Time for an inverter - how to size?

[rob_gendreau]

I use a Harborfreight one as well; works great. I wired it directly to the VAN battery with some fairly large wire, fused. I use it almost exclusively to charge laptop batteries since these usually require more than 12v. I use the van battery because generally I want to charge them while driving and not run down my house batteries. But I've got connectors so I can do that if needs be.

I would suggest that you look for a 12v charger (cig lighter) for the two camera batteries, IF they are external. Whether you could make one for an internal battery depends on whether the appropriate charging circuitry is in the camera, or in the charger itself.

[xcnick]

Originally Posted by rob_gendreau

I wired it directly to the VAN battery with some fairly large wire, fused.

I didn't wire it direct because I read something about inverters using power even when not in use. I try to time charging with running the van and then use the van battery through the cig lighter in the dash. Francesca finds this a bit annoying. If we are going somewhere and I tell her time to plug in her computer I always get "But I already put it away!"

[Tapatio]

Originally Posted by xcnick

I didn't wire it direct because I read something about inverters using power even when not in use. I try to time charging with running the van and then use the van battery through the cig lighter in the dash. Francesca finds this a bit annoying. If we are going somewhere and I tell her time to plug in her computer I always get "But I already put it away!"

They don't use power if turned off. They draw about .5-.75 amps while on, sitting idle without a load. Typically referred to as the "no load current draw" in specifications sheets.

[larrie]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful and exactly the information I was looking for. I found the Don Rowe site as well. Lots of choice and good information.