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12 volt DC to 120 volt AC — Parallax Forums

12 volt DC to 120 volt AC

LightfootLightfoot Posts: 228
edited 2006-06-02 08:42 in General Discussion
What is the simplest way to generate a 60 cycle sine wave and step it up to 120 volts with a transformer?

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Comments

  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2006-06-01 21:21
    Buying a DC-to-AC converter?

    They sell them in some auto-equipment stores, boat-suppliers, camping and even electronics stores.

    Don't try to mess around and build things like this unless you really know what you're doing as mistakes tends to be costly, and is frowned upon by the fire-department and insurers. (Besides, why reinvent the wheel?)

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  • LightfootLightfoot Posts: 228
    edited 2006-06-01 21:32
    If I build them I can get more power for less money. This is also a small potato compared to working with vacuum tube circuits.

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    Well well, I'm seeing things, three of them.

    -Stanley Blystone
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2006-06-01 22:23
    Just ran across this today: http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/INV-300/search/300W_POWER_INVERTER_.html

    A gaurentee you wont be able to make a UL certifiable, properly enclosed 300W inverter suitible for automobiles for under $50.

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  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-06-01 22:57
    Even if you had a 300W inverter, your car battery would have to supply 300W if the converter was 100 percent efficient, which it isn't.· Inverters have about a 60 percent efficiency, so your car battery would have to supply something like 40 amps.· How long would it last at that current draw?

    Sid

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    ·
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2006-06-01 23:11
    The idea is you have to have the car running to keep the battery charged when running significant loads. BTW the thing retails for $150.

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    1+1=10
  • LightfootLightfoot Posts: 228
    edited 2006-06-01 23:54
    It is better to make them lower wattage, I agree, but tell that to the Laptop and appliance makers devil.gifdevil.gifdevil.gif. Too bad the environment can't strike back at them yeah.gifyeah.gifyeah.gif.

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    Well well, I'm seeing things, three of them.

    -Stanley Blystone
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2006-06-02 06:30
    And THAT is why I love my iBook.
    The charger is only rated at 45W...

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  • ktekxktekx Posts: 71
    edited 2006-06-02 08:42
    I've seen inexpensive generator rigs using a small gas engine (something like a lawn mower) rigged to a car alternator that charges some batteries. The batteries power an inverter, this is obviously useful in situations where there is a power failure.
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