12V, 5A Regulated Car Adapter

Alta · 09-02-2004, 04:57 PM

I've been looking for a source of a 12V, 5A regulated power supply for using my Xenarc MP-SC1 and Lilliput in the car. Xenarc tech support claims that unregulated automotive power (at 13.8 to 14.4V) can kill the computer. I tried the adapter sold by Action Replay and even though it is rated 12V, 5A, it trips when the computer powers up (there is a very short current spike when the unit powers up that causes the adapter to trip). The AC adapter sold with the Xenarc is rated 12V, 5A but doesn't trip. Xenarc doesn't have a dc car adapter for this unit and suggested using my ac adapter with an inverter. Not very elegant and too many wires.

After a lot of looking, I found Lind Electronics. They make "rugged" power converters and car adapters primarily designed for police-type applications. They custom-made me a 12V, 5A adapter that works perfectly. The unit says it will take 11 - 16V input. But, it seems to be better than that since my computer will survive a crank, even with the headlights on. Wow.

The unit is a bit pricy, but in my opinion well worth it. The output is running about 12.5V and is rock-solid.

If you are interested, see www.lindelectronics.com. The part number for the Xenarc is XE1250-1321X. It cost $99. I had it in 4 days after I placed the order (Minnesota to South Carolina). They can configure the connectors for your application. I spoke with Dean when I ordered it.

If you want more info, let me know.

Alta

StangBoyCIC · 09-02-2004, 05:00 PM

hey Alta where in SC are you?

rgardjr · 09-02-2004, 07:22 PM

If they ever get them back in stock another good option is the Carnetix CNX-P1260. It has the same 5 amp rating and comes with built in shutdown/starup controller. My case came with a Morex power supply so back when I built mine I ended up buying and ITPS and adding voltage step up module off Ebay. I step up the voltage that I feed the ITPS so that when the car isn't running I still get the 12 volt output inspite of the 1.5 volt loss. My pc will survive a crank now, but using the ITPS as my startup/shutdown controller makes this pretty insignificant since the ITPS cuts off power after a short period automatically.

archimense · 09-02-2004, 07:53 PM

I run my LCD off the power from my PSU.

frodobaggins · 09-02-2004, 10:00 PM

http://www.carnetix.com/index.html

looneeii · 03-03-2005, 12:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Alta

The AC adapter sold with the Xenarc is rated 12V, 5A but doesn't trip. Xenarc doesn't have a dc car adapter for this unit and suggested using my ac adapter with an inverter. Not very elegant and too many wires.

Alta

So will the AC adapter power the PC and TS adequately if used in the cigarate lighter?