Xantrex PROWatt 600 Inverter, Model# 806-1206 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this inverter to replace a Sinergex Pure Sine 600 unit that failed after 5 years on my boat which is used to provide power to the entertainment system and TV.
Compared to other similar pure sine wave inverters the ProWatt SW600 is a great buy. Easily half the price of a replacement Sinergex and other similar units.
For my application, it had to be installed in concealed location. The SW600 was slightly larger than the Sinergex unit it was replacing but not by much and it fit nicely in the same space that the Sinergex unit was in.
The unit works great, provides clean power to the entertainment system and TV. It hums a bit when running but not enough to be annoying in a quiet cabin. If you are mounting this unit to a wood panel you may want to use rubber isolation to minimize the amplification of the hum through the wood panel.
My only complaint isn't so much with this unit as with the most recent 'safety' requirements that in order to comply with UL458 prevent this inverter (and virtually all other similar units) on the market today from turning on when DC power is applied. You MUST press a momentary button on the front of this unit to power it up. As a result of the safety requirements of UL458, it is now expected that any inverter will be mounted where it is easily accessible. Trouble is on my boat and in many other RV and other marine applications, the inverters are usually installed out of sight in a compartment.
Unlike most other inverters on the market in this category, at least Xantrex offers a remote panel/switch for this unit which was a big plus since I had to install it in a concealed location. However, it also meant running the remote cable and finding yet more space in a sensible and convenient location to mount the remote panel. The remote panel just has an indicator light and momentary power switch. For its size, at 2" x 2.5", it would be nice if the remote panel would at least include a display to show the power and voltage readings just like the main unit does.
My gripes about the remote panel issues aside, overall I would highly recommend this unit for any application in which you want clean AC power. It really is a great value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xantrex PROWatt 600 Inverter, Model# 806-1206

The PROWatt 600 Watt pure sine wave inverter is a compact, powerful inverter that is easy to install and use in commercial truck, RV and marine applications. Provides reliable, clean power for variety of electrical loads, including sensitive electronics. Power Supply: 104 - 127 V AC, Continuous Watts: 600, Surge Watts: 1,200, AC Outlets (qty.): 2, True Sine Wave: Yes, Soft Start Technology (SST): Yes, Short Circuit Protection: Yes, Low Battery Protection: Yes

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Xantrex PROWatt 600 Inverter, Model# 806-1206 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this inverter to replace a Sinergex Pure Sine 600 unit that failed after 5 years on my boat which is used to provide power to the entertainment system and TV.
Compared to other similar pure sine wave inverters the ProWatt SW600 is a great buy. Easily half the price of a replacement Sinergex and other similar units.
For my application, it had to be installed in concealed location. The SW600 was slightly larger than the Sinergex unit it was replacing but not by much and it fit nicely in the same space that the Sinergex unit was in.
The unit works great, provides clean power to the entertainment system and TV. It hums a bit when running but not enough to be annoying in a quiet cabin. If you are mounting this unit to a wood panel you may want to use rubber isolation to minimize the amplification of the hum through the wood panel.
My only complaint isn't so much with this unit as with the most recent 'safety' requirements that in order to comply with UL458 prevent this inverter (and virtually all other similar units) on the market today from turning on when DC power is applied. You MUST press a momentary button on the front of this unit to power it up. As a result of the safety requirements of UL458, it is now expected that any inverter will be mounted where it is easily accessible. Trouble is on my boat and in many other RV and other marine applications, the inverters are usually installed out of sight in a compartment.
Unlike most other inverters on the market in this category, at least Xantrex offers a remote panel/switch for this unit which was a big plus since I had to install it in a concealed location. However, it also meant running the remote cable and finding yet more space in a sensible and convenient location to mount the remote panel. The remote panel just has an indicator light and momentary power switch. For its size, at 2" x 2.5", it would be nice if the remote panel would at least include a display to show the power and voltage readings just like the main unit does.
My gripes about the remote panel issues aside, overall I would highly recommend this unit for any application in which you want clean AC power. It really is a great value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xantrex PROWatt 600 Inverter, Model# 806-1206

The PROWatt 600 Watt pure sine wave inverter is a compact, powerful inverter that is easy to install and use in commercial truck, RV and marine applications. Provides reliable, clean power for variety of electrical loads, including sensitive electronics. Power Supply: 104 - 127 V AC, Continuous Watts: 600, Surge Watts: 1,200, AC Outlets (qty.): 2, True Sine Wave: Yes, Soft Start Technology (SST): Yes, Short Circuit Protection: Yes, Low Battery Protection: Yes

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Click here for more information about Xantrex PROWatt 600 Inverter, Model# 806-1206

Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I took this heater camping in Delaware on Columbus Day weekend (October). I used it in a well-ventilated 4-person (medium-sized) tent. The first 2 days were cold and rainy, and I was VERY glad to have brought it.
Now, this heater is not going to make your tent into a sauna on a very cold day, so don't expect to get in the tent and lounge in your skivies like you might do at home! But after burning for about 10-15 min, it should raise the temperature in your tent several precious degrees making it bareable; even comfortable. For instance, it did keep me from having to wear my heavy coat while inside the tent, which pleased me.
Since it would certainly heat a smaller, less-vented tent better than a larger, more-vented tent, your results may vary. As for me, the results were not dramatic, but certainly noticable, and well worth the money spent.
Note: This kind of catalytic heater requires those mini propane tanks. It works by a chemical reaction between a meshy platinum filter and the burning propane gas, so while there's no obvious propane smell and no open flame, there's still a very hot surface that could catch objects on fire if they are placed directly in front of it for too long. FYI, when you first light it, you may indeed see an igniting flame, but that is just upon start up. Once the starting flame vanishes, put your hand gently over the heater - if you feel it eminating warmth, you'll know you've started it successfully.
Warning: Just as the instructions warn you, I do NOT recommend leaving this heater on through the night when you and your family are asleep. It is both a breathing hazard, and an obvious fire hazard. But warning stated, I did just that and I didn't have a problem. I slept very comfortably on a couple cold nights and I didn't die in my sleep. Again, your results may vary.
However, I should note that my own tent is extreamly well ventilated, with the entire ceiling being mesh under the rain fly. In addition, the night was windy, and I could actually feel a breeze of air circulating in my tent. In truth, if I had brought a less-ventilated, cold-weather tent with me that weekend, the heater may not have been needed at night, but since I was stuck with a drafty tent, I took the calculated risk that this would also lessen the threat. In addition, I took every possible precaution to ensure that nothing was near the heater before going to sleep. Even so, it's a risk that I could not blame anyone for not wanting to take. Also, if you do this, expect the propane tank to be empty by morning.
All in all, other than the obvious handle-with-care factors, I could not find a downside to this product. In fact, I could not imagine cold-weather camping without it. P.S. They also sell a slightly cheaper version, which is the same in every way, except it does not have the self-starting switch, and you start it manually with a lit match.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology

The Coleman 5038-850 BlackCat Perfectemp Catalytic Propane Heater with InstaStart Technology provides you with comfortable warmth indoors or in a tent. This catalytic heater has an electronic ignition which is not only quicker and easier that using a match, but is much more reliable in cold, windy weather.
This Coleman BlackCat heater is incredibly portable for its heat output, with an easy-to-grip handle that makes it easy to carry, and compact legs that integrate into its collar for easy storage. The BlackCat's 3,000 BTU output will operate for up to seven hours on one 16.4 ounce cylinder of propane (not included).
Manufacturer Warranty Limited lifetime warranty

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Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I took this heater camping in Delaware on Columbus Day weekend (October). I used it in a well-ventilated 4-person (medium-sized) tent. The first 2 days were cold and rainy, and I was VERY glad to have brought it.
Now, this heater is not going to make your tent into a sauna on a very cold day, so don't expect to get in the tent and lounge in your skivies like you might do at home! But after burning for about 10-15 min, it should raise the temperature in your tent several precious degrees making it bareable; even comfortable. For instance, it did keep me from having to wear my heavy coat while inside the tent, which pleased me.
Since it would certainly heat a smaller, less-vented tent better than a larger, more-vented tent, your results may vary. As for me, the results were not dramatic, but certainly noticable, and well worth the money spent.
Note: This kind of catalytic heater requires those mini propane tanks. It works by a chemical reaction between a meshy platinum filter and the burning propane gas, so while there's no obvious propane smell and no open flame, there's still a very hot surface that could catch objects on fire if they are placed directly in front of it for too long. FYI, when you first light it, you may indeed see an igniting flame, but that is just upon start up. Once the starting flame vanishes, put your hand gently over the heater - if you feel it eminating warmth, you'll know you've started it successfully.
Warning: Just as the instructions warn you, I do NOT recommend leaving this heater on through the night when you and your family are asleep. It is both a breathing hazard, and an obvious fire hazard. But warning stated, I did just that and I didn't have a problem. I slept very comfortably on a couple cold nights and I didn't die in my sleep. Again, your results may vary.
However, I should note that my own tent is extreamly well ventilated, with the entire ceiling being mesh under the rain fly. In addition, the night was windy, and I could actually feel a breeze of air circulating in my tent. In truth, if I had brought a less-ventilated, cold-weather tent with me that weekend, the heater may not have been needed at night, but since I was stuck with a drafty tent, I took the calculated risk that this would also lessen the threat. In addition, I took every possible precaution to ensure that nothing was near the heater before going to sleep. Even so, it's a risk that I could not blame anyone for not wanting to take. Also, if you do this, expect the propane tank to be empty by morning.
All in all, other than the obvious handle-with-care factors, I could not find a downside to this product. In fact, I could not imagine cold-weather camping without it. P.S. They also sell a slightly cheaper version, which is the same in every way, except it does not have the self-starting switch, and you start it manually with a lit match.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology

The Coleman 5038-850 BlackCat Perfectemp Catalytic Propane Heater with InstaStart Technology provides you with comfortable warmth indoors or in a tent. This catalytic heater has an electronic ignition which is not only quicker and easier that using a match, but is much more reliable in cold, windy weather.
This Coleman BlackCat heater is incredibly portable for its heat output, with an easy-to-grip handle that makes it easy to carry, and compact legs that integrate into its collar for easy storage. The BlackCat's 3,000 BTU output will operate for up to seven hours on one 16.4 ounce cylinder of propane (not included).
Manufacturer Warranty Limited lifetime warranty

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology