T&T: Repair of My Freedom 3000 Inverter/Charger

[Albin43SDtr]

'Lo All,

A couple of months ago, I told y'all about my Heart Freedom 3000 that 
became totally inoperative.

Before simply trashing it, I thought I would see if it was reparable 
and if it was, for how much.

Last week, I called Bill Lewis at Southern Generators in Alabama and 
asked about repair costs and parts availability. (They are an 
authorized repair station for Zantrex products.) What I was told was 
encouraging, but I wanted to take it up to them and wait for it to be 
checked out before committing one way or the other. Since I wanted 
them to check the unit while I was there, I asked how long I had to 
wait before it would come up in his backlog queue. He asked that I 
call him later in the week, but I waited until last Monday and 
called. Bill said to bring it to him Wednesday (today) or Friday and 
he would look at it.

So, today we drove up from Panama City, about 180 miles one way. Bill 
immediately took the unit to the bench. We had brunch, then went to 
Wally World (uh, Wal-Mart for the unworldly) since it was cool inside 
(outside air temp was 97 deg). While we were there, Bill called and 
said he had found the problem and could have it fixed within 45 
minutes or so, if I wanted him to do it as he had the required board 
in stock. Unbeknownst to him, there was another problem (control 
logic for one function) on another board, so it took a few minutes 
more, but he had that board as well.

Bottom line, the unit was repaired at a fair price, in about as short 
a time as one could ever hope for, and I now have it ready to go back 
into the Celestial. I know that this is a Zantrex product, and 
repairing them is fraught with peril, etc., etc., but the repair cost 
was less than a third of the price of a new one. The point of writing 
this is to recommend this company to anyone who may need their services:

         Southern Generators, Inc.
         Bill Lewis, owner/technician
         307 Cedar Street
         Greenville, AL 36037

         334-382-8453
         FAX 334-382-9226

No connection, other than being a satisfied customer.


Take care and be safe.

Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck
Panama City, FL area