400w isn't that big but should handle the laptop. How do you have it wired? I ran 10 gauge straight to the battery and have zero problems.
I have a 400w inverter on my truck for a laptop and printer. It will handle the printer just fine, but if I plug in the laptop and either leave it off to charge, or turn it on, the inverter will squeal like a pig. This is even with the printer off. So, obviously I need a bigger inverter. What do you guys use? And do you use a "pure sine wave" inverter or not? Seen any good deals on them? Brands?
400w isn't that big but should handle the laptop. How do you have it wired? I ran 10 gauge straight to the battery and have zero problems.
if you have it plugged into your cigarette lighter, thats your problem. the lighter outlet is only good for about 150 watts or less. you need to wire it to the battery directly. use #10, or preferrably #8 wire (if you plan to run it at maximum capacity for a while)
I've got a small inverter (might be 400w max) in my truck for charging batteries, leak detectors etc. It charges my laptop with no problem. Does your laptop charge up o.k. in the house? Might be a problem with the laptop battery. (?)
Jim
Tucson, Az
Keeping the Ice Cream Frozen!
You need 800w with a fan built in around $100. to $150. for a good one don't buy a cheap one it willn't last very long & makes alot of noise.
Well, maybe that's my problem. I have it plugged into the cigarette lighter. I wanted quick and easy. I've had the truck 2 years now, and still don't have it all set up the way I'd like it. Just not enough hours in the day.
I'll try wiring it direct tomorrow.
Thanks
How many watts is your charger?
Mine is 150W and charges mine jut fine. I can run my laptop for 28 Hours on 1 12 volt battery.
I take mine camping and watch DVD's when it is raining. My next purchase will be a projector so I can watch DVD's big screen.
Karst means cave. So, I search for caves.
Good info craig1, I see that my lighter is on a 20 amp fuse. That's only good for up to 200 watts. Thanks