remote panel and the inverter works.  Now I am able to turn the inverter on for the first time since buying my PC in September.  Now to cut a hole somewhere in the galley to mount the remote panel.

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Taildragger

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2023, 07:45:26 am »
Old topic.  A new problem for me.  I just acquired a PC2350 and am confounded by an unresponsive Xantrac 1800.  I opened the remote control wall mounting compartment and viewed the telephone cable connection.  No response on the gauges when selecting on/off options.

According to the experience reported here, the cable connection can be bypassed and the Remote Control returned to the main unit and tested to confirm operation. Seems simple enough.

 I need a hint.  The unit is installed below the refrigerator and permanently placed with multiple electrical connections.  The front access panels open to fuses.  Nothing shows the telephone wire connection
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keelhauler

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2023, 09:15:18 am »
That sounds like the converter. I'm not familiar where they install the inverter on that model but guess it's somewhere near the batteries. Also note that inverter has failed me twice. They are not very reliable, so it could have just gone bad. I replaced with the same model because that was the simplest thing to do.
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DKCruzser

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2023, 11:43:35 am »
I just changed my Xantrex 1800 pro to the true sine wave Xantrex 2000.  In our 2910D the inverter is located under the refrigerator area.  My understanding in other models the inverter is located under one of the beds?   It does sound like you are talking about the converter.   The inverter has just a few connections.  The hot coming from the cut off switch from the battery, the negative going to the batteries, one romex cable from the electrical panel to the inverter, one romex back into the panel, and the "phone wire" going to the display panel. 
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Taildragger

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2023, 10:49:03 pm »
Thanks for the response.   I realize now there is more to the system than I was aware of.  I need to look for the other components.  Half of the installation must be in a separate location.               

After several years with an earlier Phoenix Cruiser, equipped with a Tripp Lite System that resides in a single location, I never suspected an installation would be configured with modules residing in non-contiguous locations.  The Xantrex footprint is evidently too big for mounting in a single cabinet                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
« Last Edit: April 04, 2023, 02:52:40 am by Taildragger »
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parkgt

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2023, 11:52:21 pm »
If you replace an inverter consider purchasing a much higher quality Victron unit.they come with a 5 year warranty.
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Taildragger

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2023, 09:11:32 am »
I am interested in doing a DIY replacement and making the procedure as simple as possible.  Using plug compatible equipment lessens the risk of encountering installation problems.  Hopefully, that will eliminate problems with matching wiring placement and fitting the replacement case in the limited space available.  Another issue: the Remote Control Panel is essential.

I'll have tried locating a direct replacement for the existing device.  Only to find out there is limited availability and back orders are widespread.  Victron as an alternative is something worth considering.  Others report having replaced their Xantrax multiple times.  Nothing including a testimony on reliability issues.

About to undertake the process, I need confirmation that my approach to the wiring harness is made by opening the bottom of the Tall Clothes Closet.  It appears the cabinet floor is removable. 
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Taildragger

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2023, 01:12:53 pm »
A few notes. I have learned requests to Victron Customer Support are treated as "sales opportunities"  and fed to the franchised dealer network.   Contact with a factory recomended, Victron Authorized, outlet offers no information other than an abrupt announcement consulting fees are expected.

Questions about something as straight forward as matching a Victron  product to am existing installation has to be "researched" and there is an hourly rate.  I am not interested.  Seems a little too opportunistic.

I have bounced around the internet and learned Victron inverers do not measure in watts and hence a 2000VA rated Multiplus puts out 1600w continuously.  As a match  to the Xantrex 2000: it would be less power.  A Multiplus II 3000 is 2400w continuous and is for 30 / 50 amp rigs as it has Line1, Neutral and Ground with an additional leg for Line 2 and 50 amp systems. I am not interested in purchasing a box offering features I don't need or can't use.  Nor do I want something where the Remote Control is not included.

Seems as though I would be stuck using a Multiplus II 3000 which will cover the continuous wattage of the previous Xantrex.  But with a  larger form factor, much bigger price tag, features I can;t use.  And no help from the manufacturer. 

Xantrex looks better, as I explore the alternatives
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fandj

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2023, 11:23:13 am »
I had Phoenix install a Samlex pure sine wave 2,000 watt inverter when the unit was being built in 2016.  They also installed a separate transfer switch.  Knock on wood I have not had any problems with this arrangement.
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RhodeIslandTraveler

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2023, 10:32:23 pm »
Ahoy, Taildragger!

I feel your pain… the inverter is located under the bed in the 2350.
Lift up mattress, unscrew fasteners holding down plywood under mattress, and you’ll find the inverter is located behind the electrical panel.

Mine has functioned perfectly since I found a replacement for the extension wire.  Of course, I’ve got this dumb setup where the remote is now under the sink galley sink, but at least the inverter is working correctly now that it can be controlled by the “remote”.

Good luck to you. I hope it’s only the extension wire malfunctioning for you, as it was in my case,
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Taildragger

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Re: Inverter "Remote" Madness
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2023, 01:02:21 pm »
Evidently, Phoenix has used varied locations for placing the electrical components.  In my rig, I found the Inverter under the wall cabinet and storage area that are adjacent to the refrigerator.  The location places the Inverter / Converter / Electrical Panel in contiguous spaces.

When first confirming the existing inverter was defective, using various contortions, I wriggled access to the front panel of the Xantrex Inverter.  Physically inserting the Remote Control device in the accommodating front panel receptacle, I confirmed the combination doesn’t work.  I am content thinking it is failed.  Seemingly not uncommon, others report they have experienced abbreviated usage from theirs.

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to replace the old unit, I am traveling early next month to return to the project and complete the exchange before continuing on a cross country vacation.  The inverter location presents a challenge requiring the cabinetry be disassembled for unobstructed access.

I have considered the risks of ordering a rival product.  Wiggle room and compartment space limitations reduce my range of selection array.  In the interest of making the DIY project simple, I am planning to order a Xantrex 807-2000 Freedom XI Inverter.  Footprint is essentially the same size. 
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