Power Sources - Best Application (I'm confused.)

ilovemyhonda · 11-01-2007, 06:31 PM

So I have been reading around the power source area, and I am getting confused.

I want to be able to power my screen/laptop(used as carputer) and have them both power on with start up.

Additionally I'd like to be able to plug in my cell phone charger and have an extra outlet, just because.

So, why can I not find a quality 4 outlet inverter? Are there any downsides to having an inverter that keep most people from doing this? AND with the inverter can I still have the desired startup/shutdown that I'm looking for?

Thanks for the help guys... I just don't get why I see everyone doing DC to DC or complicated wiring...

stealinfool · 11-01-2007, 10:24 PM

Chance are that you will not be able to get an inverter to only be powered upon startup without some hacking. The reason people use DC/DC converters is because most of the converters have an ACC input, so it knows when the car is "powered" and can then supply 12VDC to the devices.

Inverter setup... DC>AC>DC... doesn't make much sense IMO unless its absolutely necessary.

DarquePervert · 11-02-2007, 05:03 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ilovemyhonda

Thanks for the help guys... I just don't get why I see everyone doing DC to DC or complicated wiring...

Because inverters take up a lot more space than DC-DC units.
Because inverters are far more likely to induce EMI interference (aka noise) into your audio setup.
Because inverters generate heat, creating a potential fire hazard.
Because inverters are inefficient by the very nature of what they do.

Lastly, maybe because it's hard to find a quality four-outlet inverter.