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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2014 19:20:09 GMT
Another thought...
Why do you need to charge your Mac (or any lappie battery) battery anyway as you're probably never going to use your lappie whilst away from your vehicle.?
I have an Acer Windoze machine but have never used its battery as I either run it directly off the mains when and if on a site, or run it directly off the leisure batteries using a 90W Auto-Voltage Car/Air Laptop Adaptor (from Maplins £19.99) via either the habitation 12v socket or my cab 12v socket, whichever is the nearest.
I don't think this will do for a Mac, but there may well be something similar which does.
Am I talking more Bollox here?
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Post by tugboat on Apr 7, 2014 19:39:43 GMT
The mains power supply on my MBPro automatically charges up the battery whenever it is connected, even when the laptop is being used. More amps in than out.
There may be something in what you say, Knackers old bean, voltage drop is a perennial problem with 12 volt systems if the wiring gauge is too small over a long run. On my boat I used massive cable up the mast to retain brightness of mast-top lights.
The OP might try connecting his charger direct to a leisure battery with crocodile clips and see what happens. It would at least determine if the charger is OK. If so, just beefing up the cable size to his preferred socket would suffice.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2014 19:56:40 GMT
The mains power supply on my MBPro automatically charges up the battery whenever it is connected, even when the laptop is being used. More amps in than out. Can't you remove the battery from Macbooks then and do as I do/suggested? Voltage drop is often caused by convertors using the smallest, cheapest cable they can to run the circuits, both in caravans and motorhomes. In my old caravan, I couldn't plug my TV into the forward 12v socket and expect it to work, but it would work off the rear socket for a while, though neither circuit was damaged in any way. However, connecting it directly to the battery with croc clips (as you suggest) it would run for hours, no problem. Your suggestion is a good one.
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Barry B'stard
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Post by Barry B'stard on Apr 7, 2014 21:19:05 GMT
Its probably stepping the voltage up to 19v. IF you check the back of the Puter it should say what voltage it is or needs for input. I think this has something to do with it sending the dial bonkers. Dunno why though. Mine does the same and its only the laptop charger that does that. The TV doesnt, phone chargers etc dont.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2014 21:28:23 GMT
Yes, you're correct, Barry, I've just re-read the instructions that came with it - it steps the vehicle/leisure battery up to 19v 4.7A continuous for my Acer but with the appropriate tip will do anything from 9.5v 6A up to 20v 4.5A with an input voltage of 10-30v DC.
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phodetheus
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Post by phodetheus on Apr 7, 2014 22:17:03 GMT
Yes this is the one I have and works great off the cab sockets but won't work off the habitation sockets. It keeps cutting out of charging and also sends my volt meter nuts. Its extremely annoying as its the only thing stopping me from wilding in one place for more than one night unless I want to run the engine for a couple of hours each day. I am hoping that someone with a knowledge of 12 volt stuff may be able to tell me why and if fixable otherwise I am destined to always need hook up I'm no expert, except at talking Bollox, but if your charger works off the cab socket with the engine running but not off your habitation 12v sockets, could it be due to the voltage being too low on the latter (or is this a completely stupid thought?). I mean, when your engine is running, the alternator is putting out something like 13.8volts into your vehicle battery, so the voltage in the cab socket might be high enough to charge your Mac whereas the voltage available through your leisure batteries is likely to be in the region of 12.7 volts if fully charged and will be less once you have used them a little. I notice, for example, that the input for that charger has to be in the range of 11.5 - 16 volts, so if your leisure batteries are getting old and/or not holding their charge too well, it may be that they are unable to power your charger. Okay, so I'm talking Bollox (again), but it might be worth investigating further. I have a feeling you may be right and is along the lines of my thoughts however I am no expert on such things and no idea if there is a solution. All I know is that both my batteries are new so should not be at fault.
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phodetheus
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Post by phodetheus on Apr 7, 2014 22:23:26 GMT
Yes this is the one I have and works great off the cab sockets but won't work off the habitation sockets. It keeps cutting out of charging and also sends my volt meter nuts. Its extremely annoying as its the only thing stopping me from wilding in one place for more than one night unless I want to run the engine for a couple of hours each day. I am hoping that someone with a knowledge of 12 volt stuff may be able to tell me why and if fixable otherwise I am destined to always need hook up The 12v charger I have from Maplins sends our habitation volt meter a bit nuts as well. Starts waving about a bit like its pulling a large load. I reckon Listerdiesel on FACTS (Peter) would be the one to ask. Since I got my solar panel though I tend to charge it when wilding mid morning when the amps are belting into the battery and it seems ok. Ah I might give that a try one day when we get some sun And if that is the case I will be ok once we get down to where the sun is.
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Post by tugboat on Apr 8, 2014 8:24:19 GMT
Macs are far too classy to have stuff about voltages written underneath!
However the PSU says the output is 16.5volts. I wonder how important the half volt is?
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Post by Miculo on Apr 9, 2014 8:46:27 GMT
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phodetheus
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Post by phodetheus on Apr 9, 2014 15:54:47 GMT
That's the one I have. That's not the problem I think it's my 12v system that's got issues.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2014 17:24:24 GMT
Are there any Electronical Geniuses You are having a laugh aren't you.? Told you.
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phodetheus
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Post by phodetheus on Apr 10, 2014 16:53:06 GMT
You are having a laugh aren't you.? Told you. Worth a go though.
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Post by fatwelshbuddha on Apr 10, 2014 19:12:00 GMT
shouldn't it be genii?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2014 5:54:11 GMT
Cowboys would be nearer the mark.
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Post by tugboat on Apr 11, 2014 7:48:38 GMT
Poor old OP asks a civil question and gets a load of shite.
He should have known better than to ask a load of Fruitcakes.
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