Mini Power Supply

LandCruiserPhil

Expedition Leader
Found the need for some power for my new base camp trailer set up <link
I tried a couple available power supplies with poor results. One tested unit would produce noise when using audio equipment. Another would not run my netbook. All tested unit where bulky and heavier then I wanted. I was unable to find one to meet all my needs so I designed my own power box coupled with a inverter and solar panel.


Features
12 volt 18AH deep cycle battery
Battery voltage meter
2 - 15amp rated power outlets
Outlets fused with auto reset breakers
25' extension cable
Clips to charge vehicle battery via solar panel
12 volt outlet from solar panel
Multiple 12volt plugs for accessories
Twin USB port for charging various types of electronics
Mini USB port cable
Charge off Land Cruiser 12volt power outlet
Charge with 110volt power outlet
Charge controller inside with auto shut off when fully charged
Charge with solar panel - can not overcharge
27watt Brunton tri-fold solar panel
Xantrex 110volt 400watt inverter - works on everything so far
Inverter displays input voltage, output voltage, watt consumed
Power box size 11.5"x7"x4.5"
Total weight of all items 8.5lbs.
 

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AA1PR

Disabled Explorer
I can not believe no one has responded, nice little kit you have created

how long at 100w consumption do you think the battery will last for? I wonder how true some of those inverters you tried were to a sine wave or were they a square wave & the device was that finicky

I went crazy trying to find the best brand of inverter & finally bought almost the first one I seen tonight (400w 800 peak)...now my fun begins
 

LandCruiserPhil

Expedition Leader
I can not believe no one has responded, nice little kit you have created

how long at 100w consumption do you think the battery will last for? I wonder how true some of those inverters you tried were to a sine wave or were they a square wave & the device was that finicky

I went crazy trying to find the best brand of inverter & finally bought almost the first one I seen tonight (400w 800 peak)...now my fun begins

Thanks so far it has served me well. I recently added a 12 volt heated blanket to the mix for winter camping.

At 100w for ~1 hour would leave the battery at the recommended 50% discharge. If you need something to handle a 100 watt I would go with a full size battery.

I also upgraded to a Blue Sea twin 2a USB outlet for iPad and charging of some Goal Zero accessories
 

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Last edited:

Crom

Expo this, expo that, exp
Phil, I was looking at your pictures again, that little red button in picture #3, when pressed does that engage the volt meter so you can view the battery status? Also, any pics of the internal wiring of your box? Just curious. Thanks.
 

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