Computer power while boondocking?
I've got 2 6-volt house batteries in my Class A gasser. There is no factory installed inverter. I want to SAFELY run 2 laptops and a mobile hotspot while boondocking. What are my options? What would ...
Forum Discussion
I would charge the computers and power the hotspot using a pure sine inverter and the device's 120V transformers that came with the machines. This will adequately charge the computers and one wouldn't have to worry about an unregulated 12v -> 19V DC converter providing incorrect DC voltage.
My new Asus laptop has a power transformer rated at 19V 2.37 A. I know older machines had power bricks rated at higher amperage or at 19.5 V. If you use 3 amps as the basis for finding the size of inverter necessary, you should cover the power needed. So, Two machines x 3 amps = 114 W. Typical wifi hotspot power ratings are around 2->3 amps also, some much less. Bluetooth hotspots would be similar. Since these are typically 12V devices in the portable flavor, consumption would be 36 watts. From this exercise, you could aim at an inverter size of 200 watts but 300 watts allows some headroom and is a sweet spot in power among better inverters. I'd recommend the Morningstar 300 W inverter as it is fanless and the company has a solid reputation.
You should examine your devices, get the ratings off them, and do your own calculations to verify the above.
My new Asus laptop has a power transformer rated at 19V 2.37 A. I know older machines had power bricks rated at higher amperage or at 19.5 V. If you use 3 amps as the basis for finding the size of inverter necessary, you should cover the power needed. So, Two machines x 3 amps = 114 W. Typical wifi hotspot power ratings are around 2->3 amps also, some much less. Bluetooth hotspots would be similar. Since these are typically 12V devices in the portable flavor, consumption would be 36 watts. From this exercise, you could aim at an inverter size of 200 watts but 300 watts allows some headroom and is a sweet spot in power among better inverters. I'd recommend the Morningstar 300 W inverter as it is fanless and the company has a solid reputation.
You should examine your devices, get the ratings off them, and do your own calculations to verify the above.
