Computer shuts down randomly

**Gewehrschuss** · 06-23-2004, 04:36 AM

I have an inverter hooked up to the cigarette lighter with a touch screen and a small Dell computer (it has a 160W power supply in it):

PIII 1 GHz
256 MB PC133 RAM
CD-ROM Drive
40 GB 3.5" HD

Everything starts up and runs fine for about a day or so, then the inverter starts beeping (indicating low voltage) and it shuts off.... when I don't use the computer for a while I can run it for a while again before the same thing happens... as though the battery has to charge back up, which makes me think maybe my alternator can't handle it. Any ideas?

**Enforcer** · 06-23-2004, 05:21 AM

How long are you running the PC for when the engine is off?

**Gewehrschuss** · 06-23-2004, 06:28 AM

I always have the car on when it's running

**carpcnoobie** · 06-23-2004, 06:29 AM

Rifle Shot

,

What size inverter are you running? Did you consider directly wiring to the battery?

**Gewehrschuss** · 06-23-2004, 06:31 AM

it's a 150W inverter... and if it runs off the cig lighter, would it make a difference if it were connected right to the battery? (the power is in effect coming from the same place right?)

**carpcnoobie** · 06-23-2004, 06:35 AM

It's coming from the same place, but the wire that provides power to the cig lighter is going to be smaller in gauge than what you would run to the battery. Plus you don't know what else is on that same circuit with the cigarette lighter. Your radio may very well be on the same circuit.

Also, with an inverter, it is a good idea to go slightly larger on the inverter size vs. the PSU size.

**Gewehrschuss** · 06-23-2004, 06:39 AM

OK, thanks for your help... I'll hook it up to the battery and see if that solves the problem. I'm really hope that's all it is and I don't need a bigger alternator

**carpcnoobie** · 06-23-2004, 06:41 AM

What type of car? When you're having this problem, are you noticing the rest of the car loosing power? Lights getting dim? Electronics acting funny? Radio cutting in and out? When it's doing this try taking a voltage reading with a DVOM.

Search thru this section. There are many threads on what gauge wire and how to hook up an inverter.

**Gewehrschuss** · 06-23-2004, 06:44 AM

nope... the inverter shuts down before the voltage gets really low, so I don't see any of that

**jaymuzzy** · 06-23-2004, 09:17 AM

Seriously....just get the OPUS PS. I tried using the inverter at the beginning but that didn't turn out so great. But if your gonna choose to go forward with the inverter idea....your shutdown could be for a few reasons. It could be shutting down due to the intervter overheating. As already mentioned, you should have an inverter that is capable of pushing out more than the PS would ever ask for. The inverter also needs to be in a well ventalated area. Someone already mentioned your alternator, but you should also take a look at your battery. What kind of power rating does it have. I just went and bought an Optima and that has been working out great so far.