Inverter for laptop and powing xenarc

sebberry · 07-08-2005, 12:55 AM

Hey everyone,

I have a small inverter (120w) and am hoping to use it to power my laptop (max draw 3.6A)

Not sure how to do the calculations to figure out if it will work....

Also, I would like to know if it would be possible to power my 7" Xenarc from the USB on the laptop (12v input, it is the flip down version, so no power adapter) I know that there are scanners that are powered from just the USB, so do you think it would be ok for the Xenarc?

Thanks for your help!

anitanium · 07-08-2005, 02:14 AM

look at the laptop AC adapter
it usually says the max Wattage
most likely around 60-75W of max power

xenarc screen is roughly 10W of power?
at 12V = 0.83A of current required to drive the xenarc

i'm not sure if USB ports have that sort of ability...

Jahntassa · 07-08-2005, 09:56 AM

Nevermind the fact that USB ports have 5v, and not 12v. It's better to wire the flipdown screen directly to the car's ACC wire.

Trying to power that screen from a laptop will not work. Also it won't work off the inverter because the inverter puts out 120v AC, and the screen needs 12v DC

KyleYankan · 07-08-2005, 11:34 AM

USB ports only sink 500ma.

Your screen needs a REGULATED 12v. You can look for a 12v-12v regulator, or find an old pc power supply, and use that with the inverter. What do you mean the screen doesnt have a power connector? It has to. It won't power-on without it. :-D

sebberry · 07-08-2005, 02:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KyleYankan

USB ports only sink 500ma.

Your screen needs a REGULATED 12v. You can look for a 12v-12v regulator, or find an old pc power supply, and use that with the inverter. What do you mean the screen doesnt have a power connector? It has to. It won't power-on without it. :-D

lol.. it has a power connector, just not a power adapter.. just a red and black power wire

As for the laptop's AC adaptor.. here is what it says:

Input 100-240 V ~ 1.7A

Output 18.5V 3.5A 65W...

Does this mean that it will draw 65 from the inverter?

Thanks again guys!

anitanium · 07-08-2005, 05:18 PM

yes, it will draw maximum 65W at full load
your inverter will be fine to supply that

sebberry · 07-08-2005, 07:47 PM

Thanks again for your help!

Any suggestions for a 12v to 12v regulator?

Cheers

Jahntassa · 07-08-2005, 08:59 PM

Not sure..but specifically why does the Xenarc need regulated 12v? Other than possiblity for noise...

Most overhead screens are fine running off the 12v in the car (Even though it actually hits 14v. I believe my TView is rated to be able to take up to 15v.

KyleYankan · 07-08-2005, 09:22 PM

Some cars hit up to 18v at highway speeds. Noiuse is a big problem in digital circuits also. Plus if you buy a $600 screen, a $50 regulator seems like a nice investment.

D M N · 07-28-2005, 04:38 PM

Any recomendation on good inverters? Or a page that shows how to wire directly to the battery?

anitanium · 07-28-2005, 05:11 PM

many people use xantrex xpower 400W inverters