What type of inverter do I need

Jas,

I think you could do it more efficiently with 12 volt chargers for each application.

Most rechargable AA and AAA batteries come with 12/240 option. Most computers to run efficiently need a pure sine wave inverter which can be quite expensive. You can charge of a modified sine wave (scheaper) type inverter but it will often not "run" the computer.

A kerio adapter from Dick Smith ($70 - $80) is one of the best ways to charge and run a computer in a vehicle and it also plugs into a Cig lighter socket.

You can also get a variable voltage adapter with plugs that will match most camera and video battery charging cradles ($23-27). It's just a matter of finding what voltage is needed from the bottom of the cradle and turning the adapter to suit. It operates of a cig plug as well.

Some options that are easier and more convenient than an inverter and don't put as much strain on your battery.

Cheers Mick

A 150 watt true sinewave inverter would suit your needs perfectly, it won't fry your charging equipment and it is a good quality/safe inverter to use.

Plenty of models to choose from - dick smith, jaycar etc., you can usually find them for around $150.

JAS095, i bought a 600 modified sinewave for about $80 from Jaycar 3 years ago for exactly the same thing, probably a bit of an overkill but i usually go for something bigger than i need to be on the safe side.

cheers,

Lance

Some relevant information is the larger capacity of the Inverter, the larger the associated power LOSS from the battery system, irrespective as to what small item your charging.

What I'm suggesting is:

# get a Pure Sine Wave Inverter, not a budget priced item.
# get an inverter with fan cooling, if at all possible.
# connect direct to the Aux battery via a quality fuse.
# use the lowest capacity Inverter possible when running the most items you will run at any one time to avoid the loss mentioned above.

The Inverter will (probably) have just one 240v outlet, I use an Inverter and 4 plug power board attached with individual on/off switch's, as pictured.
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JASO95
I reackon it would be a great idea to make use of what EO provides for us all, so check out this LINK

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The theory is use a pure sine wave inverter. In practise, I use the cheapest inverter (I have several for the 4x4, camping and boat) to charge batteries, run a 230VAC flouro light and also run a laptop - never had a problem and none are pure sine wave.

Stevesub

If you are looking at maximum efficiency the post from Mick O is the only one to follow unless you have other uses for an Inverter.

Ian

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the general line of the posts above Jas.

The modified sine wave inverter is in fact the most efficent type (not that I saw you asked about efficentcy ) and will run pretty well anything within its power range.
The efficentcy difference is however not large either way.

Also there is no need to guess- take your laptop with you and try it on a supply before you buy or check with the supplier that you can take it back if it doesn't work.

As your question is primarily about small low power use you should be able to even use one of those small 150w can type items that plugs into the cigarette lighter as I note you don't want all things going at once.
This is also likely to be your lowest cost and least messy way as you probably won't need to run any exra cables.
Also has the advantage that cig lighter power is switched off with the ignition key.

The cigarette lighter sockets/fuses of many cars though are a bit poor and you would probably be best to check the wires and fuse rating can handle the up to 15 amps.

Using seperate chargers and supplies that work off 12v is a good idea though and thats what we do and you can work towards this over time.
We still have a laptop that uses 14v supply (not the now more common 19v) so we need no inverter , or laptop power supply for it - we just have a direct 12vdc cable to the laptop and this save a lot of mess and wiring.

I was originally going through the same questioning a couple of years back.. I ended up getting a 500w invertor and to be honest it is overkill..

If you are only looking to charge things etc then go for a little 150w invertor and you will be happy with it... you will be able to plug these little suckers into your cigarette power socket and charge while you drive etc.. the bigger ones only have battery clips so you need to connect directly to the battery which means lifiting the bonnet once you are stopped etc.. they also have a heavier power usage just to run the invertor.

Now my 500w invertor sits in the back shed and has never been used since.

As for pure or modified sine I can't help.. I have heard that a laptop needs pure sine to work but I would just use the smaller invertor to charge the battery through the day and then it would last an hour or two when charged anyway... plenty enough for me!

Had my c/t trailer at the auto today to have some work done and asked this very question. His recommendation was to get a true sine wave inverter as the other kind will always suffer power spikes which will eventually kill the battery on your gear. The true sine wave provides level power. He drew drew some lovely diagrams so my wife could understand him!
His advice was that you could only use the ordinary inverter for a short period. Convinced us anyway.