Clint Sharp wrote:
In message , Claude
Hopper writes
Cheap inverters put out a modified sign wave that looks more like a
stepped pyramid than a sing wave. Not good for electronics and
transformers.

Cheap UPS devices designed to run servers and PCs only put out a
modified sine wave, they seem to cope fine.

About the only symptom I've ever seen from using devices on inverters
in my cars is that they generate a little more noise than they normally
would when under load. Other than that, nothing. All of my laptops have
been run in the car on inverters but I'd have to agree with another
poster, the most efficient way to do this is with a DC to DC converter.

Certainly more efficient; but I change laptops too often to buy a
dedicated 12v supply every time. The 110 inverter works for me; but I
'have' seen universal models. My Dell laptop is sensitive to power
supplies, though. The cheap Targus unit that came with it will run the
computer, but won't charge the battery (one of the reasons I got it so
cheap).

jak