Laptop power (DC/DC)

ASK THE EXPERTS COMPUTER,TRANSPORT SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM
1

Hi all.
Ive got a laptop that requires 19 volts to run.

I want to run it in my wagon without the use of an inverter.

Is it possible to buy some kind of 24v to 19v dropper?

Please help.

Dave. :unamused:

2

I’ve never heard of a 24 - 19v dropper, but I would expect a car power lead to be 24v compatible. If you have a car power lead, check with the laptop manufacturer to ensure it is. If not, I cant help.

I would recommend an inverter though. If you get a decent sized one, say 600w, you can use small domestic appliances (cheap to buy) instead of those 24v things, many of which are cheaply made but expensive to buy. If you are stuck with this route, don’t plug a large inverter into the ■■■ lighter socket, the wiring can’t hack it, use the heavy duty wiring usualy supplied and hook it up direct to your batteries. The inverter should have a cut-out on it which will stop it running your batteries flat so that you can still start up in the morning.

3

Many tanks Simon,
I have gone through two inverters in the last 18 months.
I just thought that a dropper would maybe last a little longer and take up less space.
I can get hold of a 12volt to 19volt converter from e-bay but then it would be going from 24v to 12v to 19v
This would work but seems a long way round.
Dave

4

Try this link Maplin.co.uk

They have quite a few different ones that run off the 12v socket.

5

Dave,

Which laptop is it?? I have a Dell and use a Kerio Automobile Power Adapter which has an output voltage adjustment device that can give 16 or 19volts. The adjustment device is like a small blade fuse but it has a resistor fitted into it.

This is the link.

6

You will screw the battery in the laptop, its not just about the voltage its the current aswell.

7

Davemiracleman:
I have gone through two inverters in the last 18 months.

What have you been doing to them■■?
They should last longer than that. You haven’t been hooking a 12v one up across 24v have you■■?

8

Davemiracleman:
Hi all.
Ive got a laptop that requires 19 volts to run.

I want to run it in my wagon without the use of an inverter.

Is it possible to buy some kind of 24v to 19v dropper?

Please help.

Dave. :unamused:

Search for “MULTI LAPTOP CAR ADAPTOR 6 AMPERE 120 W” on Ebay by “MostWanted” . It is 12V to 19V so you will have to use a dropper from 24v to 12v to use it.
I got mine witthout problem (via Germany) here in UK. It works fine in my truck. No more hot inverters or fans. Probably uses a lot less current as it never gets hot.