Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:56:11 -0700
Reply-To: Vince S <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Vince S <gipsyflies@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Norcold and Engel - Compressor Based Cooler/Freezer
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I have been facinated by the Engel swing compressor fridge. It turned
out Sawafuji purchased the drawing to the swing compressor over 35 years
ago (I read somewhere that it was first invented in Germany). Sawafuji
has been manufacturing fridge sinc e 1962 and steadily impoving the
technology. It is now so reliable many portable fridge/freezer has been
in operation for 20 years under the harsh conditions all over the world.
Over 3 million Engel fridge has been sold. I just found their
international site which also show the stand alone and built-in fridge.
Look like the Norcold DC-0040 is a re-badged Engel built-in 45 liter.
The Norcold is a bargain at around $500.
http://www.engelinternational.com/builtin.asp
Here is the company history:
http://www.engelinternational.com/history.asp
I am sold on this technology. I am ordering the MT35F 35 liter
cooler/freezer with the optional transit bag. This is for use in other
vehicles as opposed to the camper. Here are the performance charts
http://www.i-m-d.com/engel/MT35%20curve.jpg
Some listees has discussed the desire for installing a top load. I think
it is possible to adapt one of the smaller ones for by the side of the
bench seat.
Check out the photo of the safari tent camper in the applicantion page:
http://www.i-m-d.com/engel/1applications.htm
- Vince
http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
1989 Vanagon GL Camper
1993 Mazda Miata (for sale)
1996 Land Rover Discovery
2005 Mini Cooper S
-----Original Message-----
From: Vince S [mailto:gipsyflies@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:11 PM
To: 'vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM'
Cc: 'westyventures@mindspring.com'
Subject: Norcold and Engel - Compressor Based Cooler/Freezer
Upon closer examination of Engel's patterned swing compressor here
http://www.i-m-d.com/engel/1Tech.htm I now realized that the Norcold
DC-0040 http://www.norcold.com/acdc_dc440.cfm refrigerator's compressor
appears to be one of this. I was in a marine supply and saw the Norcold
so I inspected it very closely including the compressor. Unlike the
Danfoss which looks very much like a miniature compressor from a
household refrigerator it is a long cylinder just like the Engel swing
compressor in the above link.
The other clue is same Engel coolers are also sold under Norcold brand.
Karl recently installed the Norcold in his Vanagon.
p.s. I mistaken Engel as Engle in my previous post.
- Vince
http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
1989 Vanagon GL Camper
1993 Mazda Miata (for sale)
1996 Land Rover Discovery
2005 Mini Cooper S
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Vince S
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2004 8:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Compressor Based Cooler/Freezer
I have been considering getting one of the compressor based cooler.
Doing a bit of research there are 2 main manufacturers. Waeco who makes
the Coolmatic and Engle.
Initially I thought the Coolmatic which uses the famed German Danfoss
compressor is the best until I read up more on Engle. It turned out
Engle employs a "swiing" compressor design making it very energy
efficient. It has only one moving part.
The testimonials on the Engle's site have some positive user experience.
Anyone have experience with either the Coolmatic or Engle? The price of
both are pretty well on par. All Engle units are AC/DC while Coolmatic
has DC-only and AC/DC.
In longervity and power efficiency Engle seems to be ahead. Engle is
made in Japan.
Here is Coolmatic and Engle's websites:
http://www.i-m-d.com/engel/1products.htm
http://www.coolmatic.net
- Vince
http://gipsyflies.home.comcast.net
1989 Vanagon GL Camper
1993 Mazda Miata (for sale)
1996 Land Rover Discovery
2005 Mini Cooper S
