I was in a local (New Zealand) hardware store and noticed a cheap (NZD40 = USD30) 100W inverter that plugs into a car lighter socket (so could be easily hacked to run off any 12V source). I didn't instantly grab it as I've spent too many "just $40" recently - and nothing I'm doing needs an inverter. I'm guessing you have the same kit available in the US at a similar price??
(I'm thinking that for some apps, a 20W compact fluorescent bulb running off an inverter is more efficient than a low voltage lamp?)
(I'm thinking that for some apps, a 20W compact fluorescent bulb running off an inverter is more efficient than a low voltage lamp?)
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New Zealand
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Re: Cheap inverter
Sun, August 12, 2007 - 4:50 PM
Note that inverters have standby current draw which means
that even with no load, they're still drawing down the battery.
Check the stand by current rating.
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Re: Cheap inverter
Sun, August 12, 2007 - 9:33 PMTruckstops carry such things, almost any inverter you can think of at the larger places.
The truckstop at Verdi NV, Boomtown is CLOSED, if you're looking to shop a truckstop near reno, you'll have to go to Sparks. -
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Re: Cheap inverter
Sun, August 12, 2007 - 9:57 PMYou can also try Fry's. I bought a cool 400W inverter that has banana plug, battery clamp, or cigarette lighter input options.
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Re: Cheap inverter
Sun, August 12, 2007 - 10:10 PMWe don't have truckstops in NZ - the country is so small a truckie can get to any place in one shift :-)
(We do really, but they just sell gas, food and a few basic items) -
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Re: Cheap inverter
Mon, August 13, 2007 - 5:47 AMMylarry drives truck and I've been on some of the cross-country jaunts. The big truckstops in the midwest are mind-boggling. Nevada and California, not so much, but you can buy showers.
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reno vs ...
Thu, July 3, 2008 - 9:38 PMseveral things. i am in boomtown as i write this.
spread the word........ cabela's just opened a store at this exit, and it has a 'free' rv dump. no sleeping in their lot, got to use the boomtown one an boyyyyyyyyy is it full of trucks. my luck a reffer pulled in beside my truck/trailer.
as one who has owned dozens of inverters...... kragens/shucks/checkers chain has a 400 watt that is the best of the cheapies. usually around 30 bucks, it is the only one with a thermally controlled fan. if you are only doing a cell phone, the fan doesnt have to run.
also, the truck stops at the exit for gerlack, think it is exit 46. the gas is .15 cheaper than in reno.
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Re: Cheap inverter
Tue, July 1, 2008 - 11:29 PMI just saw a 100W inverter at Home Depot today, like the one you're describing... it was $20. But you would need to plug it into your car's cigarette lighter outlet, and that means using your car's battery, which could be scary. Probably better to get one that hooks up to a separate 12v battery. I've heard of folks doing that, and then charging that battery with a solar panel throughout the day. I am currently trying to research details on how to do this. :) -
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Re: Cheap inverter
Wed, July 2, 2008 - 3:31 PMThe past couple of years on the playa I've used a portable power pack with built-in inverter, charged daily by a solar panel and charge controller.
The power pack is similar to this:
www.xantrex.com/web/id/188...product.asp
The solar panel similar to this:
www.amazon.com/Sunforce-5.../B0006JO0X8
And a charge controller similar to this:
www.amazon.com/Brunton-Co.../B000P696QS
This arrangement gives me portable power with both 12v and 120v outlets. The charge controller prevents the battery from overcharging, and likely isn't really necessary in this setup because the power pack probably already has some kind of built-in charge controller. But it would be useful if I was running a separate battery and inverter, which was my original plan.
To keep everything protected from the elements, I face my vehicle towards the south and put the solar panel inside against the windshield facing the sun. Don't forget to dust off the windshield regularly for greatest efficiency.
The nice thing about this arrangement is that it doesn't depend on my car battery. In fact, during exodus I've used the portable power pack to jump start another car with a dead battery. Having portable power is convenient for taking into the tent at night, and you could even toss it into your bike carrier if you wanted to take along some rechargeable power.
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Re: Cheap inverter
Thu, July 3, 2008 - 12:29 AM
