Power issues, 1990 Celica, 150 watt inverter

**rhalin** · 06-09-2005, 08:33 PM

I've got probably one of the least advanced setups on here at the moment

Using a laptop in the car with a power inverter. Laptop is a 1.2Ghz Dell C610, inverter is a 150 watt radio shack.

Originally, the rest of the setup included a 5 port USB hub (powered with AC adapter because the laptops USB 1.1 didnt like powering it), I had a microsoft strategic commander controller to handle access while driving (a little awkward, but easier than looking over at the laptop), and of course, a GPS mouse. (I have a person to navigate now, so the controller and USB hub are no longer required)

Anyways, on to my problem. The USB port on the laptop is getting very loose, so the GPS is having issues staying connected, and when it goes out, the laptop requires rebooting, so I've been considering getting a docking station to mount the laptop in while it's in the car, and possibly an LCD as well.

Trouble is, I dont know if the car electrical system can take it. The power inverter gives me a nice warning buzz whenever it isn't receiving enough juice to power the connected devices. This happens just about whenever I start the car up, until I'm well on my way driving, especially if I have other things draining car power, such as the headlights.

What would be the best solution to this problem? Second battery? Newer alternator? And if I decide to go full computer later on (something without the laptop battery) will it work, or am I screwed the way things are now?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

**pastypyro** · 06-09-2005, 08:53 PM

I would suggest hard wiring an inverter with more wattage if you're concerned about drawing more power from non-12V toys. Most other goodies, like an LCD, would not run on the inverter.

**rhalin** · 06-09-2005, 11:53 PM

Whoops, just got out there and looked at it, and its actually a 300 watt, max 600 inverter. Could have sworn it was less when I bought it, ah well.

And I'd guess that would prolly handle both the laptop and an LCD? The inverter itself came with a clip attachment for direct battery hookup, I could prolly juryrig that later on to another battery if I needed to.