PC power source

[Pryce]

I can't image from home so I have to travel. Unfortunately I don't have regular access to power. So I've been looking and looking but I can't seem to find any way to power my laptop without a main power source. 

 

Are there any portable alternatives out there? 

[DaveL59]

worth stating what laptop and its power requirements else its all a bit of a punt in the dark. Many need 19/19.5v some less and some need a smart-tip connector. There are some LiPo packs that will give 19v but a lot will depend on what the power draw is going to be in terms of how long they'll run for.

[Tomatobro]

I have used  a small petrol generator and a long extension lead for power in the field. On a full tank it will run for 7 hours at a modest load.

[david_taurus83]

A laptop is very power hungry. Have you considered an alternative like the ASIAir or a Raspberry Pi? Or a mini PC? If that's not an option then a leasure battery should do with one of those invertors than can bump 12v up to 19v or so for most laptops. I have one in my van so can charge up at work when not in the office. Something like this.

 

[Pryce]

Lenovo E31-80 is the laptop

I have considered a petrol generator, but that's gonna make my setup even less portable, haha.  It's definitely on the table for when I have my observatory though.

 

 

[SmokeyJoe]

+1 for the Asiair over a laptop.  So much easier and can be run from a power tank. 

[Pryce]

I'm quite sceptical to asair and rapsberry pi.  

I like having the interface that a laptop gives me.

[DaveL59]

Something like this should drive it off a 12V source if you have one with enough capacity

https://www.onbuy.com/gb/lenovo-e31-80-compatible-laptop-power-dc-adapter-car-charger~c8741~p11637217/

 

[Pryce]

35 minutes ago, DaveL59 said:

Something like this should drive it off a 12V source if you have one with enough capacity

https://www.onbuy.com/gb/lenovo-e31-80-compatible-laptop-power-dc-adapter-car-charger~c8741~p11637217/

 

Ah man. Thank you!  I have been looking (what feels like) everywhere without being able to find one! 

[Shimrod]

1 hour ago, Pryce said:

Ah man. Thank you!  I have been looking (what feels like) everywhere without being able to find one! 

How much power do you need? I use a £33 powerbank to extend my laptop usage time by about 4 hours (plus however long the laptop battery lasts). It's about the size and weight of a small paperback book (or a Kindle for those wondering what  paperback is!) - a couple of those aren't too much of an issue to carry around if you only need to keep you laptop going through a single night.