Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

This is the first time my Vagabond ii has smelled this way during charging. Once I pin-pointed the odor was coming from the Vagabond, I immediately unplugged from the wall outlet and turned the power supply on. In the on position I heard a continuous buzzing/crackling sound until I placed the switch back in the neutral position. There is however the green LED is lit suggesting that the battery is charged but I do not want to connect a light to see if the inverter is still operating properly. What should I do?

Max Rogers

Open the unit up and take a look at the battery case. The battery may be sulfated and damaged.

If it is a sulfuric/rotten egg smell, then it is likely the battery has sulfated. If it is an electric/burning plastic smell, then it could be something in the inverter itself. Either way, stop use, and contact Customer Service to arrange for its repair.

It is a burning smell as opposed to rotten egg smell. I will contact Customer service this week. Thanks.

Max

Received my vagabond from repair and it appears all is working, however there is a sound now when the unit is charging. I believe that I read that some of the vagabonds did make a high pitch hum when charging, but I will keep an eye on things for a while. I would like to thank Alien Bees for their quick turn around. I know that I am not a pro but I feel like I got professional treatment with your team.

Thanks

Max

Yes, the hum is normal. As the battery charges, the hum will dissipate.