Chosen Solution
when connected to 12v dc inverter shuts down olp overload protection. Battery monitor goes up down up down etc. Also when connecting the dc wires to a battery there is quite a spark even though there is no load and no output at a/c end. I am hoping someone out there has had a similar experience and can help either fixing this or using the inverter controlled directly ie more simply or via another controller?
There is usually a considerable spark when you power up an inverter. Usually this is done with a disconnect or pretty big breaker. I hope you are using one of these. Your first sentence says there is some problem with OLP overload protection, but later you say there is no load when you make your sparky connection. If you hook up 12 volts DC to your inverter with no loads on the AC output, you should be able to read the AC output with a voltmeter. Borrow one if you don’t have one for heaven’s sake. Are you getting 120 volts? If not, your inverter has internal issues. I’d need a little more information: Inverter brand for example to sort out if what you have is repairable. If you didn’t have proper breakers on the AC output when things went south, you could have cooked it. Control boards are expensive and might not be the problem.
