Powering a GPS laptop without an invertor

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silverbullet
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Powering a GPS laptop without an invertor

Post by silverbullet »

I know this is strictly a Tech query, but since there's a few of you who are pretty clever with this sort of thing I'll ask anyway!
Aside from the technicalities of mounting the laptop in/on the dash, can I use a step-up DC-DC convertor (something like fleabay item 150877299187) to provide a supply to power and/or charge it with a suitable charger? I don't want to lay out for a Sterling or an invertor, total overkill for my needs and I'd like to fit a supply to more than one vehicle.
Requirements are 18v and 70 Watt but I'm not sure there's enough headroom with this 80 watt unit?
1985 Oettinger 3.2 Caravelle RHD syncro twin slider. SA Microbus bumpers, duplex winch system, ARC 7X15 period alloys

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BOXY
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Re: Powering a GPS laptop without an invertor

Post by BOXY »

If you're using the laptop for mapping software why not hack a Navman 510 to run memory map?
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discipleofsketch
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Re: Powering a GPS laptop without an invertor

Post by discipleofsketch »

I use one of these to power an old apple macbook (16v, with home-made magsafe adapter), and dell netbook (19V):-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-Compact-F ... B001D3344M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Works well and comes with loads of different tips - will drain your leisure/ main battery surprisingly fast though if the engine isn't running - starts whistling (I don't think that's an intentional feature!), when the power source gets too weak..
Former owner of 1983 DG panel van and 1983 Devon moonraker pop-top, 1.9 tdi (1z) conversion

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Re: Powering a GPS laptop without an invertor

Post by silverbullet »

Thanks guys. Sat-nav screens are a bit tiddly when trying to identify things off in the distance, although my old one is on the way out anyway! I can't think why I didn't think of a universal in-car adaptor, I just looked at the label over the power port and thought "how can I get 18v?" :roll:
1985 Oettinger 3.2 Caravelle RHD syncro twin slider. SA Microbus bumpers, duplex winch system, ARC 7X15 period alloys

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