12 volt power inverter

[to_easy]

i was thinking of getting one. what i want it for is just to run a light or too off it and maybe a radio at night when im camping . or would i be better to get a generator.

[j-top paj]

cant use 12v for lighting? it would probably be more efficient.

what type of lighting you talking about? just for a small campsite?

[to_easy]

yeah just for a small campsite, i was thinking about getting a genny just something small and cheap, but then you have to put up with the noise of it .

[chimpboy]

I got a fairly basic inverter from Jaycar for about $90.

300W. It's good for pretty much anything, the types of things you can't run are things with heating elements, like hair dryers etc.

Coupled with dual batteries, this is a pretty good way to go imho.

I would go for a generator only if I needed a lot more than 300W of power, and even then I'd find the noise and bulk really irritating.

But yes, I would also consider 12V fluoros for lighting. Then again, I'd have both, an inverter to allow bringing various things from home, plus some 12V lighting.

[j-top paj]

for lighting you could get some $10 12v fluro work lights. i usually use one or two when camping. good for cooking etc...
but if you really need 240v then get an inverter. a generator is too bulky,noisy,dirty etc... for just a small campsite. if you were camping for a week or so with a few people then maybe it would be worth it.
take a look at the jaycar online shop for some deals they have,
i managed to pick up a 1000w sinewave inverter for around $300.
but if you want it really basic then just pick up one of the 300w square wave cheapies.

[chimpboy]

but if you want it really basic then just pick up one of the 300w square wave cheapies.

Mine is modified square wave. I don't think it's an issue for any of my uses, certainly not a problem for phone chargers, laptop power supplies etc., and even less so for lights and so on.

[j-top paj]

yeh it wouldnt be an issue for basic things, but i was thinking its only $300 so i went the sinewave one just incase i want to use something that wouldnt like a square wave or modified sinewave

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

Square wave is pretty rough on everything. The diodes in electronics often can't switch that fast blowing the switch mode power supply.

Modified square wave is fine for nearly all electronics. Electronics dont need sine wave.

Sine wave is best for anything induction - transformers and AC electric motors. Anything with a coil.

On a side note - what's the highest wattage 12V flouro anyone has found?

I have found a 240C 25W CF unit, but it's too big to fit into any of the "worklight" holders. I'm looking for something equivalent to a large gas single element camping lantern.

Thanx
Paul

[jop]

go led lighting, christmas type - bunnings or similar
last forever on battery, minimal current draw
just make sure on light output, some are crappy

back on topic - i got jaycar sinewave 300w - excellent buying