how do I convert 12v to 220v with a inverter

[shaun1]

Hi Guys/Gals

I will be on a three week sailing trip in april with my parents on our family catamaran.We are going to need to be completely self sufficient.
One thing on my list is to have a 220v power source readily available for the duration of our trip.
We have got 5 deep draw 12v batteries on the boat.
We are going to be taking heaps of pictures so I will need to run my laptop for a few nights and we will need to charge our phones and batteries every so often.

Im hoping someone can give me advice on getting it right with out spending alot of money.I dont know too much about inverters so i dont know where to start.

thanks
shaun

[btrayfors]

Shaun,

Why do you need an inverter? You didn't mention anything that couldn't be run/recharged from the boat's 12VDC system (laptop, cellphone, camera, etc.).

Most all consumer devices these days either work directly from 12VDC or have an adapter. Often these are called "car adapters". See if you can't find one for each of the devices you plan to run/recharge. They'd probably be cheaper than an inverter, and they'd certainly be more efficient.

Bill

[rtbates]

Try a search engine. In YAHOO, I typed, "12v to 240v inverter"


Lots of vendors...

good luck

[shaun1]

Hi Bill

That is a good idea , I know what you mean I should be able to get my hands on those "car adapters" for my devices .

thanks for your help

[btrayfors]

Shaun1,

Yeah, that should do it. While you could get an inverter, they can be a pain to hook up, some "modified sine wave" inverters won't charge certain devices properly (and "pure sine wave" inverters are more expensive).

Much better to go with 12V "car adapters"

When you get to FTL in May, be sure to have a Mt. Gay and Coke for me at the Bahia Cabana...my favorite bar adjacent to Bahia Mar!

Cheers,

Bill

[MarkJ]

Hi Shaun

We recently bought the cheapest cigarette lighter to AC inverter from the electrical shop where we bought a camera.
It charges the camera fine and runs the computer fine. It also runs the computer printer.

Don't worry about Pure Sine Wave its not necessary - and very expensive.

A cheap unit should cost less than $100 anywhere in the modern world.



Ours even has a USB power port for Ipods etc

See website: 150 Watt Auto/Air Power Inverter - Slimline Style

Simultaneously charge 3 devices: Use standard cigarette lighter to power and charge your notebook, PDA, CD/DVD player, mobile phone, MP3 player/iPod®, digital camera, portable printer, work light & other devices

Technical<LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 4px" type=square>Output Power Ports:
1 Grounded AC outlet
1 USB power outlet
1 Targus Power Port*(for use with Targus APP20AP – sold separately) <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 4px" type=square>Output Power: 150 Watts- Continuous, 200 Watts- Peak <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 4px" type=square>Input Power: 11.3-15VDC, 16A Max