Last Modified: October 18, 1994
Article: TA29445
Old Article: 1226

Can I run my Apple /// and ProFile on an inverter? 

The Apple III and ProFile may both be run on an inverter that produces either a square or a sinusoidal wave.

The Apple III itself works on an inverter without any problems, as long as the inverter has sufficient current capacity. The Apple III has a switching power supply and will therefore tolerate power fluctuations and line noise without any trouble, as long as it's receiving a minimum of 95 volts.

The ProFile, on the other hand, is somewhat more sensetive to power flucuations and line noise. If you use your ProFile with an inverter that produces a square wave, take care that:

1. Make sure that the inverter can supply at least 8 amps, since 5 amps is 
the minimum power required to start up the ProFile.

2. If you wish to use square-wave power, which is by nature quite noisy, 
use a noise suppression kit so that no unnecessary noise reaches the 
ProFile power supply and prevents the ProFile from coming Ready. Your 
noise suppressor must have a minimum capacity of 10 amps.

NOTE: 
You can avoid the necessity of noise suppressors by running your ProFile on DC power if you wish. To do so, however, you will need to regulate the +12V from a car battery, as well as generate and regulate +5V and -12V.


Article Change History:
18 Oct 1994 - Reviewed for technical accuracy, revised formatting.

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