Shocking isn't it?

supralightning · 02-15-2004, 01:45 PM

Ok, yesterday i had my inverter going for a test run of the carpc. My friend noticed that she kept shocking herself everytime she got out of the car (like static charge shock not electrical). I don't remember anyone having this problem before (inverter is under passenger seat). Is the inverter transferring some current through the seat or what could be going on here?

-EvoXTC

none · 02-15-2004, 02:15 PM

Does it still happen if you disconnect the inverter?

supralightning · 02-15-2004, 02:19 PM

Not exactly sure....we didn't take notice of the shocking til' last night which i had the inverter on. If i knew that then i would have already come to my conclusion.

-Evoxtc

Mastero · 02-15-2004, 03:41 PM

Its always better to go with dc-dc PSU why does one want to play with AC current in a car which goes through so much of bumps and speed....

Check the car chasis with a tester the for charge !

Mastero

siberia37 · 02-15-2004, 03:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by supralightning

Ok, yesterday i had my inverter going for a test run of the carpc. My friend noticed that she kept shocking herself everytime she got out of the car (like static charge shock not electrical). I don't remember anyone having this problem before (inverter is under passenger seat). Is the inverter transferring some current through the seat or what could be going on here?

-EvoXTC

This isn't exactly abnormal for any car especially in the winter months. My wife's car will shock us EVERY time we get out of the car in winter- my solution is to not touch any metal when getting out if I can avoid it. I wouldn't worry to much about it unless someone get knocked on their a** by the shock.

Jackso · 02-15-2004, 04:19 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mastero

Its always better to go with dc-dc PSU why does one want to play with AC current in a car which goes through so much of bumps and speed....

Kinda a rant here, but just because dc-dc is better for you does not mean that it is better period. DC-AC-DC is MUCH cheaper, and then allows you the ability to run ANY household device in the car. You pick any computer related product you might ever want to run in the car, and we'll compare who can get it working first. Say a wireless router, or a LCD screen, or perhaps a force feedback joystick? I can run it all off the inverter, what about your DC-DC supply? Sorry for the rant, I'm just tired of seeing everybody claim that DC-DC is the solution for every power/static/humm/distortion problem posted.

kmfdmk · 02-15-2004, 06:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jackso

just because dc-dc is better for you does not mean that it is better period. DC-AC-DC is MUCH cheaper... ...tired of seeing everybody claim that DC-DC is the solution for every power/static/humm/distortion problem posted.

Amen Jackso. I think a lot of the problems people experience with DC-AC-DC systems is due to improper shielding and ineffective grounding. As my install progresses I'm going to be adding another Alternator and grouding it out to the Car Battery & alternator, and also installing a copper grounding strip that will run the length of the car. This way I KNOW that grounding won't be an issue if problems arise.

Mastero · 02-15-2004, 11:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jackso

Kinda a rant here, but just because dc-dc is better for you does not mean that it is better period. DC-AC-DC is MUCH cheaper, and then allows you the ability to run ANY household device in the car. You pick any computer related product you might ever want to run in the car, and we'll compare who can get it working first. Say a wireless router, or a LCD screen, or perhaps a force feedback joystick? I can run it all off the inverter, what about your DC-DC supply? Sorry for the rant, I'm just tired of seeing everybody claim that DC-DC is the solution for every power/static/humm/distortion problem posted.

I agree with you friend you can not use a blow dryer with a dc-dc solution.

My feel is AC 110 / 240v should be kept away from cars.

Rest is upto.. you

Mastero

none · 02-15-2004, 11:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mastero

I agree with you friend you can not use a blow dryer with a dc-dc solution.

My feel is AC 110 / 240v should be kept away from cars.

Rest is upto.. you

Mastero

Agreed. Notice that the people defending inverters are usually the same people who can't get their systems working right in other threads.

Chosen1 · 02-16-2004, 12:17 AM

I have both....DC-DC for pc, inverter for Xbox, etc.

Can't we all just get along?

-Chosen1™

Bravellir · 02-16-2004, 12:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by none

Agreed. Notice that the people defending inverters are usually the same people who can't get their systems working right in other threads.

Not exactly, my system works perfectly and I’m using an inverter. I'm even able to turn off the car, go and get my coffee, come back turn on the car again and the carputer is running just fine.

If you read a little bit in the forum BEFORE you install, you are ok. Good quality inverter, good direct battery connection and good grounding are the things to watch for.

This said I'm going for an opus solution, probably only on MKIV, just to avoid the trouble off switch on/off. But I will keep the inverter as a backup power system.

Quote: Originally Posted by Chosen1

I have both....DC-DC for pc, inverter for Xbox, etc.

Can't we all just get along?

-Chosen1™

I'm sure we can.

supralightning · 02-16-2004, 02:19 PM

Yea im not dishing out more money for just powering my pc. Inverter is giving me no problems at all just people recently started shocking themselves LOL. I like the idea of inverters much more than dc-dc (much wider options). Oh well

-Evoxtc

fluffy2097 · 02-16-2004, 07:16 PM

Give it 1 or 2 years and it will be standard on cars to have AC outlets. Enough people are now getting laptops and playstations and whatnot to make it cost effective, and with the push to move cars to 24 volts, an easy thing to do.

I'm willing to bet that it's just static.

A word of advice, you should always ground yourself before you start filling your gas tank. A static spark could easily start a fire.

Ricky327 · 02-16-2004, 10:53 PM

What is this DC-DC vs DC-AC...whos got better than who

Some guys here just like to use inverters for various reason so stop putting them down...or force them to buy DC-DC, yes I know some of you do sell them

I have used 150W and 300W inverters, also used targus DC-DC and some unbranded one. They all have plus and minus points.

Im not using inverters right now and still get static shock and even before I used those inverters.

If the inverter was the one causing the shock..then dont you think you should get a continuous shock? So stop blaming the inverters, you can get shock anywhere you go.

deadweasel · 02-16-2004, 11:28 PM

I have nothing to add to this debate, except for a tip on how to get in/out of a car without getting shocked. Touch something metal BEFORE you start getting in or out. The problem is usually your butt sliding on the fabric of the seat generating it. If you are touching something metal (I use the metal strip that runs along the window on the door itself) you will discharge any buildup as it happens, instead of getting nailed all at once when you finally do touch a conductive item.

I have done this for years, and have almost never gotten shocked by my cars this way. In the house is another story though....