DC to DC step up converter v inverter

[traveller]

Not sure if this has already been discussed, but I am looking at the relative merits of a DC step up converter v an inverter to power my laptop from a battery.
Has anyone done anything similar or know enough to comment?
My laptop power supply is 20V 150W.
Thanks
Bo

[Merlin66]

Bo,
I’ve been using voltage converters 12v to 15v, 120w for the past ten years on my HEQ5 and NEQ6- no issues no drama.
I also used a 12v to 19v to power my laptop for a while. Worked well, and more efficient than using an invertor.

[traveller]

Thanks Ken,
Is there a specific model/make for the 12v - 19v booster for the laptop?
Bo

[Merlin66]

Bo,
I got mine in the UK, but I’m sure you’ll find something suitable at JayCar..

[The_bluester]

In reality, using a battery, an inverter and then the normal laptop power supply IS using a DC to DC converter, it is just one in two boxes made by different manufacturers.



Doing it in a dedicated DC-DC converter would be more efficient as Ken said. They can pick an intermediate voltage and frequency based on what is most efficient rather than being bound to 240VAC 50hz.

[traveller]

So I done a bit more search, I can get something like this ready made
https://www.jaycar.com.au/150w-car-laptop-power-supply/p/MP3472
Or,
I can get one of these and wire it up to a ciggie adapter one end and laptop plug adapter the other https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/150W-DC-DC-Boost-Converter-10-32V-to-12-35V-Step-Up-Charger-Power-Module-OK/261854891839?epid=2295846555&hash=item3cf7c48f3f:g:Z2QAAOSwPgxVM MMj
I also need a 7amp fuse.
Anything I missed?
Bo

[RobF]

I wouldn't have thought to do that Ken. So you boost the voltage a bit off the 12V battery to avoid stalling or low voltage problems during slews or as battery drains?

[The_bluester]

Can I suggest if you can do it on both sides of the connector, using something like a DT connector instead of a cigarette lighter adapter, the ONLY advantages to those things is having an inline fuse and being common.

The DT connectors have a specific crimp tool but you can get cheap ones that work pretty well for about $50. I have done most of my racecar with a cheapie, though after a couple of hundred crimps my knuckles wish I bought an expensive one.

[Merlin66]

Bo, et al,
The one I'm using looks almost identical to the MP 3472, as I said it's worked well for ten years!

Powering the SW mounts at 15V stops any low voltage issues...

(I also had it powering my LX200 at 18V at one time....)

[traveller]

Thanks Paul. Yes, ciggie connectors are not ideal. I can always to Anderson plugs and an in line blade fuse.



Thanks Ken,
I was looking at powering my laptop from a battery. My mount power is not really an issue.:)

[Merlin66]

Bo,
The MP 3472 will do that job for you....
Ken