Need Help! Steady 12.5 volts

[Greg4cocokai]

I'm hoping one of you experts can help with my problem. I recently had to replace my mini ATX 12v. computer and 12v. monitor on my boat. The monitor had a 110 - 12v. power block that I removed from the equation and wired to the computer breaker. Never had an issue with several other installs. The breaker is on a sub panel in my nav station with 10" Furuno, ham radio and modem, nav lts and nav equip. A/P is wired back to batts.

My problem: When hitting "connect" on my winlink, the power drain shuts off the monitor. Seems like my new computer does.t like anything over 13.4v. and my monitor doesn't like anything under 12.2v..

Can anyone recommend a DC - DC converter that will put out a steady 12.5 -13 volts? They draw 5.5 amps together, so would need something rated for 6-8 amps?

[sailorboy1]

I can't help you on a converter (I barely know what that is), but it sounds like your real problem is that your wire sizing is too small.

[Greg4cocokai]

It's not a wire size problem. It's when I've been underway and between charges, when the voltage is down to close to 12 volts, when I'm running loads around 20amps. I have 1250 amp/hrs of house bank. If I only retrieve weather files and emails when charging, My computer doesn't like the high voltage.

[FlyingCloud1937]

DC-DC Converters - Isolated Series

Originally Posted by Greg4cocokai

I'm hoping one of you experts can help with my problem. I recently had to replace my mini ATX 12v. computer and 12v. monitor on my boat. The monitor had a 110 - 12v. power block that I removed from the equation and wired to the computer breaker. Never had an issue with several other installs. The breaker is on a sub panel in my nav station with 10" Furuno, ham radio and modem, nav lts and nav equip. A/P is wired back to batts.

My problem: When hitting "connect" on my winlink, the power drain shuts off the monitor. Seems like my new computer does.t like anything over 13.4v. and my monitor doesn't like anything under 12.2v..

Can anyone recommend a DC - DC converter that will put out a steady 12.5 -13 volts? They draw 5.5 amps together, so would need something rated for 6-8 amps?

[Greg4cocokai]

Thank you Flying Cloud. I will check it out.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Greg4cocokai

Thank you Flying Cloud. I will check it out.

Greg, I notice you're in Brazil. Sometimes a Google search can help you find out more stuff closer to where you live. Sometimes Google searches are great for even boating related things. Good luck.

[Viking Sailor]

Greg, Don't forget to ask about RFI generation/filtering. There are also Ham radio orientated converters. BillT can advise you on sources. Paul

[botanybay]

I would highly recommend the Victron Energy DC to DC converters. Some are fixed voltage output, others are adjustable output. Voltage stability is excellent across the input power range.

I use these on my 24v vessel to supply power to the Nav systems, water maker, and HF radio. No noise issues. Other brands have been problematic.

[Greg4cocokai]

Thank you all for your responses. I'm currently back in California so I will check things out here before going back to the boat Monday.

[Paul L]

If your ATX box has IDE connectors, they have regulated 12v on them. I use this to power my LCD display from my mini-itx box. (I doubt it would power a big display)

[Greg4cocokai]

Thanks Paul, I'm pretty sure it's a SATA connector. Also my new (old, refurbished by Geeks.com for $67) draws 4.4 amps! Also heavy with glass screen and steel case, but 12volt. Noevo (sp?) 19"

[AfterHoursNLCT]

I use one of these:
DCDC-USB-200, Intelligent DC-DC converter with USB interface
...LL

[Greg4cocokai]

Originally Posted by AfterHoursNLCT

I use one of these:
DCDC-USB-200, Intelligent DC-DC converter with USB interface
...LL

Thanks LL, Looks like what I need. The Victron and Newmar are a bit fancy and pricey. It will be mounted behind my nav panel.

Is this converter considered "isolated"?