Need a bit of informed advice: need an inverter to recharge AA-size batteries and possibly power a laptop occasionally, nothing more. What size should I be looking at? Cheers, Tony
__________________
If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
Tony, when you flip over your laptop there is a label under, that includes data about its power useage.
Mine is 19volt at 8.94amps. This means (multiply the two) approx 180watts is required. An inverter has losses so allow an 80% efficency and the nearest inverter is 200 - 250 watts.
It is better to go slightly higher than you require to allow for start current, but do remember with laptops, they have an internal battery that will assist.
If you only want to charge the laptop and use it via its battery then a smaller inverter will do it.
Hi Tony another way rather than use a 12v to 240v inverter & its ineficiencies, why not use a AA batery charger which can be used on12V dc or 240 V from Jaycar Electronics MB3549 for $39.95. My laptop uses 19V @ 4Amp so I use a 150 watt 12Vdc to 19Vdc powersupply, which supplys a max 6Amp or can be set to any of these voltages 15/16/18/19/20/22/24 Vdc avble Jaycar Electronics MP3472 for $74.95. Atleast this way every thing works of your 12V power. Obviously if your computer draws more than 6Amps this sugestion wont work. Cheers Daryl
I'd be inclined to go with DeBe's suggestion. Keep in mind that I've been led to believe that some Laptops will have their warranty voided if used with an inverter unless it's a pure sine wave inverter.
-- Edited by jimricho on Sunday 15th of November 2009 07:36:08 AM
Hi Tony. The 12v charger is set to 19Volts to suit your computer, it comes with several plug tips you select the size to match the socket on your computer.Then the plug tip is fitted to the lead to match the polarity of the computer. It will be either + or -- center pin Most are + center pin. If its too daunting take computer in to Jaycar they should be able to set it up for you. Ive found this system works good in my van on 12V, my lap top is same curent draw & voltage as yours. Mine is Center pin +. Cheers Daryl.
These are pictures of the smaller inverterjust to give you an idea how plugs go to gether. The larger inverter is the way to go as this one is almost at its limit. Cheers Daryl
DeBe, Many thanks for that. I was thinking of the battery chargers that you slot the batteries into and couldn't see how you'd get that connected! Looks like a trip to Jaycar is in order. I love that place! Must remember to have a look at their 12V LED lights. Be good to stick with in-house 12v power, as I don't plan to spend a lot of time on caravan park powered sites. Cheers, Tony
__________________
If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
