In car Laptop power

[Pedro_The_Swift]

from the lighter socket,,
using a Jaycar 12v dc regulator,,


will this CHARGE the lappys batterys?

[Ricey]

I would think so, the same as a charging a mobile phone would.

(I'm guessing here Pedro, but fairly certain)

[cewilson]

This is the one that I used from Jaycar. It works well with my Toshiba.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/products_uploaded/productLarge_10824.jpg

See: Jaycar Electronics (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3472&CATID=&keywords=laptop+power+supply&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=)

Cheers
Chris

[fraser130]

Pedro,
if it has the same output voltage (or the same output voltage is selectable on it) and it can output the same or more current (Amps) as the mains powered one for the laptop, then it will cahrge the lappy exactly as if it was plugged into the wall. somwhere on the laptop mains power supply it will say:

"Output 17VDC 3.4A"
Or something like that, the 17V (or whatever) is what you put the switch on the 12 Volt one to, just make sure the Amps on the 12 Volt supply is the same or higher than what is on the mains one, (in the above example 3.4)
Instead of VDC it may just say "v" and have a dotted line above a solid line.

The other thing that is REALLY importand is to get the voltage polarity correct, check the output of your mains power supply with a multimeter, then make sure the same connections on the 12 Volt are the same way around, if you get this wrong, you could destroy your lappy, once it's right, and you are sure, I'd put a little tape or heatshrink around the reversable connector just to be sure it never gets changed.

I hope that wasn't too long-winded, and helps you (not sure how much you know about electricity etc.), feel free to ask me further questions if you like!

:)

Fraser

[101RRS]

Yep - just plug into the power slot on the lappy and it will power the laptop and recharge the batteries.

I use my Toshiba in the car all the time with a jaycar 12v - 18v (variable) power supply and never had a problem.

Garry

[longreach]

:)yes you need to check what amps you need to charge the laptop,I own a ACER aspire 6920,big sucker 4.7 amps,and I need 19 volts to power and charge my laptop battery,I have a MEIND laptop universal adaptor,you can ajust what volts you need .......hope that helps:cool:

[Hoges]

I bought a 150W pure sine wave inverter from Jaycar. The inverter plugs into the cig socket but sits behind the driver's seat. Connected a power board to the 240V outlet and keep the laptop and phone charged continually from the power board...makes it a lot easier!

[walker]

from the lighter socket,,
using a Jaycar 12v dc regulator,,


will this CHARGE the lappys batterys?

Peter, have you bought a DC regulator yet. I have one that I dont us anymore, I can send it up with the compressor if you want it?

[101RRS]

I bought a 150W pure sine wave inverter from Jaycar. The inverter plugs into the cig socket but sits behind the driver's seat. Connected a power board to the 240V outlet and keep the laptop and phone charged continually from the power board...makes it a lot easier!

240v in a moving car bad news if you have an accident - rescuers have been zapped - but as far as I know not killed yet - through having 240v inverters on in a car.

Why not just a the 12v (in) laptop voltage out converter - they work well. Can't get easier than that:)

Garry

[walker]

There is also a lot of losses and excess heat when converting from 12v DC to 240vAC and then back to DC for the laptop.

[CraigE]

There is also a lot of losses and excess heat when converting from 12v DC to 240vAC and then back to DC for the laptop.
And if left on will drain your car battery real quick, especially if you lap top battery is on the way out. I am going to get a 12v supply for mine, but I will keep the inverter in for charging the hand held radios and other uses, but will mostly be turned off when travelling.

[Hoges]

240v in a moving car bad news if you have an accident - rescuers have been zapped - but as far as I know not killed yet - through having 240v inverters on in a car.

A very valid point and frankly one, which in my rush for a quick solution I had not fully thought through. Rest assured the practice will cease forthwith...and i'll organise a dual battery set-up...Thank you!:BigThumb:

[PhilipA]

Unless you want to use the laptop for navigating, why would you have an inverter plugged in while moving?
I recharge my laptop using the inverter while stopped at the campsite. It only takes an hour or so.
I was forced to do this when my "Projecta" 3500 milliamp 12volt power supply blew up running my 3500milliamp demanding laptop and probably damaged my laptop power supply as it will no longer reliably turn on.. Their 3500milliamps must be smaller than NECs 3500 milliamps.
When you pay $50 or so for an electronic bit of gear you get what you pay for and there is potential to damage a $1500 laptop, so think carefully.
I trust a $300 pure sine wave inverter more after my costly experience.
Regard sPhilip A