jseyfert3
Well-Known Member
If you haven't yet got the computer, get a laptop.
If you already have the computer...you may want to consider selling it and getting a laptop if you want a cordless setup.
Keep in mind that while a UPS will work, the batteries inside aren't made to deep cycle much, because UPS are not designed to power things on the regular, so using it on a regular basis will likely quickly use up the battery life.
A better way is likely a deep cycle battery and a 12 volt to 19.5 volt (or whatever your computer power brick uses) adapter, i.e. a mobile laptop power supply. This should be more efficient then using a 12 volt battery to make 120 volts AC and dropping that down to 19.5 volts DC.
Problem with this is the "deep cycle" lead acid batteries at your local big box store are not "true" deep cycle batteries, and won't last for very many cycles to 50% capacity and below. I did a lot of research for this for our camper for off grid camping and ended up with two Trojan T-105 batteries for like $350 for the pair...and those weigh 60 lbs each, the downside of true deep cycle lead acid batteries is they are super heavy. And you STILL don't want to regularly cycle below 50% capacity for best life...
How often will you be using this? If once a week or more...I cannot say how strongly I suggest coming up with a way to use a power cord or buying a laptop or tablet. Trying to use a UPS or inverter you'll likely go through batteries like candy, unless you buy expensive and super heavy true deep cycle batteries, or get lithium batteries. But by the time you get batteries, a charger, etc you could have gotten a laptop...
If you're set on using this the suggestion from someone prior of a small UPS and an extension cord is good. Use the UPS so you can unplug and move the cart somewhere, then grab your extension cord and plug it back in.
Otherwise get a laptop/tablet...
If you already have the computer...you may want to consider selling it and getting a laptop if you want a cordless setup.
Keep in mind that while a UPS will work, the batteries inside aren't made to deep cycle much, because UPS are not designed to power things on the regular, so using it on a regular basis will likely quickly use up the battery life.
A better way is likely a deep cycle battery and a 12 volt to 19.5 volt (or whatever your computer power brick uses) adapter, i.e. a mobile laptop power supply. This should be more efficient then using a 12 volt battery to make 120 volts AC and dropping that down to 19.5 volts DC.
Problem with this is the "deep cycle" lead acid batteries at your local big box store are not "true" deep cycle batteries, and won't last for very many cycles to 50% capacity and below. I did a lot of research for this for our camper for off grid camping and ended up with two Trojan T-105 batteries for like $350 for the pair...and those weigh 60 lbs each, the downside of true deep cycle lead acid batteries is they are super heavy. And you STILL don't want to regularly cycle below 50% capacity for best life...
How often will you be using this? If once a week or more...I cannot say how strongly I suggest coming up with a way to use a power cord or buying a laptop or tablet. Trying to use a UPS or inverter you'll likely go through batteries like candy, unless you buy expensive and super heavy true deep cycle batteries, or get lithium batteries. But by the time you get batteries, a charger, etc you could have gotten a laptop...
If you're set on using this the suggestion from someone prior of a small UPS and an extension cord is good. Use the UPS so you can unplug and move the cart somewhere, then grab your extension cord and plug it back in.
Otherwise get a laptop/tablet...
