Question: Can laptop run off 12v deep cycle battery?

[shrdlu]

On the road, a Dell laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W
inverter plugged into the car's cigarette lighter recepticle. Is there
any way aboard a small boat (using Radio Shack parts) a direct power
supply from 12v deep cycle battery to computer can be rigged up
without utilizing the inverter and the charging capabilities of the
Dell power brick? Default DC to the computer is 19.5V - 3.34A

 

[James Beck]

On the road, a Dell laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W
inverter plugged into the car's cigarette lighter recepticle. Is there
any way aboard a small boat (using Radio Shack parts) a direct power
supply from 12v deep cycle battery to computer can be rigged up
without utilizing the inverter and the charging capabilities of the
Dell power brick? Default DC to the computer is 19.5V - 3.34A

Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at the problem.
Why not get one of those rechargeable power boxes that has the inverter
built in and use it to power the 'brick'? That way you can use it for
MORE than just your laptop.

 

[IanM]

Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at the problem.
Why not get one of those rechargeable power boxes that has the inverter
built in and use it to power the 'brick'? That way you can use it for
MORE than just your laptop.

The inverter/PSU combination offers valuable isolation from surges and
other transients and will minimise the risk of expensive damage to the
laptop. Depending on the model, either Dell or a third party supplier
may offer a DC-DC converter that replaces the AC PSU for in vehicle use.
The difficulty of designing and building a 65 watt switching converter
should not be underestimated. With the added risk of frying the laptop,
I wouldn't even consider building one as a one-off.

 

[James Beck]

The inverter/PSU combination offers valuable isolation from surges and
other transients and will minimise the risk of expensive damage to the
laptop. Depending on the model, either Dell or a third party supplier
may offer a DC-DC converter that replaces the AC PSU for in vehicle use.
The difficulty of designing and building a 65 watt switching converter
should not be underestimated. With the added risk of frying the laptop,
I wouldn't even consider building one as a one-off.

Um, where did I say ANY of that?

I am referring to a COTS unit that can be picked up in most
automotive/travel stores.

 

[[email protected]]

Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at the problem.
Why not get one of those rechargeable power boxes that has the inverter
built in and use it to power the 'brick'? That way you can use it for
MORE than just your laptop.

Wow, those ARE nice!

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Inverter-Lithium-Mobile-852-0281-07/dp/B000S0VFRE

I can imagine one with a yellow "radiation hazard" sticker on it...
that would sell well for college kids...

Michael

 

[[email protected]]

Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at the problem.
Why not get one of those rechargeable power boxes that has the inverter
built in and use it to power the 'brick'? That way you can use it for
MORE than just your laptop.

Or for a DIY solution, two 6V, 7A-hr batteries in series (Home Depot
has 'em in the lighting section, about $20 ea.) plus a 100W 12VDC
inverter. Throw in a pretty box (with radiation hazard logo!) and a
9VDC wall-wart (to charge the batteries - don't ever exceed 15V!!) and
you're in business.

Michael

 

[terryc]

On the road, a Dell laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W
inverter plugged into the car's cigarette lighter recepticle. Is there
any way aboard a small boat (using Radio Shack parts) a direct power
supply from 12v deep cycle battery to computer can be rigged up
without utilizing the inverter and the charging capabilities of the
Dell power brick? Default DC to the computer is 19.5V - 3.34A

Really not worth the effort. Far easier just to go with inverter and use
existing plugpack. unless there are particular reasons, aka multi-day
run times when you are going to be saving significant battery weight.

If you are serious, just series two 12V batteries and regulate the voltage
down to match the laptops requirements. Alternatively, try 3 x 6V deep
cycle bateries in series, if that is enough. does the lappie have an
internal removeable battery? Is it the normal 12V? Then 18V direct should
suffice. you just have to over come the loss in the internal battery
recharger circuit.