Vehicle Power System

[Connorsmom]

Okay, next question...
When I was wandering through Sams Club the other day, I picked up a MAXX SST Vehicle Power System. It's 500 watt and powers up to 4.2 amps. It converts the vehicles 12 volt DC power into household 120 volt AC power. I got this mainly so I can utilize the center console for my laptop. I'm mostly asking because the owner's manual leaves one heck of a lot to be desired, so I'm nervous about whether or not I got the right thing. I think what confuses me the most is...what would I do with the little jumper cables that come with it??? Yep, this manual may as well be in another language with all the technical terminology it uses. Any insight for it's uses, and if other's use this type of thing in their TV, I sure would appreciate it...

[bsmeaton]

Connersmom -

I believe the little "jumper cables" are so you can connect direct to the battery posts if you don't have a cigarette lighter outlet or you want to use it outside under the hood. As far as use, make sure your vehicle is running whenever the inverter is plugged in - as it drains the battery FAST and will leave you stranded.

These are neat little things - should power and charge your laptop fine, but that will be about the limit with 500W (4.2 amps). You need to watch where you set it as well, as they do generate a little heat (note the cooling fins).

Have fun!

[H. John Kohl]

If you connect it directly to the battery make sure there is a fuse on the positive side close (within a foot) to the battery.
The bigger question is, "Will it do what you want?" You need to see how many watts your computer converter uses.
Once you know the power usage Watts you can see if is is large enough. If your computer requires 400 watts you should add at least 25% over head so 500 watts would be the minimum.
If you run additional cables from the patter make sure they are large enough.
Here comes the short electrical class. Power (watts) is calculated by multiplying Current (Amps) and Voltage. 120 VAC time 4.2 amps = 500 Watts. 500 watts means you need 41.67 amps from your 12 VDC batter. 500W / 12VDC = 41.67 Amps. That is calculated in a perfect system. Since the unit will lose some "electricity" from less than 100% efficiency you probably will draw 45 Amps from your battery.
Good luck.

[Connorsmom]

Uhhhhhh....okay John...fess up, YOU wrote this owner's manual didn't ya?LOL Thanks for the technical info.

Jan

[Ozz]

I have it for mine, I ran heavy wire to the unit, Fused it like John said, and have an on and off switch.
(Indicator light, relays, and a 2x4 box with stainless cover, but I tend to over do some things, I have been told)
You don't need all that stuff.
Good luck.
Ozz

On edit, I found pictures:
Plug in for computer:
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/JimsSue13/
Ozzsmods101/MOdsTruck5thwheelhitchcompressor005.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/JimsSue13/
Ozzsmods101/MOdsTruck5thwheelhitchcompressor002.jpg

[c5racer]

It would be a lot easier to buy a cord for your laptop that plugs into you cig lighter, that's what I use.