Allan
Well-Known Member
I have a 15 v laptop and I would like to use it powered from the 12v supply on my boat. Does anyone do this? Are there any pitfalls? The laptop label says 15v DC 6.0amps.
Laptop on board
- Thread starter Allan
- Start date
Richard10002
Well-Known Member
What make/model laptop? Can you get a 12v lead for it? I wouldnt risk connecting mine directly.
Conachair
Guest
I got my 12v adaptor (my laptop is 19v) from maplin. They have a good range of stock and are quite cheap.
Padz
Padz
Allan
Well-Known Member
It's a Toshiba Satellite pro. I dont plan to plug in directly. I have seen a number of 12 to 15v powersupplies. I also thought of trying to run it through a meter to check it maintains 15v. I could also monitor the 12v current to see how long the battery is likely to last.
Phoenix of Hamble
Well-Known Member
Allan,
I run a Toshiba Satellite Pro on one of the DC/DC step transformers available from places like Maplins with no problems at all.... mine doesn't pull anything like 6amps.... more like 2amps....
I run a Toshiba Satellite Pro on one of the DC/DC step transformers available from places like Maplins with no problems at all.... mine doesn't pull anything like 6amps.... more like 2amps....
A
Anonymous
Guest
I did once have problems with a non-standard supply and would never run a laptop from a supply not approved by the laptop manufacturer. Most supply 12V supplies and they are not too expensive. Given the cost of repairing a laptop and the consequential damage (loss of data, downtime, carriage, etc.) why try to save a few pounds on such an important item?
Ships_Cat
Well-Known Member
Have a look at the battery - if it is a 6 cell Li-Ion one (which probably is if not an ancient machine and your mentioning 15v charger) it will have the voltage of around 10 point something marked on it.
If so, then you will find that the computer will run fine on 12 v (after all it runs fine on its 10.whatever volt battery and a 15 v charger) except that the battery likely won't charge.
If any concerns about the quality of your boat's 12 v supply, buy a MOV Voltage Surge Suppressor from your local auto electrician - very cheap, so should be fitted in any event on all boats (but hardly ever is /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif), he will show you how to fit it, dead easy.
Otherwise use a buck converter (step up) DC supply with an appropriate current rating as others have mentioned. I have tested the el cheapos of these and those have maintained correct output voltage up to their rated input voltage (usually 15-16v, for when alternator is running) - if a cheap one bought I would go for one a little oversized in the current department. They are, in fact, switched mode supplies just as the charger supplied with your computer is but with DC input (and may even come from the same factory /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).
John
If so, then you will find that the computer will run fine on 12 v (after all it runs fine on its 10.whatever volt battery and a 15 v charger) except that the battery likely won't charge.
If any concerns about the quality of your boat's 12 v supply, buy a MOV Voltage Surge Suppressor from your local auto electrician - very cheap, so should be fitted in any event on all boats (but hardly ever is /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif), he will show you how to fit it, dead easy.
Otherwise use a buck converter (step up) DC supply with an appropriate current rating as others have mentioned. I have tested the el cheapos of these and those have maintained correct output voltage up to their rated input voltage (usually 15-16v, for when alternator is running) - if a cheap one bought I would go for one a little oversized in the current department. They are, in fact, switched mode supplies just as the charger supplied with your computer is but with DC input (and may even come from the same factory /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).
John
G
Guest
Guest
If you don't want to trust 3rd party makes for whatever reason then Toshiba do a 12V supply cable designed to plug into cigarette lighter sockets. I installed such a socket on my boat and have been using the Toshiba cable happily for a few years.
peteandthira
Well-Known Member
My Dell Laptop wouldn't charge its battery nor would it run at full processor speed unless it could identify the power supply. I ended up buying another Dell one and everything worked again. A worthwhile purchase.
I couldn't get it to run at full speed with any 3rd party 12v cable, even those which quoted the Dell D800 on the package. I took 2 back to PC World.
I couldn't get it to run at full speed with any 3rd party 12v cable, even those which quoted the Dell D800 on the package. I took 2 back to PC World.
cameocrew
Active Member
I run a Toshiba satellite pro 4200 direct from boats 12v with no probs. (last 5 years- at least) Turn off when starting engine !!
Swagman
Well-Known Member
We've used the Maplins 12v to 19v transformer now for four years with zero issues on a couple of different Sony laptops.
JOHN
JOHN
PIGLETSDREAM
Well-Known Member
I have a Toshiba Satlelite Pro which I run direct from my 12volt supply. It does not charge the battery at this level and I tend to take the battery out when on board. It is 8 years old now and still works just fine. Runs Sea Pro lite just fine.
affinite
Well-Known Member
Like others Ive used a Maplin 12vDC-19vDC converter for some time with no ill effects on my Compaq laptop. Bye the way do make sure that all your power saving settings are used in Windows and then the laptop will "doze" when not required and draw limited current.
Mine is set for screen off after 3 mins and hard disk off after 1 mins of non-use
Mine is set for screen off after 3 mins and hard disk off after 1 mins of non-use
