computes with no mains power

[jillR]

hi peeps

what is the safest power source for running a computer without mains power

e.g. would a genny be ok if there is a power serge protecter in line

jill

[Antares_9]

Probably better run off 12v DC with one of those stabilised power adaptors from Maplins et al Jill. (assuming it's a laptop and not a power hungry desktop)

[jillR]

hi david

yes it is a laptop in using

thanks for the advise

jill :-D

[Brian]

If you used a Jennie and used the Transformer the laptop came with and a surge adaptor, that would also be ok, Im certain that laptops run off their internal battery, even when connected to the mains. THis is why they dont crash when you pull the mains cable out with the laptop still running.

[Guest Oiler]

I'm certain that laptops run off their internal battery, even when connected to the mains.

100% correct Brian

Rgs. Dick

[Stranger]

hi Jill i would think an inverter would be ok

we have found if you keep the battery in the laptop while connected to the mains the battery can get cooked and reduce its capacity/life

[jillR]

dont know if im doing the right thing but.................

i pull the power cable out after ive shutdown last thing .......

then when i start up the next day i let the comp go almost flat and then plug in and leave it in till last thing

..........................................

its good to know the power options ins and outs ......

supose there is the solar or wind power option too

jill

[jillR]

cooooo that looks handy jonzo thanks

if i go for one i will take my laptop with me to make sure

jill

[thirdmate]

Jill,

I run my laptop from a variety of sources, genny/mains/invertors etc. Never had any real probs as my beastie does not seems to care as long as some power is available.

When I posted the pic's of the carribean hols, they where sent while running off the somewhat flaky ps of our on board genny but the laptops own adaptor seemed to have no probs in coping.

I would be interested to hear if any other members have experienced any issues on this subject.

There is a fable circulating that invertors seem to have more problems than any other power source, not convinced as I have had no probs.

One other thought is that laptop battery life can be affected by inconsistant and different types of power inputs, any comments appreciated

Regards

Andy

[thirdmate]

Oop's forgot to mention I ALWAYS run laptop batteries down to zilch point before recharge. I am convinced (rightly/wrongly) that this will aid longevity of batteries.

A

[Guest Oiler]

If the battery pack consists of Ni-Cad cells then yes they should be run down before recharging. Ni-Cads suffer from a 'memory effect'. Ni-MH cells on the other hand do not suffer from this effect and also have a greater capacity, these can safely be topped up at any state of discharge, they are also more expensive and unlikely to be used in a 'budget' machine.

Rgs. Dick

[jillR]

since i started this thread its made me realise how little i know about the care of my laptop

if id spent £500 on any other piece of equipment im sure i would have checked it out chapter and verse

i might have even read the manual but i prefer to get personal experiences from those in the know.

thanks peeps

jill

[Gordon]

Jill There is a theory in the caravan world that some generators can damage the "zig type" electronic battery chargers. I believe the more expensive generators may use an inverter type circuit. It is just possible the same could happen to the switch mode power supply on a pc or lappy For that reason I have never run a pc from the 240 volt output of my cheapy genny but powered it via an inverter. Likewise rather than plug the caravan into the 240 volt outlet of the generator to top up the battery I prefer to use the 12 volt output and turn off the "zig"

Anyone any thoughts on this

[jillR]

ive started a similar thread on the NBF so that peeps as ill informed as me can get advice too

jill

[Brian]

My laptop needs 9.6 Amps to run at 16V DC no car chargers can provide that power output

[Guest]

Brian an expensive laptop there are always pros & cons only problem is you have to find these out for yourself and later down the line :-D

[Brian]

When i ordered it i didnt know it could not be used away from a Power Station

Its a Alienware with SLI cards, great for .. everything but not on the move im a little bit anoyed, as i bought it to use on the boat,

I havent tried one of those chargers yet, im not sure if the power will slowly drain from the battery while it charges slowly or just melt the charger