AIMS Power 1250w Inverter Charger || 2nd Failure - Found The Problem!! || Inverter Repair Process

In this video, we finally find the root cause of what was causing this Aims Inverter to fail unexpectedly and blow 300A fuses in our 12V BigBattery 170Ah Power Block. Needless to say, we ended up just having to replace a major key component on this inverters internals.
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[@whiterabbit2786]

Really enjoyed the diagnostic process. I've had the 2500 watt unit for over a year. I've been happy with it. Mine will fail under a very specific set of circumstances. Usually when the whole unit is hot (camping in summer, so the whole RV is hot), and I run the Keurig coffee machine for 3 or more cycles. I can usually get the first two cups of coffee made, but the third one will fail and the Aims inverter will reset. Rarely, it will cause the 300a fuse to trip (fused line is the cable from the battery).

[@douggibson2428]

Thanks so much for your work. My inverter exhibited the same symptoms after 3 weeks of light usage. Sungold gave me the run around on warranty to point that I just dropped the issue. Sungold and aims are the same inverter. Can't wait to try this and hopefully get my inverter back

[@captainyak3948]

I am glad you fixed it. The craziness in my opinion is one of the CPU pins is not connected and once you press on it it'll connect and reboots. If you have a magnifier you could detect the issue in the old board.

[@greenwasp1046]

Good Job! I used to work at Electric Car Parts Company. They sale and service Sigineer inverters. Pretty much the same inverter. I replaced quite a few upper and lower boards and the fans. A pretty cheap fix. People would call saying they blew up there inverter, and we would just replace the board and they were good to go. Its a pretty easy fix just be careful with the connections and take lots of pictures for help remembering where all the connections go.

[@Anthonylopez-rd7nr]

I actually work for Sigineer electronics but I go down to component level, include replacing the MCU. I recycle all defective boards and put them back into service.

[@greenwasp1046]

@@Anthonylopez-rd7nr That's good. I wish more people would repair then replace.

[@coreybabcock2023]

​@@Anthonylopez-rd7nr can I get your contact information I need to ask you a few things about the aims 3000 lf global series 12 v dc 120 v ac out

[@jessew6757]

@greenwasp, Hi. Would you have the upper circuit board of that inverter? I need to know the part number of the 8-pin SMD IC next to black relay. If you don't mind.

[@solarforfuture]

back to a sweet outback vfx3548.. got 4 running on several projects for years. 24/7 replaced a dead aims with one 5years ago.. drop in a real 250 amp breaker. easy reset? nice work!

[@jerrymont2595]

Great ! Problems on that old board was done away with when you changed the board for a new one. It's ashame that standard policy voided your warranty though. AIMS is a good inverter and you got a back-up board in case the same problem reoccur in the future.

[@douglundy5755]

?? Im hearing he sent the details and they sent him a new board, no charge. Did I skip a page?

[@offgridwanabe]

Seems that is usually the fix new board or mosfets. would have been nice to see the other side in close up but it may be a cracked solder joint/trace

[@kennethng8346]

By the way, I have the 3KW version of that inverter, it says I need to leave at least 12 inches of clearance around it for air flow. Maybe you can put a fan in the rack to help it out?

[@trannga2625]

I saw some people replaced that chip and it works.

[@terrya6486]

Fun stuff testing ! Warranty!

[@landonferguson7282]

Glad it didn't destroy your equipment.

[@PhdHung]

12V/2.5A no-load current is too big for 12V inverter. You can try buying an old APC UPS. It uses iron transformer and works very durable. Moreover it is very cheap. In my country, a 2200VA-1980W APC UPS is only ~100USD.

[@dubreelectroservices2265]

I want this pcb plz

[@andrewfrey4940]

You may be overloading or underloading the transfer switch in the inverter and will cause the inline fuse off the battery to blow. This can be verified by checking voltage and current on the input/output or a Kw meter. long extension cords to the AC input will cause voltage drops if it cant support the 15A load also, its not recommended to use a different manufactures remote as they are proprietary and cause damage to the CPU on the control PCB.

[@douglundy5755]

from 10.29 Im finally hearing some information..Dont mean to be cranky but we want to learn, not the story of your issues. Thanks for sharing your discovery.

[@douglundy5755]

My inverter cooled off and began working just fine again. It appeared to be a low battery cut-out triggered by a water pump running with the batt voltage near 12 and then dropping lower from the pump operation. Whistled and rattled like a jackhammer then shut off. Yes low power makes them shake it seems. Anyway Im right on one year since purchase and would love to have it cleared of faults about to occur!

[@guytech7310]

I suspect you just have a bad solder joint for the microcontroller. If you have a hot-air solder works station you could reflow the microcontroller and fix the issue.

[@nebulight]

"Maybe I'll hit it with a hammer!" Breaks charge current control knob. Oops.

[@HighTechLab]

I was hoping nobody saw that haha at one point you can see I grab it off the top and put it to the side

[@norbertrivera]

Thanks a lot for share i have a 3000w AIMS inverter i buy on Amazon (After Hurricane Maria destroy everything in my home in 2017) right now it stop working and begins to make a clicking sound ,i just turn on without anything connected and begin to make this sound , Basically i don't know where to begin to check for problems and think that the board of my inverter is damage.

[@kennethng8346]

What is that diode device you use to protect the power supply? Can you recommend a brand and part number?

[@SoutheastOhioSolarHaven]

Oh dang,,Well yeah wouldn't have thought of the CPU onboard would be loose. Just use a Soldering Heat station to reheat and resolder.

[@jakeandrules7724]

Yeah, id look over the solder joints on the old board. Sounds like if that was the case, you could reflow those cold solder joints, if that what it is and have a backup board. Good luck

[@coulombicdistortion1814]

Yeah, probably just a cracked solder joint/joints due to mechanical and/or heat cycling. I've seen it before especially on 40+ pin surface mount chips like the chip in the video. It could also be, though much more uncommon, that one of the microscopic jumpers inside of the chip broke in a similar fashion. The chip coming back to life then is not a function of the pressure he applied pushing it down on the board but, rather causing the chip to bend slightly and the internal wire to come back into contact with itself.

[@Boogle912]

19:22 the machine is engineered to change its ground. It’s in relation to a BONDED NEUTRAL vs FLOATING NEUTRAL. That is normal when plugging in and removing AC power. A contactor is opening and closing, per design.

[@coreybabcock2023]

Could that LCD panel work for my aims 3000 ?

[@pritambissonauth2181]

Root cause analysis!!! Permutation and combination rather, you were lucky to find the micro controller had a dry joint.

[@marko4097]

Where did you get the replacement board?

[@jessew6757]

Hi Hitechlab. I have just seen your video. I have a similar inverter with a different problem but has a board like that. In my inverter, the small 8-pin IC labelled U3 on the board (just next to big black relay) is blown and charred such that it's identifier part number are not readable. Would you mind reading that IC part number for me please if you don't mind, even from the old circuit board ?

[@davidpotter9462]

I have a 24 volts 2000 watts inverter / charger...I fried the control board hooking up a WW 2 welder that had a shorted primary winding...had to send it back to Aims...cost $100,80 . They fixed it, under warranty. They pay return shipping on warranty from them to you...I have 14 big marine batteries hooked to it, I 'm getting two more in two weeks...it's fixed, and I'm being more careful with it...the one I have is like $900 now...

[@kickgas7171]

If you pressed on the IC and it turns on, them It's likely a cold solder joint on the pins of the IC. This is what happens when you purchase an Aims inverter.

[@davidpotter9462]

Update ; they didn't want to fix it so I had to do it myself...replaced everything in it except the big transformer ; it's fixed now. A Magna Sine would have been cheaper. I have 18 batteries now, and tomorrow I'm getting the last two...final total 1000 amp hours or 25,500 watt hours.

[@douglundy5755]

OK I see this is a years-old video and thanks for the info, and now after having this same symptom of a whistle/whine and the jackhammer vibration (it seemed to be related to a low-battery cutout when I asked for power) now the symptom is gone and its solid again after cool-down. But as the voltage drops below 12 Im no longer seeing the inverter stop making 124 volts and Im going to test that the low voltage cut-out still works and perhaps now it doesnt. And this would mean that the moss diodes have failed and are no longer regulating the function..(I messaged AIMs tech and so far, no reply)

[@suataydemir9144]

Hi, 3000 watt full sinus inverter fault light is on. When the inverter is turned on, a relay tripping sound is heard, then the fault light is on, what do you think could be the problem?

[@t.h.harmon8495]

From a fire department standpoint, you really need to cover the installation vapor barrier with sheetrock.

[@HighTechLab]

It's the plan as soon as material cost comes down just a tad bit.

[@willsalas6541]

Question how do I remove the battery? Can I just disconnect the negative from the battery? I'm afraid of getting a shocked. I have to send mine back having the same problem.

[@davidpotter9462]

Mine got hot from having a laptop plugged in and it fried something again...sending it again in the morning, I have 15 days of warranty left so I'm going to use it....I told the gal at Aims that if I have to send it back 18 times I don't want to keep it...it was cloudy so I turned a little fan off that I usually just leave on, and it sat there like froggy in a pond and it smelled like burnt electronics when I came in, both red lights were on and a buzzer..I'm going to see if they will exchange it, since it has a ghost in it.

[@Reaktanzkreis]

@HighTechLab I got an similar Inverter, the brand name is westech. It share the same guts like yours. It is a 12W 2000W version . The pcb has burned in the vincinity of the where the ribbon cable connector to the power pack is placed. There are probably the 4 smd driver transistors which has blown. So it´s beyond repair. Do you still have the defective board and are willing to sell it to me? The Distributor here will not sell parts to customers, they said send it in for repair which I want do do.

[@naturalvibs4371]

Hi where can I buy a 24v3000w inverter charger control board replacement for thanks

[@douglundy5755]

yeah, mine doing this now. But could you tell it instead of getting emotional? Whistles and chatters and will not make power. Less than a year service.

[@benjones8977]

This isn’t the first Aims inverter issue I’ve seen on the Internet. Looks like these inverters might be problematic. As far as the fuse on your battery, are you using ANL fuses? I recently had some issues with ANL so I switched to Blue sea.

[@HighTechLab]

Yes they are ANL, but yeah the blue sea class T fuses are much better at short protection

[@randycollins5981]

When it heat's up make shure the fan is working.

[@vals3810]

I wish I could more mam than once

[@MikeHarris1984]

I cant get over that fugly teal case...

[@mdunbar04]

Did Jared get Hazzard pay while filming this 🤣 Great to see your trouble shooting process

[@HighTechLab]

No Hazzard pay, we both own the business, so our paychecks are based on both of us staying alive! Oh and troubleshooting is not something really to teach easily, it's sometimes learned by just watching the trial and error... That's why this video ended up as long as it is

[@mdunbar04]

@@HighTechLab As a Journeyman Skilled trades for the 1 of the Big 3 Auto makers in Detroit I appreciate good trouble shooting skills. I troubleshoot over 2000 Robots and there Automation

[@coulombicdistortion1814]

"Scared the living death out of me!"

[@HighTechLab]

I was like "what did I just say" when I was editing this, but was like you know what I'll just leave it it adds to the effect

[@coulombicdistortion1814]

@@HighTechLab It's actually funny though, I may just use it myself the next time I get properly scared.

[@HighTechLab]

It's like a mix of scared the living daylight out of me and scared me to death

[@user-mb3pu2ej4o]

Can you please help me i need a board for 24 vol 3000wat aims power like yours

[@PeterDrinnan]

Just wondering why you are using a low frequency inverter for computers. Usually those are used for pumps or appliances with motors.

[@HighTechLab]

Doesn’t hurt anything and has a nice pure output

[@zarbonida]

Use always safety glass and gloves

[@sanpresyon]

Where can I buy this board please

[@wensrimpel4799]

Where are order main board inverter

[@stevelamperta865]

Keep blocking the airflow to it and your going to have problems. The vent holes are there for ,... You guessed it , " airflow" !!

[@u2ooberboober]

Get some flux and reflow with hot air solder iron.

[@gabrielpadilla2583]

hi nice video. one question where did you get the replacement control pcb? because I think I got the same problem with mine. thanks in advance for your help. Sincerely Gabriel Padilla

[@douglundy5755]

He got it from AIMS support, Im hearing in the video. A covered defect.

[@gabrielpadilla2583]

@@douglundy5755 hi just so you know I contacted AIMS and I was told that they don't sale replacement components or pcbs to the public? they asked me to send the inverter for repairs to them and that they would repair it for me but the flat fee was almost like buying the inverter again? so not worth it for me too much?

[@douglundy5755]

@@gabrielpadilla2583 thanks, i heard your other comment and thought they had sent it to you as part of the warranty. If mine goes bad it seems I will be out of luck given that shipping is so costly! And if they refuse to sell parts yet again Sol

[@jimbeam5]

So, after 4 months, and after gambling your home (and life) on a $10 fuse--twice, and now that you also have lost your warrantee, is this still your "Favorite Inverter/Charger for Backup Power Uses"?

[@HighTechLab]

I still like the inverter, it is super convenient. Sucks that it had a failure but I personally LOVE anything that is actually user serviceable that isn't junk the moment you have an issue.

[@jimbeam5]

@@HighTechLab Yeah, I suppose even without the fuse the BMS would have stepped in before the battery got to angry. For sensitive gear tho (like computers) you might want to explore dedicated UPS options w/insurance.

[@kickgas7171]

The problem is that you bought an Aims inverter. Should have bought a Sigineer inverter.

[@coreybabcock2023]

You could have reflowed the board in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes or so

[@dangoras9152]

Both control boards were different one had 2 yellow boxes and one had yellow and a red

[@HighTechLab]

Yes, the new one looks to be an updated version.

[@KingOfKYA]

Thouse red ones are accely a lesser part the yellow box has a red one inside it potted in resin for flame resitance and isolation. So its likely just a diffrent part source not really a revision.

[@terrya6486]

Send Aims a video clip

[@jerrymont2595]

Probe/Check your transitors....

[@pashko90]

Did you even watched a video?

[@user-tn1hk6zm2freedom]

You have a bad solder joint.

[@randylenart9674]

Looks like you have a bad solder joint and are you charging a power supply lol

[@FullSendPrecision]

I've not ever heard or seen good things with these cheap AIMS (and other brands that are obviously the exact same hardware)

[@Anthonylopez-rd7nr]

Mr. Aaron I kind of disagree with you here, as an electronic technician I work with these inverters daily and I would say that they are very reliable, I myself have one and it been working since Huracane Maria hit us in 2017. It works flawless 24/7/365 with out a hiccup. My inverter is a 3kw 24V and it has a small battery bank of 1335Ahr, 12 Rolls L16HC 445Ahr and 18 280W solar panel. Capable of more than 150A. Talking about Schneider inverters out of warranty with there rediculas warranty policies, they are the worst with there expensive boards. Outback, won't even sell you any parts at all. Magnum, Im not to friendly either with them. One thing that I must say, "that the best inverter is the one that you could fix".

[@FullSendPrecision]

@@Anthonylopez-rd7nr can you get parts and boards for the AIMS inverters?

[@Anthonylopez-rd7nr]

Yes, I service all there boards down to component level, including the MCU, They are the most easy PCB to repair. Tell me what issue is that you have?

[@Anthonylopez-rd7nr]

@Huerto en Barceloneta Yes. PR,

[@Anthonylopez-rd7nr]

@Huerto en Barceloneta Hello Mr. Humberto As a business we do have those parts, you may bring it in to our shop at any time, unfortunately I dont sell parts as these are for our exclusive costomers service. Our No. 787-884-4649