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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-


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