Mazda6 + inverter

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Jeremy - 19 Jul 2004 19:46 GMT

I have a Targus inverter that's throwing a low batt alarm (or at least
I think it is - no instructions in the blister pack at all). It's
rated for 10A maximum draw. I'm plugging a notebook adapter into
the inverter. It's supposed to draw 1.5A max.

Unfortunately, I'm away from my owner's manual and can't check the
specs for the Mazda6 cig lighter. But as this thing is made for an
auto, I would guess it's within range of Mazda's specs.

Any ideas what may be happening? I'm using the center console
plug, not the dash. Does it make a difference?

Reply to this Message

Daniel Nguyen - 20 Jul 2004 00:54 GMT

Check to see if the fuse for the lighter is the correct amperage for the
slot ? If not just replace with the correct one or just try to put a larger
one in to see if it changes anything. Does your lighter work ? If it does
then there might be something wrong with the inverter too.

> I have a Targus inverter that's throwing a low batt alarm (or at least
> I think it is - no instructions in the blister pack at all). It's
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Any ideas what may be happening? I'm using the center console
> plug, not the dash. Does it make a difference?

Reply to this Message

Leon van Dommelen - 20 Jul 2004 14:01 GMT

>I have a Targus inverter that's throwing a low batt alarm (or at least
>I think it is - no instructions in the blister pack at all). It's
>rated for 10A maximum draw. I'm plugging a notebook adapter into
>the inverter. It's supposed to draw 1.5A max.

1.5A at 110 V?

>Unfortunately, I'm away from my owner's manual and can't check the
>specs for the Mazda6 cig lighter. But as this thing is made for an
>auto, I would guess it's within range of Mazda's specs.
>
>Any ideas what may be happening? I'm using the center console
>plug, not the dash. Does it make a difference?

Leon

Signature

Leon van Dommelen :) Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
To reply to me, the word Miata must be in the subject.
EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

Reply to this Message

Jeremy - 21 Jul 2004 17:11 GMT

>>I have a Targus inverter that's throwing a low batt alarm (or at least
>>I think it is - no instructions in the blister pack at all). It's
>>rated for 10A maximum draw. I'm plugging a notebook adapter into
>>the inverter. It's supposed to draw 1.5A max.

> 1.5A at 110 V?

Thanks for the reply guys.

The laptop charger is rated for 100-240V - 1.5A. No clue as to what
that means. I suppose the charge can be a trickle charge (ala RC
radio) depending on actual watts. Does this mean it wants 150W or
more?

The owner's manual rates the center console at 120W. The ashtray is
not rated - it says not to use it. Different gauge wiring or something?

Anyway, I think I might repost on some of the ham newsgroups. A lot
of people bypass the cigarette adapter altogether for their short band
radios.

Reply to this Message

Larry Gadbois - 21 Jul 2004 17:39 GMT

It's common to fuse the adapter outlets at 10 amperes. Your inverter may
draw 13 amperes at maximum display brightness, or more if the battery in the
computer has been discharged. It won't take long to draw down the car
battery at this discharge rate if the motor is not running.

I don't know the ampere-hour rating of the battery in the Mazda6, but it
could be around 45 ah. This means you would have about 3 hours run time
before the car battery is totally discharged.

> >>I have a Targus inverter that's throwing a low batt alarm (or at least
> >>I think it is - no instructions in the blister pack at all). It's
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> of people bypass the cigarette adapter altogether for their short band
> radios.

Reply to this Message