| [GMCnet] HUGHES AUTOFORMER [message #332466] |
Wed, 23 May 2018 16:20  |
glwgmc
Messages: 1014
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 10
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These devices are designed to boost low RV post voltage up a bit to hopefully a safe level at or above 110 vac. Whether they can/will or not is a function of how low the voltage is at the post. They can only boost a few volts (up to less than 10 volts IIRC) if they are working correctly. Most modern RV parks have very stable voltage but sometimes you will find the post miswired with the polarity reversed or a missing ground or something of that sort. If you frequently travel to older RV parks, or out in the boonies places, or where a lot of people are running AC units, then the Autoformer you are considering might be of value to you if you have a 30 amp service coming into your coach.
In all our time roaming around north America and Mexico in our two GMC motorhomes there were only a hand full of times we encountered low incoming voltage in a situation where an Autoformer would have been beneficial. My preference is for the external power monitor units that tell you the state of the incoming power and shut it off automatically if it is out of whack enough to damage something inside your coach. In Mexico last winter we encountered an issue where the post voltage was too high, dangerously so. The power monitor sensed it quickly and shut off the power. An Autoformer would not have helped in that situation.
Bottom line, if you regularly camp where you need that small voltage boost occasionally, the Autoformer just might work for you. Otherwise, go with one of the power monitor units.
Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR
glwork@mac.com
http://jerrywork.com
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Message: 7
Date: Wed, 23 May 2018 11:56:29 -0600
From: Mike
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] HUGHES AUTOFORMER
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hello All, hope everyone is enjoying spring.
I have completed almost everything on my "initial" list, just putting the finishing touches on the BBQ hitch mount and the Vespa hitch carrier.
This past weekend I put approximately 7+ hours of seat time testing out the coach and the Fi-Tech fuel injection system... it ran flawless!
I have an opportunity to purchase a used Hughes Autoformer, (30 Amp 3600 Watt), it is the model RV 2130 SP with surge protection.
I must admit I do not know anything about these, or more importantly do I need one?
Any opinions on the worth of these units for use in our coaches are appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
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Jerry & Sharon Work
78 Royale
Kerby, OR
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| Re: [GMCnet] HUGHES AUTOFORMER [message #332484 is a reply to message #332473] |
Wed, 23 May 2018 22:04  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I have one plugged into the 120 volt plug above the kitchen counter. I just leave it there all the time unless I need the plug for something else. I'll see if I can find the brand on it the next time I'm in the coach. There are cheap ones (under $10.00) on Amazon. I did not check ebay.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] HUGHES AUTOFORMER [message #332500 is a reply to message #332466] |
Thu, 24 May 2018 08:12 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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"I'm a security monitor, not a security guard". Those post to coach units are like $400 + at Camping Squirrels. I was always afraid they would walk away. I meter first and take my chances. Adding the in line surge unit where voltage is slightly low adds connectors and more voltage drop to heat. Then it shuts you off. Bad for frig and pets if left there a while.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] HUGHES AUTOFORMER [message #332571 is a reply to message #332466] |
Fri, 25 May 2018 20:30 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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If it were a problem to me (it currently isn't in the placesm I go), and if I could handle the weight, I'd install a Sola constant voltage transformer. The Sola will hold the output voltage constant over a substantial variation of the input.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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