Laptop power issue!!!
#1
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Maine W/NJ Tags! FTP!!!
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Laptop power issue!!!
I figured id put this in the ecuflash section since this is the reason my laptop is in my car. What do you guys run for a power supply? I have a 350w continous and 1000w peak power inverter and it shuts off while windows xp is loading up. I have it running to the battery of 8 gauge wire. Any clue?
The laptop is a compaq n800c
Any ideas? Or is that just not enough power? They show laptop inverters with a 150w continous power supply, but mine is shutting off with a 350w power supply? Im lost!
The laptop is a compaq n800c
Any ideas? Or is that just not enough power? They show laptop inverters with a 150w continous power supply, but mine is shutting off with a 350w power supply? Im lost!
![Confused](https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#2
Evolving Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fruita, Colorado
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just got one from walmart that i use it just plugfs right into the Cig lighter, and you plug the cord into right there. Not all fancy but it gets it done. I use it all the time. Im pretty sure that Ralph use's the same thing. Maybe you inverter is just broke.
#5
Evolved Member
iTrader: (9)
I figured id put this in the ecuflash section since this is the reason my laptop is in my car. What do you guys run for a power supply? I have a 350w continous and 1000w peak power inverter and it shuts off while windows xp is loading up. I have it running to the battery of 8 gauge wire. Any clue?
The laptop is a compaq n800c
Any ideas? Or is that just not enough power? They show laptop inverters with a 150w continous power supply, but mine is shutting off with a 350w power supply? Im lost!![Confused](https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
The laptop is a compaq n800c
Any ideas? Or is that just not enough power? They show laptop inverters with a 150w continous power supply, but mine is shutting off with a 350w power supply? Im lost!
![Confused](https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Remember, when you convert AC current to DC the current is much more.
Likely your ground or power connection sucks, does it happen when engine is running too?
Last edited by C6C6CH3vo; May 30, 2007 at 04:14 PM.
#7
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Maine W/NJ Tags! FTP!!!
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
*Update*
Just got back from walmart with a 400w inverter and it works flawlessly. Must have been my old junk that wasnt up to par.
Another question refering to evoscan.. They only way to monitor the gauges is when your logging? That sucks.. I thought I was gonna be saving money from buying extra gauges and just glance at my laptop anytime I wanted too!!!!
This puts a damper on my situation. I wanted it to be on 24/7 in my car..
** I dont need a bigger invertor for the george foreman grill .. Im runnin propane out back for cookouts!
![Thumbs Up](https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/images/smilies/smilie_thumbsup.gif)
Trending Topics
#12
Evolved Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have one that sounds like the ones you guys are running, it barely is enough to support the laptop, and I mean barely enough. I bought it a Wallyworld (Walmart) too..
As a result, which I didn't know for the longest time, is that the base of the inverter is getting smokin hot down in the lighter plug area. You would never know because you can't get your fingers down in there.
Make sure that next time you are out, check it after a bit, because you might be getting the insides of that lighter socket smoking red hot...
Last edited by tkklemann; May 31, 2007 at 04:04 AM. Reason: Sphelleng..
#13
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (5)
Well, the power supplies can get very hot, regardless of their use or whatnot, so Its unfortunately normal. If it starts to melt then its something to worry about, but the plug itself is designed to house a Lighter, ya know, the thing that can BURN the end of your cigarette.
Just check it once in awhile.
I would stay away from the all-in-one adapters that have all their electronics as part of the plug though, they are not designed to handle the load of a modern laptop.
Most good quality power supplies have a seperate plug, I bought one (I think its a targus) that had interchangable plugs for the laptop side, and it worked with the voltage my laptop uses (Presumably the ends determined the output voltage, but every one is a little different as there are some that have a switch) But the one I purchased was a "Travel Charger" as it came with the ability to use it with 110v A/C, 12v DC for both Automotive and Airline, In fact, it was even a bit smaller than the power supply that came with my laptop, and it has always worked fine.
There are some laptops that are difficult to get power supplies for, but most that arent the high-end workstation class machines with giant displays, have DC power supplies or travel adapters available.
I would stay away from using a laptop that ONLY will work with an inverter, as they tend to draw way more current and a ton of power is lost while operating the inverter. This is especially tricky with cars that are sensitive to voltages required for flashing. Solution for that is to disconnect the power supply for the duration of time your trying to flash, and don't drain the battery.
I am somewhat unique as I have quite a few laptops I've purchased or aquired over the years, some are better suited for mobile use than others, and I have specific laptops that do specific jobs.
The ones that I use most often in my car, or travelling are the smallest and lightest, have the lowest current draw and smallest travel power supply available that will work with both AC and DC.
Just check it once in awhile.
I would stay away from the all-in-one adapters that have all their electronics as part of the plug though, they are not designed to handle the load of a modern laptop.
Most good quality power supplies have a seperate plug, I bought one (I think its a targus) that had interchangable plugs for the laptop side, and it worked with the voltage my laptop uses (Presumably the ends determined the output voltage, but every one is a little different as there are some that have a switch) But the one I purchased was a "Travel Charger" as it came with the ability to use it with 110v A/C, 12v DC for both Automotive and Airline, In fact, it was even a bit smaller than the power supply that came with my laptop, and it has always worked fine.
There are some laptops that are difficult to get power supplies for, but most that arent the high-end workstation class machines with giant displays, have DC power supplies or travel adapters available.
I would stay away from using a laptop that ONLY will work with an inverter, as they tend to draw way more current and a ton of power is lost while operating the inverter. This is especially tricky with cars that are sensitive to voltages required for flashing. Solution for that is to disconnect the power supply for the duration of time your trying to flash, and don't drain the battery.
I am somewhat unique as I have quite a few laptops I've purchased or aquired over the years, some are better suited for mobile use than others, and I have specific laptops that do specific jobs.
The ones that I use most often in my car, or travelling are the smallest and lightest, have the lowest current draw and smallest travel power supply available that will work with both AC and DC.
#15
Evolved Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Im using a targus adapter that plugs into a wall or a cig lighter. I see no need to hardwire right now because the amount of time that I log does not justify the amount of time needed to hard wire in a setup. My setup works great. My laptop is 17" which is way too big but it gets the job done.