Locoverter - Frequently Asked Questions

Locoverter Converters "Convert" 74 volts DC to 12 volts DC, and have a female cigarette lighter plug as an output. Now you can power 12 volt DC devices. If you need 110 volts AC (standard home wall outlet) you need to "invert" the 12 volts DC to 110 volts AC. You connect an "inverter" to the cigarette lighter plug and now you have 110 volts AC.

Power requirements will determine which converter and inverter will be needed.

2. Which Converter do I need?

This depends upon how much power the device that you plan to connect uses. If you only plan to charge a cell phone or a small DVD player, the 15 watt converter will be plenty. If you plan to power the Locoverter stereo, or a larger DVD player, then the 50 watt version will be your choice. If you need to power a laptop, then click HERE for more help. Check the power that your device draws by looking at it's power supply and see how many amps of current that it puts out. Make sure that you purchase a converter that exceeds this amount of current. You can always send us an e-mail with the specs of your device and we will help you pick out the right model for you. We have 150 watt and 350 watt converters available.

3. I want to power a laptop. Is a DC converter all that I will need?

If you have a 12 volt DC Cigarette adaptor to power your laptop, then a 100 watt (or larger) Locoverter Converter is all that you will need. If you don't have a cigarette lighter adapter, you can use the 110 volt A/C inverter. This unit "inverts" the 12 volt DC into 110 volts A/C, the same voltage in a standard wall outlet. It will allow you to operate any A/C equipment that use below 85 watts. We also offer a 150 watt inverter. (Note: Some laptops may require more power than the 100 watt converter can supply. We offer 150 watt Converters, and even 350-watt converters for those big jobs!) Click HERE for more help with laptops.

4. Will the reading light adapter charge my cell phone?

"Reading Lights" on the locomotives run on 74 volts DC. The reading light adapter simply allows you to access this voltage. If your cell phone charger will work on 74 volts DC, the answer is yes. Some chargers will work on 74 volts DC. Some will not. Some chargers will fry when connected to 74 volts. If you are not sure if your charger will work on 74 volts DC, you could contact the manufacturer, or simply try it and see. It is a risk that could result in damage to your cell phone. The safest course is to use a Locoverter Converter with your reading light adapter. You will also need a "Car charger" for your phone. Locoverter converters use a cigarette lighter adapter. The same charger that you use in your automobile to charge your phone will work in the Locoverter Converter. We also offer the A/C power inverter that you can use with the locoverter converter. This will allow you to use your A/C charger to charge your cell phone.

Note: Reading Light adapters only work with sockets labeled "Reading Lights". Not all Locomotives have these type sockets. The Battery Adapter is available as an alternative when no receptacle is available.

5. Why do some AC cell phone chargers work on 74 volts DC and others do not?

While it is true that some AC cell phone chargers are known to work on 74 volts AC, it is not recommended. We have received reports from many users that "Travel Chargers" work fine to charge their phone. We have also received reports of damaged batteries and cell phones by these chargers plugged directly into 74 volts DC. The design of these chargers are for use with AC. Chargers that contain a transformer will usually not function with 74 volts DC, and have been known to "smoke" when connected. There is another website at www.fogchart.com that has more extensive information on this subject. They can give you a good idea if your device will function on 74 volts DC. Click HERE to take a look: http://www.fogchart.com/74VDC.htm Jerry also has some other great information available there.

6. Is there a warranty with Locoverter's products?

All of our products are tested before shipment. If there are problems with any of our products, you can return them for repair or replacement for a period of 45 days from the purchase date, providing the item was not damaged due to misuse or neglect. After 45-days, we will offer service on all of our products.

7. What if I order one of your products, and it does not do what I want it to do?

If you have any problems with your Locoverter Product, our staff will work with you to make sure that you get the right device for your needs. We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with all of our products. Here is how it works. If you order a product, and it does not function for your purpose, you can return it for credit for another purchase or for a full refund it you prefer. Returns are subject to an inspection and testing before credit or refunds are allowed. You will be responsible for all shipping costs.

8. What is the difference between a Converter and an Inverter?

Our converters change DC voltage from one level to another. As an example, 74 volts DC would be "converted" to 12 volts DC.

Inverters on the other hand take 12 volts DC and "invert" it to 110 volts AC, which is the same voltage on any wall outlet in your house. By using an inverter, you can power AC powered devices. Inverters come in many shapes and sizes. There are basically 2 types, Modified Sine Wave and True Sine Wave. True Sine Wave devices perfectly emulate the power in your home wall outlets. They are more expensive than the Modified types. For most devices that convert AC back to DC such as cell phones and laptop computers, Modified Sine Wave devices will function perfectly. All of the inverters offered by Locoverter are of the Modified type.

9. How long does it take for your products to ship?

This will depend on the product ordered. We deal with suppliers who ship us component parts at a 3 to 4 week lead time. If we run out of inventory on a particular part, It could take up to six weeks to receive parts, assemble and ship your product. Most parts ship during the same week they are ordered. If your order is backordered, we will let you know and give you some other options if a reasonable amount of time is going to pass before we can ship the product.

10. Is Locoverter's online credit card ordering system secure?

Yes it is. Locoverter uses an online order processing company called Miva Merchant to process credit card orders. Miva Merchant provides encrypted order information to help keep your order secure. Credit card numbers are not kept in the system after your order is processed.

11. I do not want to use my credit card online. Do you have any other means of payment?

We offer pay-pal as an alternate payment method. We also accept personal checks. To place an order and pay with a check, simply drop us an e-mail with the items that you would like to order along with your shipping address. We will then e-mail you the order total including shipping. Send the check and a copy of the e-mail to: Locoverter PO Box 172 Dalhart, TX 79022. When we receive your order and the check clears, we will ship your order.

12. Where can I get flyers and stickers to hang in the yard office?

Locoverter products are made by railroaders for railroaders. We appreciate all the help we can get. You can download a flyer in Microsoft Word format HERE. For some of those stickers that seem to be showing up everywhere, click HERE. The sticker template works with AVERY(TM) 2 X 4 sticker sheets that you can find in most office supply stores. Thanks for your help!

If you have any other questions, e-mail us at info@locoverter.com.