Inverter option?

no_1_dave · 2 Jun 2010 at 14:42

Sometimes I am required to run a PC with printer at various events. I have always used a small petrol generator, until the last event when it packed in. Now though i've been thinking. My car is a diesel so can sit there running all day & i'd have thought it would only be using as much fuel or only a little more then my old petrol generator. So can anyone recommend an inverter that hooks to the battery (as I take it the cig lighter socket is fused) that would power a small pc, LCD monitor & printer?

I would guess it would need to be 300Watt+? Not sure though as i've only just thought about it. Does using my car as a generator sound like a viable option?

GeX · 2 Jun 2010 at 14:45

i'm not sure the engine would like to idle all day. just get a new generator.

no_1_dave · 2 Jun 2010 at 14:47

GeX said:
i'm not sure the engine would like to idle all day. just get a new generator.

Its an old 2001 car, it can surely cope idling all day?
Generators are expensive, Inverters are under £50

Scania · 5 Jun 2010 at 22:28

Check out some truckstops, you will get plenty of inverters there, make sure they have a 12V option though - many are 24V.

You'd be surprised what we run from inverters in HGV's generally from the lighter socket, 4-way adaptor, kettle, Microwave, TV, Laptop.....

And carry plenty of spare fuses, if the wiring smells warm, your over doing it a bit!

http://www.truckstuff.co.uk/

http://www.lorrybits.com/index.php?...rucks&oscsid=b654d508b2a11dcdbbc7111fed9ea9bc

daz · 5 Jun 2010 at 23:15

Laptop and printer would be a bit more power efficient...

Scania · 7 Jun 2010 at 13:51

daz said:
Laptop and printer would be a bit more power efficient...

Yes, but you may well find yourself fancying a brew, perhaps a bit of food?

And you may want to plug in your home Hi-Fi system!

You would not believe what I have seen some guys running from relatively low power inverters! :eek:

paradigm · 7 Jun 2010 at 14:11

Local autofactors has a 500W continuous load inverter for £58.

Seemed like a decent deal to me.

thepeteh · 7 Jun 2010 at 14:14

If your budget permits you could try adding a leisure battery and setting it up so it charges off of the alternator?

eatcustard · 7 Jun 2010 at 18:20

An inverter will kill a car battery in no time.
Use a leisure battery as thepetch has said.