Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Ray & Sandy Erps on February 18, 2004, 09:55:42 AM

Title: Computers on boats
Post by: Ray & Sandy Erps on February 18, 2004, 09:55:42 AM
I have a surplus desktop CPU with a smallish footprint that I've been thinking of putting in the boat.  I'd rather use a notebook but gotta work with what I have.  I have one of those 200w inverters that I used with an old 386 notebook computer when 486's were cool.  Seems like most desktops use a 200 watt power supply inside so I thought I might get by with a 200 watt inverter.  Anyone try it already?
Title: Computers on boats
Post by: Norris Johnson on February 18, 2004, 04:59:40 PM
Yes, I have a 200 watt inverter that supplies a 1997 Compac Presario laptop. At requires 18.6 volts DC. It has First Mate software downloaded and my Garmen 12 connected. Works fine, except when racing for 24 hrs with no engine, no reffer, it will pull the two banks of 4 golf cart batteries down to 12.5 volts (not too bad).Great display though!
Title: Computers on boats
Post by: Norris Johnson on February 22, 2004, 06:19:33 PM
Sorry Ray, I made a mistake. After going to my boat this weekend, I looked at my inverter and discovered I have a 300 watt inverter.