Inverter always running?

**Slitha** · 09-29-2004, 12:12 AM

Would it drain my battery if i was to leave my inverter running at all times, but having it hooked up to my computer (which would be off)? I figure the only power it should be taking is for the fan of the inverter and maybe a tiny tiny bit to run the computer in the off position, am i right? I just don't have the money to buy mysefl an OPUS even though i really want to. I have a 400 mhz comp i'm using righ tnow, and i just cna't seem to figure out how to power the 300 watt power supply. Maybe my inverter is just a piece of junk?

Here's a link to it.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Audiovox-400-Watt-DC-AC-Power-Inverter--ADC400-/sem/rpsm/oid/70710/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

**atlharry** · 09-29-2004, 12:19 AM

I has happened to me after about 3-4 days of not running my car, but to be fair, my battery is in serious need of replacement. I would just say turn off the inverter if you are going to be leaving your car dormant for long periods of time.

**Slitha** · 09-29-2004, 12:49 AM

The problem is that i can't keep my inverter off. It needs to stay on for like 30 seconds before i can turn on my computer, and those 30 seconds are really starting to annoy me. I can't stand thre and wait 30 seconds every time i get in my car before i can turn on teh carputer. I need a better way. If anyone has one, pleaase come forward. Ive been workin on this project for almost 2 months and i still can't get it goin properly.

Actually, can someone experienced with inverters and power supplies please pm me?

**VanMan69** · 09-29-2004, 12:51 AM

Why do you need to wait 30 seconds? Get a different inverter.

**Slitha** · 09-29-2004, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by VanMan69

Why do you need to wait 30 seconds? Get a different inverter.

My inverter is rated at 400 watt rms, i have no idea why it won't boot properly. I'd love to get a new inverter, but i cant order one online because if it doesn't work correctly, i'm out 40 bucks. I need to find a store that sells an inverter for a good price that's a good brand

What's a good brand inverter? I sure as hell don't know.

**Tidder** · 09-29-2004, 12:58 AM

Can't leave your inverter on all the time. I have a new battery, and mine still drains it after about 16 hours. And I just have a 145watt.

**falconey** · 09-29-2004, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Slitha

My inverter is rated at 400 watt rms, i have no idea why it won't boot properly. I'd love to get a new inverter, but i cant order one online because if it doesn't work correctly, i'm out 40 bucks. I need to find a store that sells an inverter for a good price that's a good brand

What's a good brand inverter? I sure as hell don't know.

I got a Vector from Walmart and it's works fine for me. Let us know how you wired your inverter. You shouldn't have to wait 30 secs no matter what kind of inveter it is. I'm thinking you've just wired it incorrectly.

**Troy McClure** · 09-29-2004, 09:05 AM

I am using the 350 Watt from Good Ol Walmart and am having good success. My only downfall is that it does not fit into the area where my PC is. Radio Shack sells a nicely sized one that would work for me but they want $100 for it....I don't think so! I'll wait for the OPUS to come back to stock.

As for your problem. I can't understand why you need to wait 30 seconds. If the inverter is on, it's on. The solution I have taken for now for controlling power to my inverter is that I got an ITPS from here and as soon as I get some time I will wire it in so that it controls a relay to the main input of the inverter. I'll just leave the switch in the on position of the inverter and the ITPS will do the work for me and I'll never have to worry about draining the battery.

Troy

**kiltjim** · 09-29-2004, 12:43 PM

I'm using one I got from a surplus company. No problems here. A little relay on the positive terminal, and a switch in the cabin. Definetly get another inverter. Wal-mart is a good bet, if it doesn't work, return it.

**mykolJay** · 09-29-2004, 12:52 PM

Do you have your inverter hardwired directly to your battery?

I have a 160W inverter (that I got off of Amazon). I have it hardwired (usig an amp wiring kit) to an on off/switch in my dash, then to a fused distributor block, then to the inverter.

I have to wait literrally 2 seconds before I can hit the power switch on the computer.

30 seconds I've never heard of.