Van electrical

[jimu57]

Most all locksmiths have a mobile business. And I would most, at least in the US use a 24 vdc to 120 vac inverter to power duplicators, etc. My question is that do most use a pure sine wave inverter or modified sinewave type? I am thinking of everything that will run of the inverter. Motors. Maybe some lights. Maybe some ac powered hand tools. But what about computers. I cant find much about power for a laptop via an inverter. Almost sounds ridiculous to covert 12 vdc to 120 vac and back to dc for a computer. Just looking for some assistance since I am sure mobile guys on here have been thru this at least once.

[RedE]

If it's the budget, you'll definitely want to get a sine wave inverter. The motors on your key machines will run cooler and will not run with reduced torque like they might with a modified sine wave inverter.

As far as laptops go, most these days use switching power supplies, meaning that a modified some wave is OK for them. A good way to tell if your laptop has this type of supply is to look at the input voltage rating. If it gives a range like 120-240VAC 50/60Hz then its most likely the switching type, whereas if it's just like 120VAC 60Hz then it most likely is not switching.

[RedE]

I just found a write up on inverters from Locksmith Ledger. It seems to cover points that are important for the mobile locksmith.
Here it is: http://www.locksmithledger.com/article/11217689/inverter-basics-115vac-at-your-fingertips

[jimu57]

Thanks RedE. That helps a lot. Have you ever heard of anyone using a second battery located near the inverter that was wired in parallel with the main battery under the hood?

[Sinifar]

With the Transit Connect, I am using a 300 watt inverter - it works okay - not exactly a power house, but mostly I cut keys on the road with a HPC 1200 punch - or A-1 ... Back in the day we had a Rediline 2500.

This is a motor-generator unit which produces smooth sine wave 120 volts AC out of 12 volts DC. Try here -- http://redilinegenerators.com/ Trust me there is nothing like the amps and power which a full unit provides.

Wire to the battery with a 50 amp cartridge fuse on the line between the unit and the battery ..

Enjoy!

Sinifar