Charging Stuff

[Tone]

I searched the site a bit to see what you use for recharging and powering such things as laptops, camera batteries, iPods, etc.  I saw a little bit about solar panels and someone in Terlingua who wants to live off the grid.

Once in Laguna de Sanchez, NL, Mexico I powered a slide projector through an inverter connected to a dedicated lead/acid battery.  The slide projector couldn't source any more amperage, so my laptop was on battery.

So, my question is: what do you use to recharge your laptop and other electronic necessities?  Do you recommend a particular power inverter?

[jeffblaylock]

As I've mentioned before, I use a ProMaster XtraPower SLR recharger for camera batteries in the field. It provides up to 5 complete Canon battery recharges without itself needing a recharge. They make other kinds to handle different types of cameras and other gear.

As I've never considered a laptop a "necessity," I have no recharging solution other than finding some plug somewhere. Not very helpful in the backcountry, but then neither is a laptop.

Probably won't be too many more years before solar recharging in the field is reliable and affordable.

[oldfatman]

I have one of the dedicated special charging units that plug into my truck power port to recharge my laptop and camera batteries. The laptop charger is a Dell and the camera charger a Canon.

[Al]

My home is mostly solar powered, except for the microwave and AC.  However I have one of the dedicated special charging units that plug into my truck power port to recharge my laptop and camera batteries. The laptop charger is a Dell and the camera charger a Canon.

OFM, I hate to be like this, but shouldn't you further define what your home is?  To the side how much energy is provided by diesel to move it as desired and propane or if hooked up to an electrical outlet other base-line energy sources?  Are you sure you are being objective?

Al

[oldfatman]

Thank you Al.  My post has been edited to stay on topic.

[Al]

OFM, I believe nuclear power is a vitally important base power source. Thank you for the unique and important work you have done. May you enjoy the fruit of your many years of effort for the foreseeable future.

Al

[dlinenberger]

I have been testing one of these.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2076W_Wagan-Smart-120-plus-USB-Power-Inverter.html

[Tone]

I have been testing one of these.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2076W_Wagan-Smart-120-plus-USB-Power-Inverter.html

dlinenberger: That looks like a good price.  I would very much like to know your thoughts and perceptions on this device once you have finished testing it.  I wonder why the one reviewer gave it only 3 stars, but said s/he would buy it again . . . .

[MilesOfTexas]

I just use a standard power inverter that I bought at Target. That way I can just plug my laptop (and my battery charger) into it without buying any additional adapters. It puts out enough power that I can run the laptop on it without the laptop using the battery.

When I was in Bibe last, I was surprised to see someone leave their cell phone and laptop in one of the Basin campground bathrooms, plugged into the power outlets and left unattended. Not that I don't have a general trust in people, but I just wouldn't do that.

Here is an example of what I use, but not the exact model: http://tinyurl.com/ygbo6af

I am thinking of upgrading to the following and hardwire it and mount it under my dash: http://tinyurl.com/yfvt6fz

[badknees]

I just use a standard power inverter that I bought at Target. That way I can just plug my laptop (and my battery charger) into it without buying any additional adapters. It puts out enough power that I can run the laptop on it without the laptop using the battery.

When I was in Bibe last, I was surprised to see someone leave their cell phone and laptop in one of the Basin campground bathrooms, plugged into the power outlets and left unattended. Not that I don't have a general trust in people, but I just wouldn't do that.

Here is an example of what I use, but not the exact model: http://tinyurl.com/ygbo6af

I am thinking of upgrading to the following and hardwire it and mount it under my dash: http://tinyurl.com/yfvt6fz

I too have a cheap inverter, but found that it would not charge my cell phone and it will not operate a portable DVD player that I have. It is probably better to spend a bit more money and get a better inverter. The key is that it should be a pure sine wave inverter, not a modified sine wave inverter.

Modified sine inverters tend to buzz and they are not good with any of the small "cube" transformers that you see on small appliances. Modified sine wave inverters are the most inexpensive available and if you don't need what they won't do then you can save some money, but in my case it didn't work out.

[dlinenberger]

Tone,

I have charged my Canon camera batteries, my wifes IPod Nano and my electric razor on it with no problems. The only thing I have not tried is my Dell Inspiron laptop (to lazy to take out to the truck and try it). The specks say it has the power to do it. I like that it is very small and comes with it's own storage sack.

Dale

[bdann]

This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC041D-Power-Inverter-Swivel/dp/B000B8YFFW/ref=sr_1_89?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1268407412&sr=1-89

I use it only to charge camera batteries.  I have a dedicated car charger for my cell, don't take my laptop camping. 

[MilesOfTexas]

The key is that it should be a pure sine wave inverter, not a modified sine wave inverter.

Ah, I did not know this.  Thank you for the information.  I will keep that in mind when I shop for one to mount.

Modification: I poked around on the net and found an interesting read: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/dashboarding/Power-Inverters.htm

I'm sure there is a lot more information out there, but my lunch time is over.

[badknees]

The key is that it should be a pure sine wave inverter, not a modified sine wave inverter.

Ah, I did not know this. Thank you for the information. I will keep that in mind when I shop for one to mount.

Modification: I poked around on the net and found an interesting read: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/dashboarding/Power-Inverters.htm

I'm sure there is a lot more information out there, but my lunch time is over.

I didn't know this either, but my cheap inverter will work with most things, but for some reason will not charge my Samsung phone. It does charge my camera battery though.

PS. I've left my cell phone in the Basin restrooms many times to charge it.

[oldfatman]

I use MSW inverters with no trouble on all my stuff.