Member Since: 31 May 2007
Location: Cork
Posts: 100
Inverters and Battery Charge
I need some advice on using an inverter. I have been looking at a 12v to 240v, 300W inverter this is a device which can be removed when not in use i.e. not a permanent fixture - it can be connected directly to the battery or via the 12v socket. I have only got a single battery in the vehicle.
My laptop draws approx 180W (19V at 9.5amps).
Can I use this inveter safely?
Will it run down the vehicle battery very quickly?
Should I leave the vehicle running when I use it?
I dont have any experience with these so any advice woudl be appreciated.
Thanks
Marcus--------------------------------
CLUB ' Ah shor it'll be grand'
D3 G4 Media Support 2006 Stage 1 & 2 Thailand and Laos
10th Apr 2008 1:58 pm
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
I have a similar draw on my laptop and the inverter will draw about 4 amps if the battery is full (laptop) or about 7.5 if it is also charging the battery . So you should be OK if you don't run it for excessive amounts of time
10th Apr 2008 2:28 pm
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
Let me guess...
Is it a Dell?Steve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
10th Apr 2008 6:39 pm
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
PM "10forcash" for confirmation of this, but he advised me against an inverter for a laptop as they apparrently have a nasty habit of damaging the laptop's Power Adapter - go for a 12V DC-to- xV DC converter instead. These can be pluged directly into the cigarette lighter/12V socket in the car.
Hope this helps.LRs are a fond memory, apart from the maintenance.
10th Apr 2008 8:33 pm
christyler
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: Cork, Ireland
Posts: 1168
i aggree with "disconutter". it is a very inificent way to power a laptop, inverting up then dropping down again. a lot of laptop power supplies dont like the "dirty" voltage that comes out of cheap inverters.
A far better option is a 12v to 19volt DC-DC converter.CLUB "Ah Shor it'll be grand"
First D3 in the World with a Hydraulic Winch.
2006 Disco 3 TDV6 S Auto,
Diff Locks, Turbochipped, Raised Air Intake, 220volts Onboard, Onboard Compressor, Large Bore Exahust, Underbody Protection, One or two Other Mods as well.
Other toys include, Argo Avenger 8x8, Tatra 6x6 Motorhome (Being Built)
10th Apr 2008 8:54 pm
Ken
Member Since: 20 Feb 2006
Location: Here
Posts: 10865
Kensington do good ones
10th Apr 2008 9:07 pm
christyler
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: Cork, Ireland
Posts: 1168
Ken wrote:
Kensington do good ones
thats the name i was trying to think of, thanks ken CLUB "Ah Shor it'll be grand"
First D3 in the World with a Hydraulic Winch.
2006 Disco 3 TDV6 S Auto,
Diff Locks, Turbochipped, Raised Air Intake, 220volts Onboard, Onboard Compressor, Large Bore Exahust, Underbody Protection, One or two Other Mods as well.
Other toys include, Argo Avenger 8x8, Tatra 6x6 Motorhome (Being Built)
10th Apr 2008 9:12 pm
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
Valid point - I have a 12 V charger and it works very well - my laptop didn't like the cheapie inverter but is quite happy with the non-modified sine wave one that was a lot more expensive
11th Apr 2008 9:20 am
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
Ken wrote:
Kensington do good ones
Got a weblink?Steve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
11th Apr 2008 11:08 am
discocuzzy
Member Since: 02 Feb 2008
Location: surrey
Posts: 2752
Guys,
I posted a link on off topic on this subject a few weeks ago.
I work for Dell and it is suggested to run the laptop (regardless of vendor) from a specific 12v charger.
Draws less power from the battery as you dont have the conversion to contend with, plus bit safer for the system as well.
Usually about £50.00 for one of these "you cannot teach stupid people to do clever things"
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12th Apr 2008 11:31 am
DiscoDunc
Member Since: 08 May 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 16390
Quote:
i aggree with "disconutter". it is a very inificent way to power a laptop, inverting up then dropping down again. a lot of laptop power supplies dont like the "dirty" voltage that comes out of cheap inverters.
A far better option is a 12v to 19volt DC-DC converter.
that must be why my inverter and laptop power supply make loud buzzing noises
Ah well, i'll just have to order a new power supply AND a 12v charger on expenses Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------
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12th Apr 2008 4:33 pm
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
discocuzzy wrote:
Guys,
I posted a link on off topic on this subject a few weeks ago.
I work for Dell and it is suggested to run the laptop (regardless of vendor) from a specific 12v charger.
Draws less power from the battery as you dont have the conversion to contend with, plus bit safer for the system as well.
Usually about £50.00 for one of these
So it will still work with a 12V supply rather than 19v?Steve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
12th Apr 2008 4:38 pm
npinks
Member Since: 31 Jan 2008
Location: Leeds
Posts: 1943
Guys
I noticed that Costco had a 12v to 240v 500w converter made by Ring they was around £35 from memory
12th Apr 2008 4:42 pm
discocuzzy
Member Since: 02 Feb 2008
Location: surrey
Posts: 2752
SN wrote:
discocuzzy wrote:
Guys,
I posted a link on off topic on this subject a few weeks ago.
I work for Dell and it is suggested to run the laptop (regardless of vendor) from a specific 12v charger.
Draws less power from the battery as you dont have the conversion to contend with, plus bit safer for the system as well.
Usually about £50.00 for one of these
So it will still work with a 12V supply rather than 19v?
Yes steve, Try an find the post on Off topic..i put model numbers with compatability matrix for the Dell machines on there.
Just found it..if you have a specific model, just PM nd ill find the details
Right Guys,
For all D class Lattitudes you need pt no dk138, and the model number is DA65ns3-00.
Auto-Air AC adapter..designed to run of of 12v supply, either fag lighter or power pack.
Not sure about the XPS mind as thats more of a consumer, rather than business product.
Having a feeling the socket size is different.
Try here...details of whats supported listed...log onto Dell.com for prices
http://thenotebookparts.com/categories/aut...33059.html"you cannot teach stupid people to do clever things"
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