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Cigarette adaptor to AC power, does it exist?

V

verytasty

Banned
I'm wondering if there is a place that sells something that will plug into your cigarette adaptor in your car and change it into an AC plug source. Is this possible? I found AC to DC, but not vice-versa. Does it exist, and if so does anyone have a link to where I could buy something like this?
 
Yes, they exist. What you are looking for is called a power inverter. Be aware that even a small, low wattage one will be ~$50. What are you trying to power?
Example
 
Well I have an iPod that I'd like to power while I'm in the car, and I also have a laptop. I could buy specialized cigarette adaptors for each, but I thought it'd be more convenient if I could get a DC-AC converter and use both at once, and save some money in the process.
 
check the voltage on the Ipod. I'm guessing it is somewhere from 6-12V DC.
But, the plug it has takes the wall current (120AC) down to the Input of XXvDC.

so you would be going car (12vDC)-->inverter(120vAC)-->Ipod's adpater (back down to whatever V DC)

so if the Ipod actually runs on DC, you can skip the whole AC step.

but, knowing apple, even the power will be some proprietrary POS setup. 😛😀
 
Yes! These adapters are wonderful. BestBuy has 300wattAC for around ~80, but I'd go to frys and pick up 150watt Wagon-tech(<-- brand) for 20 bucks (if they still have any in stock). If they're out you can pick up their normal 150watt for 30 USD.

They plug into cigarette adapter and come with either 1/2 110v ac outlet plugs. Great for powering the laptop on long trips 🙂
 
I've got the Tripp-Lite 300 watt inverter found here at Circuit City. Used it when I was an 18-wheeled truck driver. Powered my laptop and printer easily.
 
Don't buy from a retail store you will get hosed.

I bought a Jensen from buy.com. 300W / 2 Plugs for $33 plus about $5-8 for shipping. Here is the link,...


Jensen 300W


Here is the 160W one for $10 less.

Jensen 160W


The build quality in these is really nice. Metal cases, and replaceable fuses. I went to CompUSA and they had a Plastic Belkin 140W one for $80!!!!!


Here are some from Tripp Lite if you don't care for Jensen or whatever.


Tripp Lite
 
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