I'm looking into a DIY project or reasonable commercial product for creating a portable power source for running my laptop at a trade-shows. Typically they charge several hundreds of dollars for supplying AC power per show, and with my basic knowledge, it should be feasible to make a battery/voltage regulator/charger system that could save me big bucks over time.
I'd want to power the device for about 10 hours.
I know that my machine typically runs on 90w AC powersupply, putting out 19vdc.
What's the best route to take? Some ideas I've seen so far:
A deep cycle 12v marine battery + car adapter.
A 3pack of 6v gel cells + dc/dc voltage regulator.
commercial battery pack with AC outlet, (about 600Ah).
Thanks in advance for your insight and advice!
Portable Laptop Power supply
Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- pburgess
- Posts: 4161
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:29 am
Re: Portable Laptop Power supply
Unless it's a MacBook, easiest would just be a few spare laptop batteries in your bag, and swap through the day. This would mean some intermittent down-time though.
I kind of doubt the local electricians union will take too kindly to your rolling in with a big ol' power pack. I've seen entire show setups halted over smaller issues.
I kind of doubt the local electricians union will take too kindly to your rolling in with a big ol' power pack. I've seen entire show setups halted over smaller issues.
- zener
- Posts: 4567
- Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:38 am
Re: Portable Laptop Power supply
Yeah, if you make your own AC they will probably just bill you for it... I concur on the idea of spare batteries. That will be cheaper and smaller than the alternative anyway.
As far as selling it as a product, you get back to the question of whether the union will allow anyone to use it. I don't think they will allow you to bring your own piece of carpet...
As far as selling it as a product, you get back to the question of whether the union will allow anyone to use it. I don't think they will allow you to bring your own piece of carpet...
-
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:50 am
Re: Portable Laptop Power supply
You could try this: http://revision3.com/systm/hackedups
- philba
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:59 pm
Re: Portable Laptop Power supply
Another idea would be to get a UPS sized for your laptop. Charge it before hand and then just plug into it at the show.
-
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:50 am
Re: Portable Laptop Power supply
Another example of someone doing this DIY: http://lifehacker.com/5898653/hack-toge ... ack-for-60
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.