SO can you use your computer with the car off?

**brrman** · 12-05-2003, 02:49 PM

Does your typical battery provide enough juice for this? I checked my voltmeter when I had the key in the "accessory" position and the car not started - what I saw was probably 11.8 volts.

How many of you use your computer when the car is not running?

cheers

**Seraph** · 12-05-2003, 03:04 PM

I do. But I have Espresso PC and that guy can take it from 10-15V I believe.

**hijinks21** · 12-05-2003, 03:19 PM

yes i do.. mine has gone for 90 minutes

**Defiler** · 12-05-2003, 03:30 PM

Yep. No problem up to 90 min. as well. I wouldn't want to go longer than that as regular car bateries arn't made to be drained and chrged like that.

I do plan on getting an Optima red or yellow top battery soon for this reason as well as others.

**telekineticfool** · 12-05-2003, 04:03 PM

My 150watt Opus will shut down if the battery gets to a critical level...I've only gone maybe...an hour with the car off.

**brrman** · 12-05-2003, 04:38 PM

Thats great to know! I normally only play music with the engine off when waiting for the gfriend to get off work, etc... but it would suck not to be able to use the system with the car off...

thanks guys

**Mikesz** · 12-09-2003, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by brrman

Thats great to know! I normally only play music with the engine off when waiting for the gfriend to get off work, etc... but it would suck not to be able to use the system with the car off...

thanks guys

It will suck worse when your gfriend gets off work and the car wont start. So get a good battery. I recomend an optima red top. Read up on the yellow tops if you want one of those.I think i remember that a car charging system cant maintain them properly, something about full discharge and recharge. Note sure though, best to call the company.

mike

**Rob Withey** · 12-10-2003, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by brrman

How many of you use your computer when the car is not running?

Not very often, but I do sometimes. My system only draws 2A, so I think I can run it for quite a long time without killing the battery. Also runs down to around 9V (though I wouldn't want to).

Rob

**Cinco5** · 12-14-2003, 11:42 PM

They sell battery isolators/protectors that will kill the connection and leave enough to start the car a few times, do not own one currently but I did at one time.