AC power converters ??

[brich]

I claim ignorance when it comes to anything electrical so I come with a question about power converters...

I have 2 portable DVD players for the kids. I have a 300watt power converter that I used in my van to power these units. I read in the RL manual that 120watts is the limit for the outlets....

So, should I find a new converter that falls within the 120watts and should this be enough to power the 2 dvd players? (I believe the players run about 20watts, could be wrong though)

Anybody else running power converters and what are you running?

Thanks in advance for any insight...

[swampler]

Your rear outlet is fused at 10 amps. 10 amps x 12 volts = 120 watts. Your fronts are fused at 15 amps. 15 amps x 12 volts = 180 watts (both fronts combined). You have to look at the input of the power inverter and keep it below these numbers. If you have anything else plugged in, you have to allow for that or you'll blow a fuse.

[brich]

Thanks Swampler...appreciate the help here.

[swampler]

Sorry I couldn't help more...I can run the numbers, but don't know anything about the inverters themselves...never used one.

Oh, you could run new heavy duty wire straight to the battery and run it that way. Then amp it for whatever rated wire / components you use.

[kermit777]

I don't see why the inverter would draw more power than the dvd players. Should only matter what is plugged in and turned on. the 300 W rating is the largest load the inverter can handle and might have a built in breaker to pop like a power strip if it is loaded beyond its capacity.

[jpphoto]

I have a 400watt( chose it because it fit nicely under my passenger seat).
I run my Mac G4 laptop off it during trips.
The 400 watts is the maximum load at peak.
You should have no trouble with the DVD players.
One guy at the Ridge Run was running a TV/DVD combo for the kids in the back seat, and had no problems.

[GuardianZX9]

I reccomend steering away from the inverter route, they are extremely inneficent and noisy, as well as being power hogs.

I use DC to DC converters (aka auto/airline adapters) that work great and provide very clean power.

I have found many Targus PA350 units on ebay for $5 to $15 then you just need to find a power tip that matches your device.

There are also many DVD card adapters on ebay that are universal.

If you post your device specs here I can assist you in finding the correct power supply for your DVD players.

Some DVD units use 12v and can almost be plugged directly into a standard Cig lighter plug, you could even make a simple dual plug adapter for both kids players.

G

[djdj]

Originally Posted by kermit777

I don't see why the inverter would draw more power than the dvd players.

Well, inverters aren't more than about 80% efficient at best. So a minimum of 20% of what goes in gets lost in the form of heat. Keep that in mind when sizing an inverter.

[jd144]

I've seen very small cigarette adapter style 200 Watt inverters at Fry's for $30.
The thing is tiny!

[marshone]

Hi,

I just make a test on a small tractor battery providing 27V output going to the DC/AC converter get you around 106V. I will not connect a laptop or computer on that converter. Usually a DC to AC converter have a lost of 20% like other people write in that thread.


Thanks