Is it possible to build an airplane power adapter for a notebook?

[Shippy]

I'm sure radio shack has all the parts for less than $80 (the cheapest I could find a new universal kit). Anyone ever try this before?

 

[Burner]

you mean like something that takes a 12v cigarette lighter thing to your laptop? I think my laptop takes 18v in, so you theoretically just need a good step up circuit. The problem might be that laptops are fairly sensitve to input power (at least I think so, or they wouldn't have the expensive feedback circuit in the power adapters) so you probably have to do some kind of good control. Theoretically I don't think it would be that hard, buy my analog circuit skills aren't good enough to help you out.

 

[blahblah99]

What you need my friend, is this miracle chip that'll solve all your problems.. They even give samples, so the most you'll spend is probably $10 for external components and a few hours out of your day.

 

[Mark R]

That chip only supports a max output voltages 16.5V - not enough to power reliably the laptop. However, the idea of using a virtually monolithic SMPS is a very sound one.

There will almost certainly be a chip that will do what you want with minimal external components.

 

[Dulanic]

I think it would just be cheaper to spend $50 and get something like this no?

http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11029734&m=1481&cat=1485&scat=838

 

[Shippy]

The main thing is to power it in an airplane, and they have a special adaptor (on the plane) for 12v. Anyways, the universal auto/air kits sell for around 20-40 on ebay. Too bad I waited too long (as I'm leaving on a 17 hour trip on tuesday). I was hoping it would be as simple as buying a $10 car power adapter and splicing the airplane adapter on the end. Oh well.

 

[Evadman]

Maxim has a huge supply of voltage changing and modifcation chips. I will look though my catolouges. I have tons from them.