Power Inverters
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Power Inverters
I need a power inverter to run a PC from the truck & harbor freight has the Chicago electric 2000 watt modified sine wave on sale for $149
Problem is that harbor freight stuff is usually low end.
Anyone use one of these? Are they any good?
Is 2000 watt continuous 4000 peak enough to run a computer and inkjet type printer ?
Thanks, KarlJay
Problem is that harbor freight stuff is usually low end.
Anyone use one of these? Are they any good?
Is 2000 watt continuous 4000 peak enough to run a computer and inkjet type printer ?
Thanks, KarlJay
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
A 1000 W inverter will easily run a personal computer and monitor. Harbor Freight is scarry, and electronics from them is, buyer be ware. I bought a Statpower, I believe Northern tool sells them, made in Canada, and mine has worked great since 2000, (Y2K). Just try to stay away form electrical stuff made in China and you should be fine.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
1000 watts should be sufficient - but I'd look for a true sinewave inverter if I'm powering an expensive laptop. Some of the stepped semi-sine wave inverters don't work well with the more sensitive electronics.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Just checked out some in an ad from PepBoys:
Vector 1200 $99
2000 $199
I'll be running 1 PC (non laptop) w/ 15" flatscreen and 1 old dotmatrix printer and sometimes a NiHm battery charger for flashlight batteries (this is optional)
Most PC's have about 400watt power supply but I doubt they actually USE that much. The printer probably doesn't use more than about 50 watts, but that's just a wild guess.
Do you guys think the 1200 would work?
Is Vector a good brand?
Here's a link that has the specs, but I don't understand 'modified' sinewave output
http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/vector_1200.html
Is 'modified' sinewave good for a PC, should I run a UPS between the PC and the inverter?
Thanks KarlJay
Vector 1200 $99
2000 $199
I'll be running 1 PC (non laptop) w/ 15" flatscreen and 1 old dotmatrix printer and sometimes a NiHm battery charger for flashlight batteries (this is optional)
Most PC's have about 400watt power supply but I doubt they actually USE that much. The printer probably doesn't use more than about 50 watts, but that's just a wild guess.
Do you guys think the 1200 would work?
Is Vector a good brand?
Here's a link that has the specs, but I don't understand 'modified' sinewave output
http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/vector_1200.html
Is 'modified' sinewave good for a PC, should I run a UPS between the PC and the inverter?
Thanks KarlJay
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 385
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Modified sine wave means it is not a true sine wave, ie it is a rough approximation. If you get an inverter with a modified sine wave, don't use a surge protected power strip. The circuits inside will clamp down on the modified sine wave and you will hear clicking and possibly damage the power strip. Use a plane ole extension cord. Most PCs power supplies are filtered enough to give acceptable results. I don't know anything about Vector inverters, but I stand behind my NON CHINA statement above. I have torn into enough of this junk to know.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Originally Posted by ford390gashog
way more than enough. to find the required wattage take the amps of the computer and printer and multiply by 120 my guess is 4 amps total or 480 watts. use a good quality one.
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