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Post Info TOPIC: inverter
Helena


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Just found an inverter in Dick Smith you plug into your cigerette lighter with it does anyone know much about it wondering if it is worth buying one or not am only thinking of using the laptop occassionally when free camping. Helena.



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Beth54


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Helena, I started a thread on this subject just recently....

 

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t42805354/spent-some-money-today/?r=323378



-- Edited by Beth54 on Thursday 19th of May 2011 08:40:02 PM

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Helena


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Hi Beth, Thanks for that sorry to double up on a topic didn't think to look it up just got very enthusiastic about it when I saw it. Helena.

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Beth54


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Helena wrote:

Hi Beth, Thanks for that sorry to double up on a topic didn't think to look it up just got very enthusiastic about it when I saw it. Helena.

 No problem Helena. Easier to just show you the thread than me try to explain it.



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Sheba


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Helena wrote:

Just found an inverter in Dick Smith you plug into your cigerette lighter with it does anyone know much about it wondering if it is worth buying one or not am only thinking of using the laptop occassionally when free camping. Helena.

Would you need an Inverter if you're Freecamping ?  If you have an adapter, you can just plug in to 12V.  That's what I'll be doing.  Mine is a Kerio, and cost less than $80.00.

Cheers,

Sheba.

 



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bill12


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I have run a laptop off both, a 12v adaptor and an inverter, and the 12v is simpler. Both use plenty of amps. A good compromise is to get a laptop that runs on 12v, eg an eeepc , netbook. They run the system on 12v , and so , with the right plug, can be charged without expensive gadgets.I bought one from Officeworks for $250, and it does everything , but doesn,t have a dvd/cd drive, which can be bought off ebay for $50.It seems to work well. I hope this helps you.

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Helena


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Thanks for all the info guys Bill I liked the sound of the laptop that runs on 12v will investigate further once again thanks have a great day. Helena.

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jimricho


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This is a perennial topic on this forum, especially in regard to laptops.... rather than go searching for the multiple threads on this here's a summary...

Using an inverter with sensitive electronic equipment is risky as it can cause problems and/or damage and possibly void warranty...that includes laptops

Unless.... It is a PURE sine wave inverter.... (deliberate capitalisation of the word "PURE") Supercheap sell a Pure Sine Wave for (I think) $120 for a 300 watt job.

12v adaptors designed for laptops are available from Jaycar (and probably elsewhere) go to http://www.jaycar.com.au/ and search the following Cat. nos.  MP-3479  MP-3324  MP-3472.  Unless you need the inverter for other purposes this is a better solution, or purchase a 12v laptop as suggested by Bill12



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Beth54


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Sheba wrote:
Helena wrote:

Just found an inverter in Dick Smith you plug into your cigerette lighter with it does anyone know much about it wondering if it is worth buying one or not am only thinking of using the laptop occassionally when free camping. Helena.

Would you need an Inverter if you're Freecamping ?  If you have an adapter, you can just plug in to 12V.  That's what I'll be doing.  Mine is a Kerio, and cost less than $80.00.

Cheers,

Sheba.

 

 Sheba, not a good idea to just plug your laptop straight into the cig lighter, according to this bloke at Jaycar. You need one to suit whatever voltage your particular laptop is.

I don't think he was pulling the wool over my eyes, as he didn't try to sell me the most expensive one. When I told him what I was after, his first question was, how many volts is your laptop. I didn't know, but he said most are 19V, which I checked when I got home, and yep, it is.

 



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ChiChi1


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I tend to agree with Sheba. Son (IT Techie) plugged into power source in van. Computer popped. Quickly unplugged. Its OK. He went and purchased a couple of special plugs for me. He's yet to install them so don't know how they work.

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jimricho


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Even if you get one of the power supplies from Jaycar (or wherever) that I referred to above, make sure that it is set to the correct voltage and polarity for your computer. If you are unsure of this get someone who is familiar with this to do it for you, don't just plug anything into the power socket in your laptop.

If you see something advertised on Ebay at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is!



-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 20th of May 2011 08:13:39 PM

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Cruising Granny


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It's better to charge your laptop battery with the inverter, then unplug to use. I was advised not to used the laptop while plugged into the inverter as a power source.
I'm currently using a transformer to provide power to my car fridge while I'm home. The 240V circuit board has blown, and this is the most economical and simple way of overcoming this hurdle.
Oh, the stuff we need to run our stuff.
(That's technical terminology)

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Sheba


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 Sheba, not a good idea to just plug your laptop straight into the cig lighter, according to this bloke at Jaycar. You need one to suit whatever voltage your particular laptop is.

I don't think he was pulling the wool over my eyes, as he didn't try to sell me the most expensive one. When I told him what I was after, his first question was, how many volts is your laptop. I didn't know, but he said most are 19V, which I checked when I got home, and yep, it is.

 

 Hi Beth,

I don't use the Cigarette lighter socket.   I have Cigarette lighter type sockets that are attatched to the Solar battery. I have posted shots of them previously. 

I run the DVD Player, and 12V TV through them too.   

Most Laptops do run on 19 V, mine included.  The Kerio has at least 4 different voltage plugs, one being the 19 V. 

You'll find the correct Voltage for your Lap-top on a Label on the Back of it.

You can Google the Kerio to find out more about it. 

1st Pic. is Socket from Solar Battery.  2nd is Triple Sockets, so you can use more than one item at a time, although I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon, with only one Battery.

 

 Campervan 040.jpg

Campervan 041.jpg

Cheers,

Sheba. 



 



-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 20th of May 2011 11:36:52 PM

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jimricho


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Those Cig type plugs and sockets shown above are fine for low current loads such as phone chargers, GPS, laptop chargers, etc but can melt or be otherwise damaged by high current loads such as inverters etc. I don't consider them reliable enough for use with in-car (compressor type) fridges, I'm going on first hand experience here. I've found the best ones for that are the Clipsal 2 pin plugs and sockets that are similar in appearance to the ordinary household 3 pin ones.

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jimricho


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Cruising Granny wrote:

It's better to charge your laptop battery with the inverter, then unplug to use. I was advised not to used the laptop while plugged into the inverter as a power source.
I'm currently using a transformer to provide power to my car fridge while I'm home. The 240V circuit board has blown, and this is the most economical and simple way of overcoming this hurdle.
Oh, the stuff we need to run our stuff.
(That's technical terminology)

 There are probably many out there that are using modified sine wave (MSW) inverters to power and charge their laptops without problems.  As there are many different laptops and many different inverters available, the fact that one combination works ok is no guarantee that all such combinations are ok.  As Laptops are quite expensive I consider it is not worth the risk.

In the case of a laptop, damage to the computer is not only costly but can involve the loss of a lot of data that's stored on the hard disk, even when regular backups are done this can still be very inconvenient.

Re a power supply for a car fridge to run on 240v, I use a Ctek 7amp battery charger that I leave connected across the aux battery.  This both powers the fridge and tops up the aux battery when connected to "ground" (240v) power.  The Ctek also has a facility that enables it to function as a stand alone power supply without having a battery connected.  (I think Engels have their own built-in 240v supply so not an issue with them)



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Smokeydk


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I use this

http://www.projecta.com.au/catalogue/cid/44/asset_id/139

 

you just adjust it to the Laptop requirements.....15V upwards.....its on bottom of laptop



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Travel Bug


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Smokeydk wrote:             

I use this          

http://www.projecta.com.au/catalogue/cid/44/asset_id/139

you just adjust it to the Laptop requirements.....15V upwards.....its on bottom of laptop

Looks interesting but I couldn't find the price.
How much did it cost?
Cheers. Pam. smile 



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 Cheers. Pam.

Safe and happy travels everyone.

 
Smokeydk


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Think I bought mine somewhere between $70 - $100....be careful which one you get.....there are several sizes

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