12v Printer??

[DavidJ]

I'm after a printer for my laptop to use on the boat. I have a 12v to laptop converter and someone told me today that USB carries its own supply to the printer (as well as data) which would be dead handy...is this true. Alternatively do portable printers come with 12v car plugs.
David

 

[boatone]

Most sensible solution would be to get a 12volt to 240 volt inverter and then you can run both laptop and printer from normal mains power connection. I have a 150watt unit and laptop and printer together only use about 35 watts - could even run a scanner as well. Also means you can recharge any other low voltage battery units etc without needing special 12 volt convertors.

Whilst it is true that some very low power rquirements can be met directly thru the USB port this is nowhere near enough for a printer. With inverter route above any 240 volt printer should be ok the Epsons I use draw around 20 watts.

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by boatone on Sun Jan 27 21:23:24 2002 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[DavidJ]

Tony
Yes, good solution. I believe Maplins do a good cheap range of inverters, I'll investigate that route
thanks
David

 

[tcm]

Re: soggy paper

But!

The printer won't work with soggy paper, it'll get gunked up so no leaving large loads of paper in the boat, best take small qtys from time to time instead of leaving a big load on the boat.

 

[DavidJ]

Re: soggy paper

Good point tcm and I guess keep in a sealed plastic bag
David

 

[Geoffs]

Would agree with everyone on inverter route. I've a 300 watt one I bought at SIBS, and use for lap top etc. Draws about 5 amp when running laptop.

Maplins have a 150 watt unit at £39.99 and a 300watt at £49.99. WouId go for 300watt one, relatively small inc cost, almost no loss in efficiency.

When I was in Poole last week there was a car accessory place called SERVU in High Street, selling a 330watt inverter for £49.95. No good if 100's of miles away, of course.