CustomCarputers
02-08-2008, 08:10 PM
Inverters
Inverters are a cheap and easy way to power your computer. An inverter takes DC power from your car and converts it to 120 volt AC power, just like in your house. To use the inverter, simply plug in your home power supply (PC) to the inverter. The power supply converts your AC power BACK into DC power that your computer can use. Naturally, converting DC power to AC just to convert it back to DC is inefficient and the inefficiency manifests itself as heat. Many also report that inverters introduce noise in your audio lines, distorting the sound. In addition, the manner in which inverters convert DC power to AC power can be unacceptable to certain computers and they will not work with an inverter. In addition, automatic startup and shutdown of the PC by an inverter requires additional hardware.
However, inverters are easy to install, inexpensive and some will survive engine crank, making them popular. It doesn’t really matter how one powers the computer, though. What works for one may not work for another.
I personally recommend a DC-DC PSU (http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/custom-carputers/462528-dc-dc-power-supplies.html)
Inverters are a cheap and easy way to power your computer. An inverter takes DC power from your car and converts it to 120 volt AC power, just like in your house. To use the inverter, simply plug in your home power supply (PC) to the inverter. The power supply converts your AC power BACK into DC power that your computer can use. Naturally, converting DC power to AC just to convert it back to DC is inefficient and the inefficiency manifests itself as heat. Many also report that inverters introduce noise in your audio lines, distorting the sound. In addition, the manner in which inverters convert DC power to AC power can be unacceptable to certain computers and they will not work with an inverter. In addition, automatic startup and shutdown of the PC by an inverter requires additional hardware.
However, inverters are easy to install, inexpensive and some will survive engine crank, making them popular. It doesn’t really matter how one powers the computer, though. What works for one may not work for another.
I personally recommend a DC-DC PSU (http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/custom-carputers/462528-dc-dc-power-supplies.html)