Looking for Power Inverter - What is my limit in WATT's?

[Rider_FJR]

I'm looking to get a small DC to AC Power inverter, so I can change my Nikon SLR. Most of the inverters on Amazon range in Watt, some are 85 WATT, while others 175 WATT.

Does anyone know what is the largest WATT limit of an inverter that I can use on 2007FJR?

Thanks.

 

[Intech]

It really depends on where you plug it in and what other farkles you have consuming electrons. Also what is the power requirement of the SLR charger?

 

[Rider_FJR]

I would plug in into the DC plug in the glove box. I dont have anything using the power, no extra frakles.

I currently have a 95 Watt Power Inverter.

Input Voltage 10.7 - 15VDC

Output Voltage: 110V/120VAC

DSL charger has these specs:

100-240V

21VA (100V) - 28VA(240V)

Output 8.4V - - - 1.2A

Input 120V ~ 60Hz .2A

 

[Intech]

If the input requirement for the charger is 120V@ .2 amps then that is only 24 watts, so the 85 watt inverter is adequate. Just remember that the glove box plug is only 2 amp max (IIRC)

 

[Rider_FJR]

How did you calculate that 120V @.2 amps is 24 watts?

And, what is the most Watts that box plug can handle?

 

[puppychow]

If the input requirement for the charger is 120V@ .2 amps then that is only 24 watts, so the 85 watt inverter is adequate. Just remember that the glove box plug is only 2 amp max (IIRC)

How did you calculate that 120V @.2 amps is 24 watts? And, what is the most Watts that box plug can handle?

Power = Voltage x Current.

I don't have a Gen II, but if the box plug is only rated for 2A. Then, when the bike is running, it can handle approx 14V x 2A = 28W. I guess I forgot to add - I won't do it.

 

[wfooshee]

The plug in the glove box will blow its fuse as soon as you turn the inverter on. It'a a VERY low-amperage circuit, designed for USB chargers, GPS units, like that.

A car's lighter plug will have a 15 or 20-amp fuse on it, the FJR's is 2.

That's not to say you can't use one of those inverters, but you'd have to connect it directly to the battery, and don't expect to run a TV set for more than a few minutes before the battery runs down enough to not crank the bike.

 

[Chuck35]

I would look for a car charger for the device

 

[Chiefblueman]

Remember that inverters are not 100% efficient, there ain't no free lunch. Generally, they are more efficient when they are used near their max out put. A 95 watt inverter used at 20 watts may be around 50% efficient, pulling 40 watts. Efficiency goes up the closer you get to 95 watts, usually topping out at 80-85%. Unless your inverter has a sleep circuit which shuts it off if no load present, the inverter will drawa small amount of power even though nothing is plugged into it. If you connect to the battery directly unswitched, could present a problem. I'm with Chuck, I'd look for a car charger.

 

[Rider_FJR]

But, what other options do I have if I want to charge DSLR with these specs: I dont have a USB option

100-240V

21VA (100V) - 28VA(240V)

Output 8.4V - - - 1.2A

Input 120V ~ 60Hz .2A

 

[mcatrophy]

Look for a replacement charger that comes with a 12v cord. I found one in the UK here:

https://www.uk-batteries-chargers.com/digital-camera-battery-chargers/products.php/NIKON/DSLR_D700

My search was something like "12v nikon dslr charger".

Make sure it's for your model (you haven't said which it is, this charger is for the D700).

Then you need to find its 12v current draw, if it's more than 2.5amps, you'll need another power socket off the battery.

 

[wfooshee]

My answer is spare batteries for the camera. 2 batteries lasted me an entire weekend at Sebring last year, about 1400 frames shot. I had a third battery and didn't need it.

If you're needing more time than that, then find power. I've been known to find a seat at Wendy's with an outlet nearby and charge stuff while I eat.

All of this assumes you're not using hotels, which would make charging pretty easy and an inverter rather pointless.

 

[Rider_FJR]

I might do that, get an extra battery and if need to stop at McDonald's and charge things up.

Thanks everyone for all the info. It's nice to hear different options and opinions.

 

[puppychow]

Open that dash panel and wire up a 12V plug to the battery.

 

[someguy]

agree with above...

i shoot a Canon D60 and 7D and find that i'm well into 1500-1800 shots before even see battery issues..

i do not shoot flash however...

would throw the batt charger in the bag and top off when stopped for food or if you camp somewhere with a shower house and an outlet, plug in there while showering

 

[oki]

What camera do you have? I got the vertical grip for my d90. It can take two batteries and even a AA carrier as backup.