Choosing an Inverter...

**gleinz** · 08-05-2004, 12:38 PM

I'm going to power my first car PC with an inverter, just because I like the versatility...

How big of an inverter should I get? I have a Toshiba 1805-S207 laptop (intel celeron 1.1 Ghz, 256 MB RAM, 20GB HD...) which apparently my father has used with a generic 75W (continuous) / 150W (peak) inverter. I'll probably be using 2 USB ports and a 7" TFT screen, so I was planning on getting a 300W continuous / 600 peak pure sine wave inverter. Would that be enough power?

Thanks

P.S. I did look at that power calculater at http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/ , but wasn't sure if it was too accurate or not.

*alias · 08-05-2004, 03:11 PM

My suggestion is for the hardware you own, get an ammeter and measure the actual current draw and using P = V * A (power = voltage[volts] times current [amps] assuming DC current). Do this carefully and by placing the ammeter in series with the power leads. If you don't feel comfortable doing this or don't understand how and don't care to try, look up all the data sheets for the items you wish to use and then add 10% or 25% to be safe of the power requirements. Specifically look through all the manuals or specification for each thing you want to power and find the maximum power usage for each and then add those up. This is really all very rough estimation and learning how to measure the power draw can be very useful. Good luck!

**fantomas** · 08-05-2004, 03:28 PM

well...a lot of multimeters will only go up to 10 amps (10 amp fuse, plus the leads are only about 14 gauge i think) but if its only *75* watts, you shold be ok. even 150 watts would be ok for a short spurt.

**KimaX** · 08-05-2004, 03:40 PM

I'm pretty sure a 300W continuous / 600 peak pure sine wave inverter would be fine with your setup. For my carpc, I have a Xantrex 300W continuous / 600 peak inverter and a standard atx PSU powering an MII10000, 3.5" 80gb HD, 5.25" DVD-ROM, Xenarc TS, and 2 USB hubs. I haven't experienced any problems in a few weeks of use...and it even survives crank!

**gleinz** · 08-05-2004, 03:48 PM

Whats the voltage rating on your inverter? Thanks!

Edit: Just found these inverters... http://www.novaelectric.com/dc_ac_in...vacg12300w.php

Look kind of nice! What do you think?

**KimaX** · 08-05-2004, 03:59 PM

This is the inverter I'm using, although to my knowledge it's modified sine wave.

**gleinz** · 08-05-2004, 04:03 PM

Hm, well since you have a modified sine wave... do you have any problems with it? I wanted to go with pure sine wave because of all the interference problems I've read about.

**KimaX** · 08-05-2004, 04:11 PM

I haven't had any problems with noise or interference so far...and that's with everything installed in the glovebox. I made sure to ground the inverter and PSU to the same point on the chassis of the car and used 8 gauge wire.