Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 19:42:50 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Rotblatt <d.rotblatt@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Rotblatt <d.rotblatt@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Inverter/Aux Battery question
In-Reply-To: <CAH32RNY-k4JeAuEsy6kxdGve_b537HH-rAc06aB+L0FYBjFH0A@mail.gmail.com>
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Great organizing suggestions Loren, I already mark all my cables using the tape gambit. The plastic bag idea will appeal to my girlfriend - I just through them in the glove box so the passenger can sort them out when I need one :-)
Dan
Los Angeles, CA
"Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender
On Aug 1, 2011, at 9:12 AM, Loren Busch wrote:
> RE: Laptops and such
> While into the topic of laptop current draw, etc. let me repeat what has
> been said many times before on this subject: 12v adapters are just as
> efficient (and probably more so) as an inverter! With an inverter you are
> taking 12v DC, pumping it up to 110v AC, plugging in the laptop adapter that
> then drops the voltage way back down to (typical) 19v DC to supply the
> laptop. And there is going to be a loss (assume 85% efficiency) each step
> along the way. The 12v adapter is only doing that once. If in doubt just
> put your hand on the laptop AC adapter and feel the heat loss during the
> conversion. Another advantage is that the 12v adapters are usually more
> compact and easier to haul around and store than the AC adapters. Use the
> inverter only for those items that are 110v AC only. And a tip to minimize
> confusion (and possible problems): Label each power cord/adapter your have
> with a piece of tape and the description of the device it came with and is
> intended to be used with!! Then put those power cords into their own
> individual Zip Lock bags (along with any other items for that device) and
> label that bag also. Now find just one place in the Westy and put ALL power
> cords and adapters in that one place for storage. I carry several devices
> and since I started doing this I've eliminated a lot of confusion, believe
> me.
> Two more items on power in the Westy. First, I added a 110v AC power strip
> mounted at the top of the kitchen cabinet behind the drivers seat. The cord
> goes through the space between the cabinet and the outer wall and down to
> the second socket where the refrigerator is plugged in, easy to access in
> the back of the kitchen cabinet. This allows plugging in several 110v AC
> devices when I have shore power. The inverter is mounted just below there
> and a four socket 12v DC outlet just below that. Now ALL power needs are
> fed from the same general physical location. And no cords running
> through/across the living space! Nothing to trip on since all wires are in
> that corner and out of the way. The stock 110v AC outlet is not used when I
> have shore power, no cords along the floor.
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