Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 120v to 12v converter?

I am thinking of putting a computer in the trunk with a flatscreen mounted in the car. The problem is, how can I get the 12v DC converted to a 120v AC to power the PC? Is this even possible?

Calculate how many watts you will need, then go to the store and buy one.

I got a 350 watt converter for $39 at BJ's Wholesale Club. I use it with a Marine Battery for 110V when I am camping. They work great.

Wal-Mart has got em to. (Inverters)


Note:
Over a certain watts, you need to go directly to the battery instead of through the lighter.


http://www.walmart.com/catalog/search-ng.gsp?search_constraint=0&search_query=inverter

Lighter handles 140 watts max (with 15 amp fuse). Less on a 10 amp (and make sure wiring is up to amperage...)

Since you are running a computer you should be aware that there are two types of inverters, normal and true sine. The true sine produces a more accurate AC signal that is better for computers. Since they are expensive, I'd say to try the regular one and only consider the true sine if you are having "dirty" power problems with your computer. (excessive glitches, computer locking up, etc)