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Missing Inverter
Yahoo Message Number: 144112
At 09:37 AM 12/15/2013, you wrote:

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Simple, you are missing an inverter, a device that converts 12-VDC battery power to 120-VAC.

I wonder, since the LD is new to Ilse, if she isn't just missing seeing the inverter switch. I can't imagine that anyone would have purchased 200 watts of solar power and the accompanying installation, gadgets, etc., without also installing an inverter. We were able to run our television, radio, and all 12v switches and equipment with our solar array and inverter, which amounted to far less that 200w.

Sonsie
Re: Missing Inverter
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144113
The only inverter we have ever had is a small portable one we plug in as we need it. LD DID include an inverter when the factory installed TV(s) require 120V, but did not make that available in plain sight. The purpose of the solar panels and charge controller is NOT to run an inverter, though they are advisable if you plan to install one.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Missing Inverter
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144125
I had about 200 watts of solar on the roof and only a 150 watt "plug-in" inverter which was seldom used.  To run laptops, routers, etc it is better to get the appropriate power supplies that run directly from 12 volts.  Often the manufacturer of the laptop, router, etc. does not offer such an optional product.  However, there are several companies on the web that can supply same.  They are more efficient than using a 12-volt-to-115-volt inverter to supply power to the standard 115-volt power supply for the device.

Doug Baker
Re: Missing Inverter
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144139
I purchased a 12v cord for an Acer laptop that ran on about 65 watts. When I plugged that into the factory installed outlet next to the dining table the receptacle would get way too hot to touch. So when boondocking we just run an extension cord from the receptacle in the entertainment center which is connected to the factory installed 400w inverter.

I am guessing that the 12v outlets can't handle much of a demand based on the sizing of the wiring. If not, someone please educate me.

Jim C
Re: Missing Inverter
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144141
Jim, it's true that the capacity of the 12V outlets is limited, but the limit is in the neighborhood of 10 amps at 12 volts--in other words, about 120 watts. If your laptop really is drawing only 65 watts, that shouldn't present a problem. But you did the right thing when you stopped using that too-hot-to-touch outlet!

A few possibilities:

1) The plug isn't making good contact with the outlet. I've noticed that these things aren't very well standardized; some plugs can barely be forced into an outlet, while others are loose.

2. The outlet's connections (on its back side) are loose or corroded. If you can get to the rear of the outlet (which may not be easy), it would pay to clean and tighten those connections.

3. Maybe Acer's spec was... optimistic. :-) Maybe the laptop draws a lot more than 65 W at times. If you've noticed its internal fans working their little hearts out, this is a possibility.

These are just guesses. In any case, your workaround was a good one. The entertainment center's 400W inverter is located physically close to the batteries and is hardwired to them with fairly thick cable, so it has none of the potential weaknesses of a plug-in solution.

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: Missing Inverter
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144149
I've used 65W and 90W DC-to-DC converters for my laptops without any problem. There should be information on the "brick" indicating both the input voltage (12-volts) and related power or current and also the output voltage (typically 17 to 19 volts DC) and the output power (65W or 90W).  I had one unit fail and then it took excessive current from the 12-volt outlet.  The circuit fuse eventually blew.  The big issue with these units is the connector to the laptop.  Every laptop manufacturer seems to use a different type;  sometimes the connectors on two different products of the same manufacturer are not the same.

Doug Baker