Date:         Fri, 1 Aug 2014 02:11:07 -0400
Reply-To:     mcr@SANDELMAN.CA
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Richardson <mcr@SANDELMAN.CA>
Subject:      shore power vs batteries

I am the new owner of a '91 Westfalia (three weeks today). The second battery
discussion thread made me decide to post.  I already have two batteries, and
spent a good two hours once my Bentley arrived figuring out how they were
wired.   There are a few devices which I'd like to power from 12V, including
a mesh wifi access point, and as many USB power sources as I can wire in.
I'm thinking... who needs ashtrays... USB power... Looking for sources of
12V->USB converters that aren't in the lighter plug format that I can shape
into ashtray replacements...

So camp sites seem to have grown lots of 120AC hookups, and I'd rather run my
toys on AC than battery if I can, but I want them hooked up to 12V so I have
an option.  I initially thought of some kind of battery charger, but really I
think that I would want more amps, and not to mess with the batteries if I
can avoid it.  So I'm thinking of a switching PSU from the computer industry,
and build a new 12V bus--- I might be able to find a sub-ms 12V transfer
switch so stuff won't reboot.   I'm wondering if anything has attempted such a
thing?   Or am I too cautious, and I should just use some kind battery
charger.

I'm also looking for a mosquito-proof way to get the shore power in; I'm
thinking I should drill hole the floor behind the driver's seat and seal a
short (4") extension cord in.

--
Michael Richardson
-on the road-