Xantrex 400 owners

[BP]

Just got one of these to run my Remstar auto. I have a couple of concerns that I would like to get some feedback on from other users.

1. I am using a Respironics dc cable to run the apap from the 12vdc connection on the Xantrex. Since this is more efficient than the ac connection, can I assume most people are doing this?

2. Are most of you leaving the Xantrex charging during the night as you use your cpap. In other words are you topping the Xantrex off with the charger as you are drawing it down with your cpap? The reason I ask is because it clearly states in the Xantrex owners manual that it should not be used as an uninterruptable power supply.

3. Once in a while I hear a click sound from my Xantrex. Sound like an internal switch or something. It's not very loud, about the same as turning a light switch on or off. Do other users hear this as well?

Thanks,
BP

[jkeene]

1. Ran my Remstar Plus that way all the time without any trouble. (Can't do it now with the BiPAP Auto, it's 24VDC internally).

2. I must have missed that warning in the guide. I charge the Xantrex all the time, and leave the xPAP connected as well.

3. I've never heard the click. Might be the charger changing over from trickle to float, but I'm not an electrical wizard.

[BP]

jkeene,

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure why they don't want us to use them as a ups, but I know of you and several others using it that way without any issues.

Would you mind trying somthing for me? Stand next to your Xantrex with your xpap plugged in but not running, and with the Xantrex charging. Mine clicks about every 2 minutes or so. I can't imagine your's would be so different than mine as to not click as well.

Thanks,
BP

[ProfessorSleep]

Hi, BP - I hope you're pleased with your purchase. Before I got mine, I heard from several trustworthy individuals that they run their cpap constantly through the Xantrex with no problem. I have not been doing that, since 1) it took more room for the setup, 2) didn't seem necessary, 3) company said not to (what can I say? I'm inclined to follow directions and, yes, I do read manuals. Weird, right?) I also went back to my F&P cpap machine which does not run on 12v. So if I need a 12v setup, I'll have to get out the PB machine and the Xantrex. But both are close at hand, and I recharge the Xantrex every couple of months.

I have not heard the clicking sound when recharging - perhaps it is only when there is a power drain?

Happy dreams!

[jkeene]

BP,

Just checked it, not a sound at all. Any chance it's coming from your xPAP instead? Alternatively, can you hook up a multimeter on the DC side and watch for a fluctuation at the click?

Jeff

[BP]

Actually, I'm fairly sure the clicking is the internal switch of the Xantrex that switches in and out of charging. With the xpap plugged in, about every couple of minutes it uses enough of the battery to engage to switch over to charging or the green light flashing, not exactly sure the how the two are related, but anyway since it really is keeping up with the very slight power drain the light never flashes, but you can hear the click of the switch engaging.

[jondough]

can anyone tell me about how long the Xantrex 400 lasts for a Respironics BiPapPro2? I regularly go to a summer camp on an island for a week or two with no electricity and can bring it ashore periodically to recharge but obviously would like to do it as little as possible.
I see they also have a 1500 which has a 60AH battery [three times larger than the 400] for under $400 on line. The size and weight [60# as opposed to 26#] would be compensated for by the wheels and cart.

Thanks.
michael

[jondough]

And another question, my BPPro2 power supply says it is 26V 2.3A. Is the unit 26V or 12VDC? Thanks.
michael

[dornback]

Will they let you bring a Xantrex on a plane?