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#1
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DC to AC Adapter to run my laptop?
I'd like to plug in a 110v adapter to run my laptop while traveling on business. Thinking about those that plug into the cigar lighter. Any damage potential to the car? I do have several computer batteries, but I need them when I arrive and not worn down. Trips are usually six or so hours.
The car is an '86 300sdl Thanks..Rob
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1986 300SDL 440,xxx |
#2
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I have no problem doing it using a 12V extension cord with two outlets. There is not a lot of room in the ashtray for an inverter.
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Present 1987 300SDL 1991 300SL 1990 560SEL 2001 ML320 Past 1969 200D 1979-82 1983 300SD 1984-85 1972 250C 1982-02 1995 S350 2011 1997 S320 2012 |
#3
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I've used 600 watt inverters with no problem to run computers, Ipods etc.
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08 1985 300TD 185k+ 1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03 1985 409d 65k--sold 06 1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car 1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11 1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper 1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4 1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13 |
#4
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As long as the power draw from whatever you plug in ( plus the loss factor of the converter) does not exceed what the lighter socket is designed for you should have no problems... we used to run an inverter to operate the Homemedic massager for my father on long trips...
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1980 240d , chain elongation, cam marks reference: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html evap fin cleaning: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator A/C thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html |
#5
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I just ordered a 1000watt inverter for the eurovan. Dunno that I'd trust those cig lighter ones, our cars were made when people used them for their specified design, lighting up cigs.
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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg 1995 E420 Schwarz 1995 E300 Weiss #1987 300D Sturmmachine #1991 300D Nearly Perfect #1994 E320 Cabriolet #1995 E320 Touring #1985 300D Sedan OBK #42 |
#6
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I hard-wired a 700W inverter directly to the battery. I fed the wiring through the firewall, and included an in-line fuse. Consider a set up like that if you don't want wires running all over your ashtray / center console. It all tucks neatly in the passenger footwell or underneath the passenger seat. No issues after 2 years...
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-1985 300TD - 324k mi on chassis. MB "Tauschaggregat" 617 motor + 4-speed conversion Alaska Roadtrip 2009 -2002 E320 Wagon - 197k mi -1998 E320 Wagon - 310k mi - retired |
#7
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The cigarette lighter is only able to carry at most 80W through the cigar lighter harness. My recommendation would be to hardwire it to the battery... I pulled out the seats to my car, and mounted it in one of the storage trays in the back. Used 4 gauge welding cable. I also bought a set of the terminals that are platinum coated, and cut off the old terminals. These are meant for stereo/multi amp installation, and I wired it and the amps through that...
I really like the cobra 800 watt inverter that is readily available from a good number of truck stops...
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All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to stand by and do nothing. Too many people tip toe through life, never attempting or doing anything great, hoping to make it safely to death... Bob Proctor '95 S320 LWB '87 300SDL '04 E500 wagon 4matic |
#8
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Great...To the Battery it is!
Thanks all. Good point on the Cigar lighter max capability. I wondered about that. I'll run some wire to the battery.
Rob
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1986 300SDL 440,xxx |
#9
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Be sure to fuse it at the battery, so you don't have a fire if it shorts somewhere. For my ham radio installs I usually use 10 ga. wire and a 30A blade fuse in an inline holder.
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1981 Mercedes 300TD, 1994 Honda Civic Del Sol http://mefi.us/images/fuelly/smallsig-us/67195.pnghttp://mefi.us/images/fuelly/smallsig-us/103885.png |
#10
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Watch the temperature of your charger, most inverters are modified-sine which is really more like a square-wave which is less efficient and can in some chargers get pretty hot.
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Gone to the dark side - Jeff |
#11
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Quote:
Check the power pack of the laptop rating first before you mess with the battery wiring.
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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed. W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html 1 X 2006 CDI 1 x 87 300SDL 1 x 87 300D 1 x 87 300TDT wagon 1 x 83 300D 1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry. |
#12
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It is true that DC/AC inverter produces modified sine-wave but the power pack of any laptop is switch mode power supply SMPS and can take modified sine-wave without issues. The efficiency on switch mode power supply is much higher than linear power supply and generate less heat. Some SMPS turns itself off if there is no load.
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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed. W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html 1 X 2006 CDI 1 x 87 300SDL 1 x 87 300D 1 x 87 300TDT wagon 1 x 83 300D 1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry. |
#13
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Quote:
#10 is not capable of sustaining 30 amps of DC 12 volt current safely... I'd use #6, and have a MAXI fuse for 125% the watts needed at 12V if your inverter is rated at 450watts, the amps at 12v is 37.5 125% of that is 46.875 use a 50 amp fuse, and be sure the wire is rated to handle 60amps at 80C that's like #2 I think... perhaps it's not taking heat from the engine compartment into the equation... I'd at least use #6 for such a load. this chart seems to think wire size is MUCH smaller than I do per load in DC use... http://www.offroaders.com/tech/12-volt-wire-gauge-amps.htm
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#14
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Quote:
I've not seen any rated above 10... that'd be a max of maybe 120w... I agree on the cig adapters for a laptop though. most are only going to draw like 80 watts... most cig adapters are I think, 120 or 100 watts... plenty for all but the most robust laptops... Hmmm. my cheapo toshiba laptop has an input demand of 1.5amps... at 120v, that's 180watts... wow. output is only 3.95a at 19v... that's only 75 watts, of USE... so, the cig 100watt adapter should be fine for mine...
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#15
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I have a 75w inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. It works just fine and is all that's really needed to power all but the most extreme laptops.
BTW, I repair computers for a living, but used to be a mechanic
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I choose to be happy, even when the Mercedes is being awkward, lol |
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