cf-30 12 volt power supply

i want to get a 12volt power suppy for my truck , now is it ok that the power supply stays plugged in , or if i hard wire it in to a key power for my truck . i was going to a inverter and hard wire that in
what do you guys think

 

Get a 12v power adapter for a IBM Thinkpad. Just make sure it has the 16v output and NOT 19v.

 

can i leave it on all the time ???

 

I would run it to a ignition switched circuit or install a dedicated switch. I have seen many a dead battery otherwise.

 

thanks guys i think i am going to go with a inverter i would have options

 

If you go with an inverter get a commercial duty type. The standard ones are crap and FIRE hazards.
I did get a commercial duty one for my own use...still need to install it.

I'll post brand and model later on once I get home.

 

If you use your TB a lot in a auto and your in and out a lot thought the day. I have added these 12v (LVD) add on that will protect the car battery from being run down to far. The ToughBook stays up throught the day even if I an in and out of vehicle with switch on or off.

With the correct voltage cutoff, many times I just let the LVD automatically turn off the TB. Then the next day when I start the motor the LVD will reset and auto power is restored to TB.

(one need to make sure the cut off volts will leave plenty reserve to start the next day.) I have had good luck so far not draining battery.

I taped the fuse block that is hot all the time, and direct wired it to the Ledco docking station. Docking station has a built in charger. So I am always charged and seldom waiting for a computer booting.

LOW VOLTAGE DISCONNECT

1x Add A Fuse Tap Piggy Back Blade Fuse Holder Y5RG | eBay

 

I have a 600 watt unit found at this site.

http://www.hdm-sys.com/products/inverters_msw.php

 

i would go with a dedicated 12vdc to 16vdc power supply (these also run on 110vac ... a bonus) .
i have been using this type on my '30 and it is the clear answer to a need .
running an inverter (12vdc to 120vac) and then into a 110vac to 16vdc power supply/charger is a waste ...
nothing is 100% efficient ... so , you have the losses in the inverter ... you would actually be discharging your vehicle battery faster .
also ... it is hard to beat a solution that was designed to meet a specific need .
the other chaps here could perhaps post links , one fellow may even have a couple on hand .

these units are not all that expensive ...
i left my dual voltage charger/power supply at my sister's place about 1000 miles away .
it was cheaper to get a *new* unit than to have her ship the old one to me .
besides , it gives me yet another reason to visit her and my BIL .

ps ... putting a switch on the input side of the charger/supply is always a good idea in your type of application .
while the unit will "fold back" (low power consumption) when not actually being hooked up to the laptop , it is not a good safety policy to leave any such devices powered up and unattended for long periods of time .

 

If you want to do it "right" Spend the money and go with the same setup the Police and Fire use.
Lind 12v to 16v for a Toughbook and a Lind shutdown timer.

 

I have a half dozen of the IBM kits kicking around.