[jwxr7]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Update:

Capacitor needed?

I got one reply to the previous post's question on the Xantrex forum (Xantrex Forums: XPower Plug 175w + pedal generator: battery req'd? ) suggesting I should be using a capacitor (or battery), but didn't say whether it was strictly necessary.

I would try a large electrolytic capacitor, but you will probably need a fairly large value (the bigger the better, microfarads wise) to make much difference under heavier loads. Just make sure the voltage rating is high enough on the cap. Should be more efficient than a battery as a buffer.
There could also be a concern for overvoltage on the inverter under low loads with or without a capacitor. Most inverters have overvoltage shutdown though. That might be an advantage of having a battery in the circuit, it would better limit upper system voltage.