Inverters

PULLY6 · 08-07-2005, 12:22 PM

What's everyone's experience with in-car inverters? I'm going to buy one tonight, for the trip to Vic - so my passengers can play the PS2 and watch DVD's

:

I'm thinking a 150w will be enough to run my PS2 and my 17" Widescreen LCD monitor. What sort of power will they draw?

XRO6 · 08-07-2005, 12:28 PM

Have a look at the PS/2 and the monior, they will tell you what power consumption they will use. Remember to leave a safety margin in the output of the inverter so as not to run it flat out all the time thus overheating.

PULLY6 · 08-07-2005, 12:34 PM

Ok, just found the power consumption figures -

LCD:
Power Supply
Consumption on Working 49W
Stand By <1.5W
(thanks http://www.samsung.com/au/products/t...Specifications)

PS2:
Power consumption: approximately 5.3A(approximately 45W)
(thanks http://www.playstation.com.au/ps2/ha...henewps2.jhtml)

So.. in theory, a 130w inverter should do the job, if I step-start the accessories. Ie start the screen, then the PS.

Whats the verdict guys?

RED_EL_XR8 · 08-07-2005, 12:39 PM

150W will be a peak output rating, if you need 150W you'll want at least 300W rating to take into account startup surge an to allow the thing to run at a temperature that it wont melt its way through your console.

T2TL50 · 08-07-2005, 01:02 PM

i am running a PS2 and 2 Screens of fmy 150 watt inverter.. most LCD screens dont use much more then 20W... as long as you ar enot using the speakers etc.. keep them muted the amp in the screen wont be running so you shoul dbe rite... the PS would not use that much power if only playing games.. but if you do have the expansion bay you might hit a few troubles... hope this helps/...
p.s i have 2... one for the P.s n screens and one of rhte 500 watt griner..

PP>s if you buy a 150 it will have 300W serge 300 willl have 600 serge like the 600 i have has a serge value of 1300W:S

RED_EL_XR8 · 08-07-2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PULLY6

Ok, just found the power consumption figures -

LCD:
Power Supply
Consumption on Working 49W
Stand By <1.5W
(thanks http://www.samsung.com/au/products/t...Specifications)

PS2:
Power consumption: approximately 5.3A(approximately 45W)
(thanks http://www.playstation.com.au/ps2/ha...henewps2.jhtml)

So.. in theory, a 130w inverter should do the job, if I step-start the accessories. Ie start the screen, then the PS.

Whats the verdict guys?

should be ok, but I'd still be springing for the next size up nothing like a healthy safety margin. The other thing which affect this is ambient temperature all the ratings will be at 22°C if its likely to be operating hot derate it. Or at least cool the car down with A/C before switch on if its been baking in the sun.

4.9 EF Futura · 08-07-2005, 01:23 PM

Id go a 300w - they not that much more IIRC. I got one for the PC and also comes in handy for the power drill

Sourbastard · 08-07-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PULLY6

What's everyone's experience with in-car inverters? I'm going to buy one tonight, for the trip to Vic - so my passengers can play the PS2 and watch DVD's

:

I'm thinking a 150w will be enough to run my PS2 and my 17" Widescreen LCD monitor. What sort of power will they draw?

its only 8 hours to melbourne through some of the most beautiful countryside in australia.
Surely your passengers can entertain themselves for 8 hours and wont need to hook up to the idiot device for just 8 hours. You arent driving to darwin. Ive heard of something that some people do to while away time on the road, its called conversation!

:

PULLY6 · 08-07-2005, 03:27 PM

Cbf buying an inverter... passengers can suffer!

wulos · 08-07-2005, 03:51 PM

Invertors are CRAP!!!
/me waits to hear theflamers about to begin - before you do - read the following.
I work for a rather large employer that specialises in the electrical industry covering a wide area(a fair amount without access to mains power) & as you'd expect, has a LOT of experienced electricians working for it.
About 2 months back a directive was handed down from management banning their use in workvehicles following a number of fires started by these devices. My point being if competant electricians using an invertor well within its rating / limitations can still have one catch fire, what chance does the average Jo have???

RED_EL_XR8 · 08-07-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulos

Invertors are CRAP!!!
/me waits to hear theflamers about to begin - before you do - read the following.
I work for a rather large employer that specialises in the electrical industry covering a wide area(a fair amount without access to mains power) & as you'd expect, has a LOT of experienced electricians working for it.
About 2 months back a directive was handed down from management banning their use in workvehicles following a number of fires started by these devices. My point being if competant electricians using an invertor well within its rating / limitations can still have one catch fire, what chance does the average Jo have???

You get what you pay for, same as with portable generators. Some $150 piece of crap from you local parts or gadget shop is a hazard waiting to happen.
Better units will have current and voltage protection on the inputs and outputs and even these must be temperature derated. The cheap nasties give a non sine wave output which wont do equipment any favours. No such thing as a free lunch.