Power adapter from cigarette lighter - questions

[Tony Propp]

Hey I used one of those all this week, I did alot of driving and my computer was on the whole time, I also have an Acer and it worked great! I am almost positive it won't blow a fuse, like I said I used it all day for most the week and no problems at all, and that is also with the radio on and lights and AC and everything else, I never busted a fuse so have fun!

 

[Mark Blue]

Thanks for the responses. But that raises another question - would I be less likely to blow the fuse if I used a DC-AC power inverter, or would I be drawing about the same amount with either setup? The amplifier for the aircard has cords to run off either AC or the cigarette lighter, so it would be possible for me to use either the setup I first described or get an inverter and plug both the computer and amplifier into it. Is there any difference in the likelihood of blowing a fuse depending on which of these setups I use?

John,

Another thing to have on hand is both types of replacement fuses. At auto parts stores they have a kit where you can buy a box with compartments in it and a fuse puller that includes every fuse you would need if you blew one in your car. Last year I had a penny fall into the cigarette lighter plug (we keep change in the ashtray) and when I tried to dig it out it shorted and blew the fuse. Replacing it was a cinch since I had the kit.

The other thing to keep on hand is some 2 or 3 amp old style glass fuses as the cellular amplifier has a fuse inside of the cigarette lighter plug. You just remove the tip where it is threaded and inside of there is an old style fuse. You can get boxes of 5 of those at auto parts stores for like a buck a piece. I've had two or three of those blow out in as many years, so I now carry a box of those just in case.

I think you'll be much happier with a DC power adapter than you would with an AC power inverter. I first bought the AC power inverter, then converted to a DC power adapter (like you bought) and was much happier in the end. It just makes more sense for me since my laptop is built for gaming so it draws quite a bit of current and the DC power adapter seems to work better in the car.

It's good to hear that you have 3 cigarette lighter plugs in your car as that's what my new SUV has and it's nice to be able to split up the gear amongst different plugs than to try and double them up and run the risk of blowing fuses and what not. I think you'll be fine with your current configuration, just keep an eye on your cigarette lighter 2-in-1 adapter (touch it every once in awhile), as if you buy an el cheapo it can get really hot. I use one of these as it's the best one I could find as far as quality goes: http://www.lindelectronics.com/cgi-bin/store/shop.cgi/!ORDERID!/other/PROEM-00043/dbx_gen_detail_product/

Thanks,
Mark