Thread: Power for laptop

I just have a usb adaptor that plugs into the cig socket - have used it for ages and no probs with so far...... keep rolling those dice.....

Originally Posted by Ports

Interesting discussion.

I was about to wire in some USB connectors to the power supply that feeds my CB's.
the plan was to use these USB sockets as a power supply for my GPS, IPhone, IPad and any other devices from time to time.

Is the situation that in fact I should go to Jaycar and wire the voltage device that Dave speaks about in before the USB sockets?

I can't imagine a problem for the GPS so lets delete them from the responses please, but would an IPhone or IPad need such a voltage regulator or are these devices capable of handling the variations of voltage a well maintained vehicle delivers???

I've been charging my phones through the lighter since they first became available. I have never had an issue. They've been plugged in for hours on end, and for just a few minutes. Engines been turned on/off whilst phones plugged in too.
That's not to say its right, but I would think if there was a real issue there for phones etc, you would think the manufacturers would say something,,, In concern with the laptop, I'm guessing with the higher voltage required, its an issue.
I still have a hard time in my mind relating to this, as there are so many motorhomes and other vehicles/equipment with inverters, and I haven't seen or heard of too many problems, but that doesn't mean they haven't had them, just "I" haven't seen them maybe (??).
As Marty says,,, keep rolling the dice.

I'll see if I can find more info, but I've been made aware of some equipment which I may purchase,, I'll see.

The other thing I'm now aware of is creek crossings, and inverters,,, This is something I have never given a moments thought,,,

Just got some advice yesterday from tech guy

Apparently it is extremely difficult to wire the USB as a power source and that it is much safer for non techs like me to wire a cigarette lighter socket then use the USB adapter plug.

I am going with this option. For me personally this means a lot less wires dangling down in front of the console.

Re IPhone and IPad apparently the vehicle power source recharges their internal battery and the device then runs off its own battery so this is fine re ~12V power source but the same is not true for PC's. that's why you need the voltage thingy as detailed earlier by dave to source power from vehicle then out put that power at the correct voltage for the PC or risk frying internals.

Not sure if I'm understanding some of the comments here correctly, but there is a BIG difference between using a cigarette lighter USB adapter and wiring a USB socket or hub that is designed for a PC into a 12v feed. That difference is a voltage regulator. A PC power supply regulates the voltage. A car 12v is not regulated and each device you connect needs to cater for voltages up to about 14v. The difference between 12v and 14v in charging a phone is significant.

If you want to put USB ports in your dash, the best (and cheapest) way to do it is buy the cigarette lighter adapters, take it apart and use the circuit from it.

Also, FYI USB power = 5v.

G'day Justin,
For my iPhone/eBook etc, I just use a USB charger that you can buy at any electrical store, and even servo centres have them. I'm not about to try and pull one of these apart in order to make something different out of it.
My comp whilst in the car, at present, runs through an inverter. Like most comps, the lead has its own power "regulator" (?) box thingy, which I'm guessing is designed to ensure the power supply is at a constant "V". This unit is still in-line regardless of whether I've got it plugged into 240V (house) or the inverter (car).
I spose with all that's been said, this was my thinking as to why I would get an inverter for the car in the first place.

Yep that all makes sense and I see no problem. I've also used an inverter for electronics before and it's been fine. It was a "modified sine wave" inverter though. I would not use a square wave inverter. Pure sine wave is the best, but very expensive!

Yes, AC-DC power packs would have a voltage regulator in them also.

Ports - just read your post again and I think maybe you're saying the same thing? It was your post confused me... Maybe I just needed another coffee.