On the road, a Dell laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W inverter plugged into the car's cigarette lighter recepticle. Is there any way aboard a small boat (using Radio Shack parts) a direct power supply from 12v deep cycle battery to computer can be rigged up without utilizing the inverter and the charging capabilities of the Dell power brick? Default DC to the computer is 19.5V - 3.34A
Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at the problem. Why not get one of those rechargeable power boxes that has the inverter built in and use it to power the 'brick'? That way you can use it for MORE than just your laptop.
Dell sells adapters that accept DC input. For instance this one will work with 11 to 16 volt DC.
Check Dell for more information:
The inverter/PSU combination offers valuable isolation from surges and other transients and will minimise the risk of expensive damage to the laptop. Depending on the model, either Dell or a third party supplier may offer a DC-DC converter that replaces the AC PSU for in vehicle use. The difficulty of designing and building a 65 watt switching converter should not be underestimated. With the added risk of frying the laptop, I wouldn't even consider building one as a one-off.
Um, where did I say ANY of that?
I am referring to a COTS unit that can be picked up in most automotive/travel stores.
laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W
Wow, those ARE nice!
I can imagine one with a yellow "radiation hazard" sticker on it... that would sell well for college kids...
Michael
laptop's AC-to-DC adaptor is powered by a 75W
Or for a DIY solution, two 6V, 7A-hr batteries in series (Home Depot has 'em in the lighting section, about $20 ea.) plus a 100W 12VDC inverter. Throw in a pretty box (with radiation hazard logo!) and a
9VDC wall-wart (to charge the batteries - don't ever exceed 15V!!) and you're in business.Michael
Really not worth the effort. Far easier just to go with inverter and use existing plugpack. unless there are particular reasons, aka multi-day run times when you are going to be saving significant battery weight.
If you are serious, just series two 12V batteries and regulate the voltage down to match the laptops requirements. Alternatively, try 3 x 6V deep cycle bateries in series, if that is enough. does the lappie have an internal removeable battery? Is it the normal 12V? Then 18V direct should suffice. you just have to over come the loss in the internal battery recharger circuit.
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