which should be the best power options, regarding efficiency and safety?

**filipe sys** · 09-25-2005, 07:20 PM

Hi all,

I Plan to Install several devices in a car system, (athlon 64 computer, 5 lcd's, dvd, gps, wireless lan, printer) - overall consume 650Watt - near 55A.

In order to make possible to have it running at least one hour, while the engine is off and without drawn the vehicle main battery, which should be the best power options, regarding efficiency and safety?

Option 1:
Add an extra battery in an Isolator circuit.
To connect devices:
- DC-DC when possible.
- To the CPU PSU: Could not find a 350W DC-DC, I guess the choice is an Inverter - although I think the Inverter is at least 10% inefficient.

Option 2:
(I am not sure if it would be possible - Alternator charging Ups batteries and also Ups running - providing inverted energy 24/7Week)

Add an UPS interactive in an Isolator circuit, this UPS would always act as an inverter – by supplying energy from its internal battery.

To connect devices and computer:
- I would not have to worry about power supplies. It would the devices original PSU.

Thanks everyone,

Filipe.

**greenman100** · 09-25-2005, 10:35 PM

1 hour, you need 2 isolated batteries on their own charging circuit
you probably need a second alternator or those batteries won't get fully charged

and a 250W PSU is likely all noy uneed. See: DS-ATX.

Your A64 at stock will pull 80w at full load, 30 to the motherboard and ram, 10 to wireless card, 30 to HD, 20 to DVD, 10 to each LCD = 220w.

Perhaps put the LCDs on their own regulation.

**auto_robotics** · 09-25-2005, 11:46 PM

Hi,

I've got an Athlon 64 3500 based system as well. My power setup is as follows:

Hellroaring Battery Isolater/Combiner (from alternator)
http://www.hellroaring.com/bic75300.htm

Optima Yellow Top (tank battery for computer)
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...eep_cycle.html

Samlex 600W True-Sine Power Inverter (85% efficient)
http://www.samlexamerica.com/product...roductsID=7016

Antec Phantom 500W ATX Power Supply (85% efficient)
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=24500

Plus a few circuit breakers.

All tested and verified ... almost done with computer install.

Hope that helps you out ... 55 Amps is a lot though. Far more than mine uses, though I believe my setup could handle near that, especially with the next model up inverter (1000W).

**filipe sys** · 09-26-2005, 05:35 AM

>

Originally Posted by greenman100

1 hour, you need 2 isolated batteries on their own >charging circuit
>you probably need a second alternator or those batteries won't get fully >charged

Hi,

Currently the alternator is providing charge for a 12v/110ah battery, so I assume, I could fit another similar ina a paralel circuit.

>and a 250W PSU is likely all noy uneed. See: DS-ATX.

>Your A64 at stock will pull 80w at full load, 30 to the motherboard and ram, >10 to wireless card, 30 to HD, 20 to DVD, 10 to each LCD = 220w.

This maybe a good solution, except if I want to add some Vga card, pci capture card, usb devices. This will require more power.

>Perhaps put the LCDs on their own regulation.

Right.

Cheers,

Filipe