Running laptop from cigarette lighter

[pugwash]

My Toshiba laptop is 15 volts and I'd like to run it from a 12v cigarette lighter. I need only to power it, not recharge it. A post some months ago discussed this question and I have searched but can't find it.

I need to know if it's safe for the computer and where I'd buy the 15-12v down-stepper.

Any advice will be welcome. Thanks.

 

[Toutvabien]

Works fine, I got mine from PC world for about £40, also on the web from numerous sources, obviously it works in the car too.

 

[wiggy]

Maplin, about 20 quid

 

[fireball]

I don't bother - just plug directly into the socket - no transformers ac or dc ...

Worked fine all last weekend and this weekend... I've not even bothered with the internal laptop battery - cos it is shot.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Lots on e-bay

 

[ChrisE]

If you are going to buy a DC-DC jobby from Maplins or anywhere else check that it is rated for your PC. Each type of has its own power needs and some of the DC-DC convertors don't put out enough to run the PC. I found this out the hard way!

 

[Cactus]

What laptop is it? I have this old Toshiba, I think it is called a 'tecra' ? I got a new battery for it from ebay for next to nothing, but it still only lasts an hour or so, not much use for GPSing a long voyage..

so does a fag lighter cable do the trick? This would be welcome news as I've just spent most of the day looking for one on t'internet.

 

[fireball]

Check the voltage output from the transformer - if it is 15v then it is likely that you can run it directly off the ships batteries (assuming 12v!!) This is exactly what we've been doing on the Tosh Satelite laptop .... unfortunately it doesn't work for my newer laptop that has 19v output from the transformer. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[pugwash]

Mine's a Portege, one year old, very basic but 4-hr battery life and very light to carry, made for college kids and businessmen so very portable. It seems a direct connection from boat batteries to laptop should work. Lots of stuff on e-bay and Google which I've found thanks to posts. I didn't know it would be that simple. Thanks to all.

 

[SteveGorst]

Yes I got one last weekend from Maplins for £20. It has a sliding switch to select the voltage you need between 15 and 20 volts or so and a selection of end fittings to go into your laptop. Mine powers up and charges with no problems and they are sold specifically to run laptops so you would have grounds for complaint if it didn't work.

 

[Cactus]

SteveGorst - you coudn't post/PM me more details on the product you bought from Maplins? I'm lost in a maze of adaptors....

Thanks

 

[Gunfleet]

Or if that doesn't work, you can use Swan Vestas.

 

[Steve Clayton]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Modu...=4&doy=26m4

Just make sure it meets your laptops power (amps) requirements at 15 volts.

 

[SteveGorst]

yep that's the one. Works fine for me, if it doesn't take it back.

 

[Cactus]

grassy ass amigos.

 

[iangrant]

As has been said the adapters are out there - I bought one on line lap top shop I think, with a slide switch to select voltage. I checked it against the mains one and mine needs 17 volts.
Then it came with all sorts of plugs which are different colours and can go both ways round on the cable plug. Me being completely stoopid tried it without me glasses on in the usual dashing hurry to try a new toy and plugged in for maximum smoke - blew the fuse but no further damage.
Be careful on the boat because of the potential long cable runs the VDPM volt drop through the cable per metre will leave you short at the socket. I turn the wick up on the slide switch and the laptop seems happy.
When I start the engine it dips the voltage and the laptop squeaks that it's off mains so a simple unplug replug makes it feel better.
Remember to take it to the boat charged and keep it that way - a flat batteried laptop is an amp hungry beasty - anything up to 5 amps..


Good luck

Ian

 

[Guest]

I also run my Toshiba laptop through a cigarette lighter arrangement on board, and have been doing for the last 3 years with no problems. There are no doubt cheaper ways, but I bought Toshiba's own cigarette lighter attachment - they market one specifically for the purpose. In fact it was not very expensive (I forget how much, but cheap enough for me not to remember). As you might expect, it works fine. I bought it on Tottenham Court Road, in the same shop I bought the laptop in.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Better off removing the battery when running on mains, otherwise your battery will be dead very soon.

 

[iangrant]

Why dead very soon?

Ian

 

[ShipsWoofy]

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

There is a lot said on this subject, but the above page seems to cover problems quite well. The biggest problem is the temperature your battery will be stored at while running the laptop on the mains.

See the paragraphs below the first table.