Electrical Question

[DannyD]

I finally got a computer for being out on the road. It's a used P3 that my brother gave me to try out before I decide if I want to keep using this one or get a new one.

Anyway, it doesn't have a battery for it. So the only way to run it is to plug it in. What I do is plug it into a 175 watt inverter that's plugged into my lighter.

My Q is about how long would be safe to run this thing before the battery drains? So far I feel safe w/ running this for an hour, then starting the van & letting it run 15 minutes.

Due to other factors, I think I'm gonna opt for a new comp, but until I get one just wondering approx how long could I run this until I need to start wondering about my vehicle battery.

 

[tru2037]

Honestly your good for a few hours, as long as its still a good battery. If you are still concerned about it you should think about adding a second battery with a isolator switch. Some of the Ford E350's had a secondary batteries on the frame which I put on a isolated switch. Doing this allows you to run the isolated battery down without fear of not being able to start the truck.

 

[Turtle]

So far I feel safe w/ running this for an hour, then starting the van & letting it run 15 minutes.

Just out of curiosity, do you really think you can fully recharge a cranking battery after idling for 15 minutes?

A laptop (most of them) draw very little power, so you really and truly are good for a few hours. About the same amount of time that you'd feel good about if you were to turn the key on and listen to the radio, actually.

But like the radio, the laptop is a constant draw on a battery that is specifically designed to not have a constant draw on it unless the engine is running. You're best bet is to install a battery isolator and an auxiliary battery, that way your truck battery is for the truck and the aux battery is for everything else.

 

[davekc]

Or.......you can park close to the building and run a extension cord.
No....don't do that

 

[nightcreacher]

Or.......you can park close to the building and run a extension cord.
No....don't do that

I like that idea Dave,but i cant get that close to the building.I've been know in the winter time to run a 50 footer out the window and plug in my block heater,I shouldn't have said that,LOL

 

[EASYTRADER]

Get a RV deep cycle battery to replace ur regular starter battery. you can get a decent one at Sears for about 80 bucks. Then u should be able to go an hour or two wth no problems.

Your inverter is too weak though. For max efficiency and safety your inverter should be rated for twice the expected draw. On the bottom of you laptop is a ul power requirement label that tells you the wattage, if its not there then it will be on your cord. Double that number for your inve ter.

Other wise you will put too much resistance on the circuit which will wear out the battery, quicker and may even burn up the laptop and inverter.

I,ll bet you current set-up gets pretty hot.