Inverters

[Muad_dib77]

Hi Guys,

I've just invested in a 1kw Inverter so I can hook up a computer in the car. Do anybody here have any experience in such installations, are there any pit falls I should be aware of?

The plan is to install a small-form-factor dell machine in the glove box area and then use the screen from my dvd system to display the output. The computer PSU isn't actually more then 250watt so the strain shouldn't be too much.

but I just wanted to ask in case I'd overlooked something..

[kevinod]

Take a look at the specs for something like an Opus power inverter.

There's 2 main power issues I think with having a computer in the car all the time:
1 - Even when a computer is turned off, its still using a little power. You could quickly end up with a flat battery, and worse again deep discharges which can reduce your battery's useful life.

2 - during start of an engine, it uses a lot of power, and the voltage available to the rest of the car (i.e. the computer) will drop. Your power supply would need to be able to handle these drops in power.


There's a good few forums around so a google search should find loads quickly enough.

What you planning using the computer for? Just dvd or a bit more?

[Muad_dib77]

Take a look at the specs for something like an Opus power inverter.

There's 2 main power issues I think with having a computer in the car all the time:
1 - Even when a computer is turned off, its still using a little power. You could quickly end up with a flat battery, and worse again deep discharges which can reduce your battery's useful life.

2 - during start of an engine, it uses a lot of power, and the voltage available to the rest of the car (i.e. the computer) will drop. Your power supply would need to be able to handle these drops in power.


There's a good few forums around so a google search should find loads quickly enough.

What you planning using the computer for? Just dvd or a bit more?

Yeah I'm presently reading up on ground loop isolators - and did the google thing - LOADs of articles.

your 1st point is something that troubles me slightly as I'm not wanting to physically flick a breaker everytime I want to use the pc - did that with the audio installation in my previous car and it just wasn't a good solution.

2nd point I think I have covered in that I have a "thinginmyjig" condensator type yoke..I forgot the name - it's 1farad anyways - it stores power and as such should be able to smooth out spikes and valleys in power supply.

/edit2/ remembered the name of the yoke... A capasitor!..

Sadly I have a feeling this isn't going to be a straightforward install.

**edit**
I forgot to say what I was wanting use it for
GPS is one thing have a usb reciever
will also be able to access my wireless network from the driveway - so I can suck my fave tracks onto the HD and there wont be any need to burn in onto dvds..

The opportunities are endless - well - almost..

I know for a fact that I wont have it ready for the feb meet - infact I'm pretty sure I wont even have my new front wings/bonnet on - and the car is likely to still be two-tone as well

[CJ]

Worth a look:

http://www.vacheron.btinternet.co.uk/pa ... C/FTPC.htm

CJ

[Muad_dib77]

wow CJ that's an awesome install - but I think I've spotte one flaw..

what happens if he accidentally activates a software eject of his cd-rom drive?

It looks awesome though..really nice.

[finers]

Hey Muad,, did loads of research on this bout 3 years ago but kinda forgot alot ,, i had a similar system set up in a boat,, all i could advice is go for a very good inverter/rectifier as the cheaper ones do not have a smooth enough sign wave "True-sine wave" and may(which i learned from experience) f**k up the sensitive components in your computer,, even if its a 1K joby, the cheaper ones you get in peats/maplins are really only designed for running more robust electronics "Modified/Square signwave",, Outback inverters are suppose to be one of the best with up in the 90's% efficency. the standard inverters should work grand but i know if a laser is involved such as cd drive problems can occur as a very clean "TRUE-SIGN wave" is usually needed.

just had a thought there about your problem when the cars started,,i have a unit here(cant put a name on it,lol) its for the computer or any other electronics you want to keep running if the power cuts,,well you probly know them, they have an internal battery in them and any drop in voltage they kick in and keep say the computer up and running,,Jst a thought you could incorperate one of them in? there dirt cheap and have seen them in lidles before Just a thought

[Bernard]

Worth a look:

http://www.vacheron.btinternet.co.uk/pa ... C/FTPC.htm

CJ

That's a great result but I wonder how many people would be confident enough to try it?
I know I wouldn't... also look at the amount of equipment the guy has, he's obviously in the trade.