Microwave (the sequel)

Tabaz

Now that I have an inverter, here is my microwave setup.  I removed the stock factory seat cushion and had a custom cushion made locally.  This is my work area with my laptop.  The microwave acts as an arm rest while clicking away on the computer.  Stays fairly hidden under the Lagun table top when not in use.  When its time for a healthy, hearty, salt-ridden processed meal, I simply move the seat cushion, plug it in and wait for the "ding."

Carolyn

OutbackAZ. What kind of a microwave is that?

jkjenn

Any idea what the power draw of the inverter and microwave are?

Tabaz

Carolyn said:

OutbackAZ. What kind of a microwave is that?

Here is the link on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-WCM660W-Counter-Microwave-Cubic/dp/B00BGTNY8O

Also try Walmart - they may have a better price.

This is my second one. I bought the white model but thought it stood out too much.  Like the black color much better.  No electronic clock to re-set every time you plug it in to use! 

It says 600W, but my test using a cheapie "truck stop" inverter a few weeks back had it drawing up to 900W during a five minute run.  I'll re-test it later today using my new 2,000W inverter and report back to you and Jenn.

Tabaz

Bob - I have a 7 foot cable from the battery to the inverter of #4 wire.

Tabaz

Here is the inverter:

http://www.amazon.com/MicroSolar-2000W-Inverter-Remote-Controller/dp/B00GZBHFMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1457358787&sr=1-1&keywords=2000w+sine+wave+inverter

And quick disconnect cable:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHJLUZK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

It says 2 gauge, but it fits into a 4 gauge brass eyelet, so I'm assuming the wire really is 4 gauge.

Tabaz

Bob - I have a Group 27 "dual purpose" battery. I plan on cutting the cables to as short as length as possible when I decide on a permanent location for the inverter.  What are your thoughts on running it in the propane/battery compartment with the lid cracked (the back of the compartment is open)?  One of my tech buddies says it should not be a problem.  I'm just concerned about a propane leak near an inverter, as in "BOOM!"

Tabaz

Thanks for the great information Bob! The bottom of the propane tub in the Outback model is aluminum, but I can see how some debris may get in.  Covering the inverter during transit will not be a problem.  Putting the inverter in the tub will allow for much shorter battery cables and negate having to haul it in and out of the TV.  What type and size battery do you recommend?  I also have the 200W Zamp solar array if that is a factor.

Tabaz

Microwave test using a 600W microwave, 2,000 Watt inverter and a white thingy with a digital readout.

Set microwave to "High" for five minutes.  At the start of the test, micro was drawing 935W and 8.4A.  Both steadily decreased over the five minutes until ending at 862W and 7.9A.

Ran the same test from a house outlet.  At the start of this test run, micro was drawing 950W and 8.5A.  At the end of the five minutes, 857W and 7.3A.

Not sure what any of that means, but you technical folks can enlighten the rest of us.  BTW, never once did my 600W microwave get near 600W!  Could it be I had it set on "High?"

Nomad

We're going to teach you how to cook Frank - Am saving recipes and  taking photos - You won't need that microwave to cook frozen dinners once we're done with ya :-)

Tabaz

Pxlated - that's a very kind gestrure - especially towards a total stranger. But I see no value in spending 30 minutes preparing a meal that takes me 5 minutes to eat. That's the beauty of the microwave - 5 minutes prep, 5 minutes consumption.

Nomad

There's not a meal I'm saving that takes more than ten. One pot meals Frank :-)

jkjenn

Although not willing to go Frank's route, I am sympathetic. I don't like to spend my time cooking when I go camping, either.

Tabaz

ST_Bob said:

I'd bet Frank hates cleaning the pot, fork, knife and dish...  Microwave dinners = no pot, no dish.  50% savings, right Frank?

You got it Bob.  I only use paper plates and plastic utensils.  Just lazy I guess.

Nomad

Frank/Bob - One non-stick pot, paper plates...clean up with one cup of water and a paper towel. No fuss, no muss ... Brrrrrrrp, oh my, excuse me, that was so good :-)
Jenn - Can understand that when you're on vacation with limited time. When full-timing one tends to want the same as back when stationery.

Verna

This is a 90+ day of vacation for me. I rarely used my plastic plates last year, so I just brought paper plates and bowls this year. Water can be a precious commodity when boondocking, so the less I wash, the better it is. I do put my foot down on having real forks, knives and spoons, silicon cooking utensils, but I don't mind using a permanent plastic spork for breakfast Cheerios. 

I do have an assortment of an imported set of microwave bowls. Easy to clean, and can be used as serving bowls, too. 

jkjenn

Verna said:

This is a 90+ day of vacation for me. I rarely used my plastic plates last year, so I just brought paper plates and bowls this year. Water can be a precious commodity when boondocking, so the less I wash, the better it is.

Agreed. I have started collecting extra plastic and paper when I get takeout and have been saving up. I also have a stash of plastic ware from last year. I save the water for the pots and pans and cooking utensils.  

Nomad

Verna - Yep, standard metal silverware. Nothing sucks more than plastic forks & knives.

Verna

PXLated said:

Verna - Yep, standard metal silverware. Nothing sucks more than plastic forks & knives.

But, of course, my handles are red ;-)

Nomad

Well of course - Wouldn't expect them to not be :-)