Would this be ok for power a laptop?

**lewisdg** · 03-16-2009, 12:58 PM

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...FQo1Qwod0ASCpQ

hard wire this into ignition switched 12v feed, have a switch for the laptop power button and away you go

r have I got this wrong

**Enforcer** · 03-16-2009, 03:13 PM

It should work, although my guess is, it really isn't to be used as a permanent solution.

**lewisdg** · 03-16-2009, 03:52 PM

Enforcer

Thanks for the reply....looking at your other posts you seem to know your stuff!

But I'm curious as to why you say it would not be good long term if it is installed well? what would be the alternatives for a laptop carPC ? and how are they better?

I'm very new to this so I'm looking to learn what's what

cheers

Lewis

**Enforcer** · 03-16-2009, 06:34 PM

I'm not that familiar with laptop installs, however I have heard their is a carnetix PSu that is done especially for laptops.

Why do I think it's not good long term? Because of the nature of the unit and how laptops are normally used in the car.

Normally they will be used briefly or just charged, they are unlikely to be used day in and day out for a good period of time. Also I used to work for Maplins and have some knowledge of the products they do

**rodweb** · 03-16-2009, 06:41 PM

Also by adding a Carnetix or an Opus (which I use) you will have acces to regulated 5 volts which will be very handy to power up additional hardware such as USB hubs and DVD drives. You have to ask Opus to provide the right firmware for a laptop to auto start it but I prefer pressing the button myself. I have the Opus configured to output 19 volts which is what my HP laptop expects and this also powers my monitor which can handle up to 24 volts. the 5 volt rail powers two USB hubs and will power a USB DVD drive when I get round to it.

**thewizard** · 03-16-2009, 08:09 PM

You want to stay away from any laptop power supplies that have an adjustable voltage slider or switch. Normally if they accidentally get moved to a lower voltage the laptop simply will not detect it presence and won't charge, however moving the other way and feeding it too much voltage can result in disaster. Mine is hard wired but it is a fixed voltage specific to my laptop. (19VDC).

**joey7415963** · 03-16-2009, 09:08 PM

Also I tried the same power supply, and it wouldn't work with my HP laptop, really don't know why and before anyone says it, it was the right voltage/current etc!

**lewisdg** · 03-17-2009, 09:22 AM

Thanks for the replys guys.......I bought the power adapter today to test, my laptop expects an input of 18.5v.....so I just set it to 18v and all is working fine. I can get around the switch moving voltages by covering over the switch, so that should stop it moving accidently......also this unit has a built in 5v USB charger port with lots of different tips.....so I can also power the USB hub from this.

I went on a 2 hour drive for work and I had my laptop turned on and powered by the adapter - there was very little heat coming from it....it was just warm. I'll keep testing it to see how it holds up but so far so good

**jaguar999** · 09-20-2009, 01:01 PM

Hi,
I have bought a similar product here in Bangalore, India.
It cost me 750INR (~15USD). It does not have a 5Volt option.

Its working fine but the only problem is that i am getting a lot of noise in the sound when i use this. I connected this to the Cigarette lighter power supply.

Can some one help. How to get rid of the noise.

Regards
Gaurav

**justchat_1** · 09-20-2009, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by jaguar999

Hi,
I have bought a similar product here in Bangalore, India.
It cost me 750INR (~15USD). It does not have a 5Volt option.

Its working fine but the only problem is that i am getting a lot of noise in the sound when i use this. I connected this to the Cigarette lighter power supply.

Can some one help. How to get rid of the noise.

Regards
Gaurav

Are you comfortable putting a noise filter inline with the unit? Ideally you would need a cigarette lighter extension cable with built in noise filter but I don't think they make them.