OK so I just bought a new lap top and have NO way to power it in the truck. So until I get a real inverter and install it, whats my better option.
Should I get the Cig lighter charger?
or should I get a cig lighter Pure Sine Wave Inverter?
I've been told Pure Sine wave Inverters wont hurt my computer like modified sign waves will.............
this is the inverter I was looking at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G82K7M/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
can the cig lighter charger hurt my computer? is it a modified sign wave? im confused lol
Thanks!
American Trucker
Power Question
Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by American-Trucker, Sep 17, 2010.
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Trucker, I had a problem for a while with my DC charger cord for my laptop so I used a small cigarette lighter invertor...I think it was a 400. It worked fine for me. I did get some 2-way radio noise levels with it running but that could be cured with a filter I'm sure. Never hurt or affected my laptop in any way...still using it today.
I jumped on eBay and found a DC charger unit for my particular model of laptop and bought it. Think it was only around 29 bucks shipped. The small cig lighter invertors will not last forever if left on all the time as you would need when using your laptop.American-Trucker Thanks this. -
My friend powers his on a simple 200 watt lighter plug in type.
I've been told (not sure of the validity) that appliances that use a battery back up in conjunction with an outlet connection, do not have to have a pure sine wave invertor.
I've never lost a laptop due to invertors. I have hosed a couple of VCR's in the past...rather quickly I might add.American-Trucker Thanks this. -
I run a cobra inverter I picked up at a truck stop for about $40 to power mine and I have not had any problems as a result. It came in a fancy hard plastic case that I am still trying to figure out what to do with
The thing about that inverter I like is that it has a warning tone when battery power gets down too low.
American-Trucker Thanks this. -
I've been powering my laptop from a small 300 watt inverter for years and never had a problem with my computer. I have burnt up an inverter just cause i used it for so much stuff it just wore out after a couple years but well worth the $20 or $30 I paid for it. I now have another just like it.
American-Trucker Thanks this. -
I've had a Sima 385 watt inverter powering my laptop and printer for about three years now--no problems. I wired mine direct to the battery though. The cigarette plug isn't capable of supplying enough power without overheating the socket. 10-12 gauge wire is sufficient for 385 watts (28 amps).
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Any decently designed laptop will have good protection against poor or erratic electrical supply. Between the supply and your computer is an AC inverter cable, right? I believe a 200 watt coffee cup style inverter will work fine. Don't bother with the pure sine wave inverter. They are too expensive and not really necessary. If you correctly wire in a decent quality (NOT a Cobra IMHO) inverter bought from an on-line vendor devoted to this business, you will do well. If you are a company driver, don't get too invested. If you own your own equipment, then put money into a good inverter, and ideally a new set of AGM batteries. Wet cell batteries are part of the problem of power for accessories in the truck.
American-Trucker Thanks this. -
I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-400-Wat..._1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1284964279&sr=8-1
Charges my laptop / digital camera / cellphone / bluetooth headset and I haven't run into any problems. IMO a pure sine wave inverter is unnecessary.American-Trucker Thanks this. -
Any of the low power inverters will work to recharge your laptop. The laptop's own charger unit converts the ac into a dc power anyway and it really doesn't care how "good" that ac is as long as it is at the right voltage and is capable of supplying the required current (which actually isn't all that much really).
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I ened up getting the 180 Watt Pure Sine Wave inverter, and it's great. It charges my laptop MUCH faster then plugging it into a regular wall jack for some reason.
American Trucker
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