Microwave power question

Batteries in series - you add voltage, current stays the same

Batteries in parallel - you add current, voltage stays the same.

So, if the batteries are 12vdc, you now just have put 24vdc onto a 12vdc microwave.

You probably blew the microwave power supply.

Mark

 

....that Microwave is pretty low powered...With othere stuff it just takes a bit longer, but since a "specific temperature" needs to be reached in the oil for the kernels to pop, I bey you just don't have the power to do it....it is simply not getting the bag hot enough (melts the butter/oil, but not hot enough to make the kernals "POP"....since you say it is cooking other stuff, why don't you try switching to "snack" sized bags....they are a bit smaller..so might pop better with less power...if that does not work, you might need to buy bags of popcorn. Make sure the wiring you guys have done to your "set-up" is BIG and BEEFY"...you are pulling like 20 amps..so no skinny wires for DC...AC, maybe, but with DC, THICK IS BETTER!!
If I remember right, that microwave has like 2 or 3 power outputs depending on the power source...
Not sure if the below stuff is the same one...but it shows 600Watts/235 watts...similar to an "easy-bake" oven (with a BIG BULB!).
Since you are using a battery, you should be getting more power, just like if it was connected to the trucks battery....but unless the battery is reading close to 14V (a fully charged 12V battery will be at 13.5-14V) you are likely getting less...heck some folks with inverters need to have the truck running to run a full 1500W off an 1500W inverter!! With the truck off, they seem to be limited to 1300 watts..most likly due to the slightly lower voltage.

 

Since an ATV is a STARTING battery, they DO NOT have the ability to put out much power for very long, and will generally not recover from a deep discharge well....you need to DEEP CYCLE battery or a Dual Purpose battery if you are going to power a device..a starting battery will not last very long before it fails...either internally, or simple from lack of output.
check the battery set-up with a voltmeter to be sure they are wired right...some ATV's use 6 volt batterys...

 

You could get him a marine deep cycle, and try it.

 

IMO rather than try to rig up a crazy and $$ system, just connect to the truck batts with a pair of alligator clamps when he wants to pop some popcorn...and just run the cable into the cab under the door...not perfect, but it buys TONS of popcorn for the $50-75 it saves you for a bit of inconvenience.
I'm not sure a trickle charger will recharge a depleted ATV battery in 11 hours of driving...but if it is a 12 volt ATV bat, then a simple set of jumper cables will let him "top it off" at the end of the day...the longer trickle charge is much easier on a battery, and will let it last longer...but getting it to 100% full before use will also help.
It sounds like the battery is wired up OK (connection wise) (if you decide to do it, a small trolling battery from Walmart is type of deeper cycle battery...a dual purpose starting/trolling battery is not as good)....IF you look around the walmart site online, you can have it shipped to the store for pick-up if it is not locally stocked. I'm not sure this is the best way to go, but it might work..it will have more longevity and output than the ATV battery's...the main issue you will have is trying to keep it charged...and the weight....Just tossing on a coat to Zap a bag of POPCORN is not too much of a hardship! Heck if it saved me some $$, I think it makes sense when $$ is tight.

Sorry to hear it is tough going to start...But things should get better! With experience comes better pay, and better company's if the "starter" place does not work well...just get him to stick it out for the first year or so!
That the view I'm taking anyway! Crappy economy makes us all make hard choices....

The "lunchbox cookers" that use 12V seem to get pretty good reviews (you can use them as a slow cooker or steamer)...I think I might give one of those a shot...it sounds like those little microwaves are kinda slow and troublesome for the $$ spent unless you are allowed to have an inverter or can wire directly to the battery!

 

http://www.iowa80.com/DirectionsWEB/webcart_productDisplay.php?itemid=13104&itemdesc=Pot+%27n%27+Popper

12-volt electric suacepan/popper. Can heat a 22 oz. can of soup or stew, boil hot dogs and even pops popcorn.

Pot 'n' Popper

Don't have one, but might be more flexible way to spend the $$ rather than a battery. Check around for the best price!


12 Volt Portable Sauce Pan/Popper

Item Number: 35692
LET'S GET COOK'N Heats canned or packaged soups or stews, steams hotdogs, and pops popcorn. Compact size goes anywhere. 150 watts/ 13 amps.

From the same place..a bit cheaper...about 25$