DC/DC Converters

[kdf]

HI all,
Looking for a dc/dc converter - Need to be 12 volts input have 2 outputs of 12 volt, and capable of delivering max of 8 amps (Laptop and LCD panel). Anyone got any recomendations?

thanks -Kevin

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by kdf on 27/05/2004 16:52 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Talbot]

maplin do one, but may not have enough power output.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[steve28]

That must be some laptop/tft, my tft uses 12 volt 2 amp that plugs straight in, the laptop uses a 12 to 19 volt converter which i use if i want to charge the internal battery otherwise i just plug the laptop psu into a main invertor from argos for 24.99.
The inverter is quite usefull for other low output devices.


steve

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Benbow]

Alfatronix do some proper ones see http://www.alfatronix.co.uk/products.php

I have used their 24-12V converters and they are reliable with a wonderful guarantee (I returned a failed one that was about 6 years old and got a replacement by return of post).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[kdf]

THe TFT is a Monitor/TV and draws 48 watts peak at 12 volts (about 4.4 amps). THe laptop is around 2 but I want to allow for some margin of error. Rather not go with the inverter as they are not as efficient as dc/dc.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davel]

Am I missing somethinG?
!2 volts in and 12 volts out - where does the conversion come in?

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave L.

 

[kdf]

It regulates the supply. Some devices don't like 11 or 11.5 volts and behave badly. What the Dc/DC converter does it ensure that no matter what the input is the output will allways be 12 (until the battery runs down of course).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ongolo]

Been scratching my head on this too. Are we talking voltage regulators, invertors?

Was the voltage converter 24-12V or from 12-24V?

If you are loking for a type that has a input range of say 10V to 15 and produces exactly 12V output, that can only bo done with a switcher or also called switch controlled powersupply. The switcher is essentially an inverter and has identical losses.

Most of my marine equipment says voltage from low down 10V or so up to 18.5V if I remember. So there is no problem.

I would rather worry about clean battery terminals, because if they make bad contact during charging, voltage could go sky high (depending on your type of regulation of the alternator/charger) and could damage electronic equipment.




Further, even common things like 9V radios work from about 6 to 12V and car radios from about 9V to 16V.



<hr width=100% size=1>So what......... it floats

 

[Guest]

So you are looking for regulated supply ...... try Maplins.

For Laptops (actually called Notebooks !) - then again Maplins do a very nice 12V input power supply specifically for the job .... caters for 12 - 18V via various insert connectors.

I have been using unregulated 12v into various notebook computers for years as well as inverter supply to the charger to charge up the battery when needed. Now having the 12V input supplier - that whole bag of bits is now redundant !! and passed onto other duties.

To supply 2 units ...... a double cigarette lighter adaptor and 2 Maplins items ??????



<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[andyball]

rs would be a good start- there's a large range. not sure about the two outputs though.....do you need two isolated outputs?

The manufacturers that rs stock also do extra models if you check their own sites.

Don't think you'll find efficiency is greatly better than an appropriate size inverter for the 12-12 part, but possible savings by not using the std 230/12 packs presumably used with the equipment.

www.rswww.com ...if you register there are technical pdf's for many items.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[rwoofer]

This is what I use to power my laptop on a boat/plane etc

http://www.igo.com/Product_Detail.asp?ProductCode=MOB+PS0055-11

It converts a variety of DC and AC voltages to a steady voltage. It somehow auto-detects the voltage required by the device. Don't know how it works, but all I can say is that it really does work.

Bought mine in Heathrow terminal 4.

RB

<hr width=100% size=1>