Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 09:12:55 -0700
Reply-To: Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Inverter/Aux Battery question
In-Reply-To: <4E36C0AA.6080109@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
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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