I got a 175 W for work lights and an Inspiron 8200. Works for me, but
that's pretty minimal.

Were I to go full bore and get updated weather charts, downloads via
wireless, etc., I would probably get a small tower for its robustness
and hardwire it into a bigger inverter, say 1500 watts or so. The draw
is mainly for hard drive spin-ups, fans and the monitor, so go LCD and
link it to all plotter/GPS/depth displays.

After all, a laptop is $2K, but an adequate sailor's PC tower could be
$500 or less (small HD, older processor, not excessive RAM). I would
suspect a decent flat-screen LCD of 15" or so would be more expensive
than an "under the nav table" minitower, particularly as a lot of the
guts could be salvaged from other PCs.

The amount of computing power required to display charts, weather data
and so on is greatly exceeded by the current crop of PCs, and the
current crop of proprietary "marine" systems are overpriced. You'd be
better focussing on the connectivity (Iridium, wireless, SSB, and so
on) than the computing power or need for a laptop. Laptops are easy to
steal and easy to take with you, although they don't travel well in an
open boat. Nobody will swipe a generic $500 tower...you could
wirelessly network to a heavily stowed second tower in the lazarette
and back up data and STILL pay less than a fragile laptop...

R.

On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 11:30:37 -0600, "Rick & Linda Bernard"
wrote:

I would think that 20V * 4.5A = 90 watts. Small inverters are not real
efficient (some even have a fan) and the "brick" is not to efficent either
so:

Input power may be more like 90/.75 = 120 watts due to the efficiency of the
"brick".

and 120/0.75 = 160 watts for the inverter.

160 watts / 12 volts = 13 amps (are you fuzed for 10A? Probably need 20A)

This seems quite high. I run a inspiron (old style 266MHz) which only draws
about 5 amps on 12 vDC through an inverter and brick. Kind of cycles
between 2.5A to 5A. It could be all that horsepower of the 5100. Try
slowing it's CPU down (if possible) or at least charging up the batteries
prior to plugging it in.

By the way I use a Prowatt 250 or a real smaller one (size wise with fan -
whole thing plugs into the lighter) rated at 175W.


"Fred Miller" wrote in message
...
Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500
in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

There is a man who makes power supplies for laptops. I cant find his address a
present. Some one else might have it.

I also saw an add for an APU for mobile stuff in an add for Circuit city or
some other Sunday add. I'll try and find it. It charged the laptop, PDA &
cell phone, from 120 ac, 12 v dc and airplanes for around $100.00.

Mike

There is a man who makes power supplies for laptops. I cant find his address a
present. Some one else might have it.

I also saw an add for an APU for mobile stuff in an add for Circuit city or
some other Sunday add. I'll try and find it. It charged the laptop, PDA &
cell phone, from 120 ac, 12 v dc and airplanes for around $100.00.

Mike

"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...
Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron

"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...
Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On 30 Dec 2003 10:32:28 -0800,
Dan wrote:
"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...
Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron


In order to use a transformer to step the voltage down, you must by
definition be using AC. A transformer doesn't work with a DC level.


Rather than go to the hassle of designing and building your own
powersupplies, you can buy std AT style supplies that take 12VDC as an
input, but usually in limited power forms, don't try powering your 500W
game monster machine from one. Expect to pay $200 and up for one.

For the laptop, most manufacturers make a 12V car powersupply as an
option. If not, then Targus among others, will happily sell you one.

The downside to low voltage DC of course, is the I2R losses in the
cables, 120VAC may lose some in the translation from DC-AC, but it has
the advantage of low loss with relatively small gauge wire.



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Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)

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--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
Those who live by the sword are shot by those who don't.

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On 30 Dec 2003 10:32:28 -0800,
Dan wrote:
"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...
Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron


In order to use a transformer to step the voltage down, you must by
definition be using AC. A transformer doesn't work with a DC level.


Rather than go to the hassle of designing and building your own
powersupplies, you can buy std AT style supplies that take 12VDC as an
input, but usually in limited power forms, don't try powering your 500W
game monster machine from one. Expect to pay $200 and up for one.

For the laptop, most manufacturers make a 12V car powersupply as an
option. If not, then Targus among others, will happily sell you one.

The downside to low voltage DC of course, is the I2R losses in the
cables, 120VAC may lose some in the translation from DC-AC, but it has
the advantage of low loss with relatively small gauge wire.



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Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)

iD8DBQE/8meQd90bcYOAWPYRAuUoAKCkpe7G1QMqI69rHIY/NDsUMufRMwCg35tZ
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--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
Those who live by the sword are shot by those who don't.

FOR $55.00 UDS you can my a PW-70A which takes 12v dc and has all the
output for you computer..look at:

http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/118

I've been running only for 4 months.

Hanz


Jim Richardson wrote:
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On 30 Dec 2003 10:32:28 -0800,
Dan wrote:

"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...

Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron



In order to use a transformer to step the voltage down, you must by
definition be using AC. A transformer doesn't work with a DC level.


Rather than go to the hassle of designing and building your own
powersupplies, you can buy std AT style supplies that take 12VDC as an
input, but usually in limited power forms, don't try powering your 500W
game monster machine from one. Expect to pay $200 and up for one.

For the laptop, most manufacturers make a 12V car powersupply as an
option. If not, then Targus among others, will happily sell you one.

The downside to low voltage DC of course, is the I2R losses in the
cables, 120VAC may lose some in the translation from DC-AC, but it has
the advantage of low loss with relatively small gauge wire.



-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)

iD8DBQE/8meQd90bcYOAWPYRAuUoAKCkpe7G1QMqI69rHIY/NDsUMufRMwCg35tZ
uQMzGFjAHt6OJ/BpercEcYM=
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FOR $55.00 UDS you can my a PW-70A which takes 12v dc and has all the
output for you computer..look at:

http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/118

I've been running only for 4 months.

Hanz


Jim Richardson wrote:
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On 30 Dec 2003 10:32:28 -0800,
Dan wrote:

"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...

Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron



In order to use a transformer to step the voltage down, you must by
definition be using AC. A transformer doesn't work with a DC level.


Rather than go to the hassle of designing and building your own
powersupplies, you can buy std AT style supplies that take 12VDC as an
input, but usually in limited power forms, don't try powering your 500W
game monster machine from one. Expect to pay $200 and up for one.

For the laptop, most manufacturers make a 12V car powersupply as an
option. If not, then Targus among others, will happily sell you one.

The downside to low voltage DC of course, is the I2R losses in the
cables, 120VAC may lose some in the translation from DC-AC, but it has
the advantage of low loss with relatively small gauge wire.



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Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)

iD8DBQE/8meQd90bcYOAWPYRAuUoAKCkpe7G1QMqI69rHIY/NDsUMufRMwCg35tZ
uQMzGFjAHt6OJ/BpercEcYM=
=jt/b
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On Wed, 31 Dec 2003 06:25:43 -0500,
hanz wrote:
FOR $55.00 UDS you can my a PW-70A which takes 12v dc and has all the
output for you computer..look at:

http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/118

I've been running only for 4 months.

Hanz


That will work fine, provided your power requirements are 100W



Jim Richardson wrote:
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On 30 Dec 2003 10:32:28 -0800,
Dan wrote:

"Fred Miller" wrote in message ...

Slightly Off topic but I know someone here can answer the question.

I am trying to run a Dell Inspiron 5100 in my truck using a small inverter
but all I do is blow fuses in the truck. This is a 6 month old Chev 1500 in
excellent condition.

My "brick" 110 V power supply reads:

AC 100-240 V - 103-109 VA 50-60Hz
DC 20 V 4.5 A

What size inverter in watts do I need to use with this power supply?
Can a cigar lighter outlet supply the required power?

TIA for your help.

Whether in a truck or a boat, it's inefficient to convert DC to AC
back to DC. You'd be better off powering a tower or laptop computer
directly from the DC off the vehicle. A trip to Radio Shack should
provide all the parts needed. An AT power supply for a tower computer
has +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and ground. For the +12V and -12V, you will
need to filter and regulate the DC feed from your battery bank. The
+5V and -5V can be derived from your filtered 12V side, just step the
voltage down via a stepdown transformer and regulate it. Make sure to
filter the ground as well or gremlins will get your electronics. Now
take the wires from your existing PC power supply and connect them to
your new power supply. This is overly simplified, but I think the
whole project can be built from schematics found in the Radio Shack
project books. Laptops are a little bit trickier. Find the voltage
rating of the battery, then step the 12V DC of the vehicle to the
proper voltage. The tricky part is determining if the voltage
regulator is built into the battery or the laptop itself. You may
have to make the voltage regulator yourself. If you don't need the
regulator, connect your new power supply to the battery contact pads
on the laptop. Just remember that you will definately void any
warranty doing this.

Dan Schiro
M/V Sea Ranch
Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron



In order to use a transformer to step the voltage down, you must by
definition be using AC. A transformer doesn't work with a DC level.


Rather than go to the hassle of designing and building your own
powersupplies, you can buy std AT style supplies that take 12VDC as an
input, but usually in limited power forms, don't try powering your 500W
game monster machine from one. Expect to pay $200 and up for one.

For the laptop, most manufacturers make a 12V car powersupply as an
option. If not, then Targus among others, will happily sell you one.

The downside to low voltage DC of course, is the I2R losses in the
cables, 120VAC may lose some in the translation from DC-AC, but it has
the advantage of low loss with relatively small gauge wire.



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Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)

iD8DBQE/8meQd90bcYOAWPYRAuUoAKCkpe7G1QMqI69rHIY/NDsUMufRMwCg35tZ
uQMzGFjAHt6OJ/BpercEcYM=
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--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
We aim to please. Ourselves, mostly, but we do aim to please.
Anthony DeBoer