Yet Another AC Outlet Use

[cvd6262]

I tested a laptop + iRock FM-transmitter = DVD entertainment center this week on an hour-long trip with my 2-year-old. My wife rode in the back drivers-side seat, and we installed the carseat behind the passenger's seat. We folded the front seat down, put the laptop on it, and plugged it into the AC outlet. We also plugged an iRock FM-transmitter into the DC outlet, and hooked it up to the laptop.The end results was a DVD playing on the laptop, not draining the batteries, and the audio coming through the car stereo. We did have to change frequencies a couple of time, but my son didn't notice. The best part is that the only thing we didn't have already was the transmitter, and the laptop screen is a lot larger than most in-car DVD systems (and its only a 12" screen).We'll be taking a 1,600-mile round trip this week. It's about 12 hours to my folks, and we plan on leaving early in the morning. I'll be bringing the laptop for sure. Also, from this post http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=7565 , I got the idea to plug a crock pot in the AC outlet when we leave and have a nive hot lunch half way there.

[ragingfish]

My laptop is my nav system...I'm going to Colorado next week, and the computer is coming with me. Unfortunately, the rental car won't have an outlet, and my notebook batteries are shot, so I'm hoping I'll be able to navigate wherever I'm going fast! I'll be missing the vibe outlet then...

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »My laptop is my nav system...I bought a simple USB-type GPS device for my laptop which I use on trips as well. Delorme EarthmateI also was running a wireless network locator and found over 300 wireless access points on my way up to the Michigan Rally recently.Even though you can buy an inverter for any cigarette lighter, it's just cool to plug in direct to the dash.

[cvd6262]

I use the AC outlet to power my wardriving ways as well. I just plug in my Sharp Zaurus with its wireless card and listen for beeps. It's actually quite useful to know the accessible wireless networks in your neighborhood. The AC outlet is great because wireless cards drain PDA batteries quickly.I saw a $20 DC-AC converter in a store, but I wonder if it has an auto-resetting breaker like the Vibe's in-dash plug. What would happen if you tried to run a shop vac off a converter?

[Sputnik]

Unfortunately we can't plug our laptop directly into the Vibe AC outlet as ours is a three pronged plug.

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by Sputnik »Unfortunately we can't plug our laptop directly into the Vibe AC outlet as ours is a three pronged plug. You can get a ground lifter to solve that problem. Or get a cheap power strip and rip out the third pin of the plug..

[ragingfish]

We use these kinda things on low drain devices:You can get them at wally world or any electronics store. Real cheap. Not the smartest way to deal with an ungrounded outlet, but for something simple like a notebook, shouldn't be a problem. Power tools, of course, well, that's not such a hot idea...

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Quick on finding that pic! I use the same exact thing for my laptop with no problems. Before buying that, I just used a plain extension cord with a 2-prong end and plugged the laptop into that. This adapter is alot easier.

[Jahntassa]

Yup, that's the piece. We use those in television all the time to get rid of "hum" problems. For the situation of the car, it's fairly harmless. The grounding pin is mostly for lightning and static issues, so in the car, you should be fine.With the laptop, you'll definitely be fine, no worries!

[johnsoax]

My wife quickly found that she could plug in her iBook into it and watch movies with headphones on. Lately (since I got my new powerbook) she wants to use my 15.2" powerbook to do the same thing. Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »The grounding pin is mostly for lightning and static issues, so in the car, you should be fine.Actually it is mostly for noise and safety issues. Depending on the laptop you may need the ground. I know at least one of my old Apple Powerbooks uses the ground as the -DC reference for the powersupply.

[ragingfish]

If you were to run a wire from that third pin to the chassis of the car, would that be effective in terms of grounding, or in the case of a car would that be asking for trouble?

[Kazig]

The 120v potential could make a mess of the wiring if it did short. I would bet that if someone were to find a wireing diagram for the circuit they would find the 120 fully isolated.

[Mavrik]

I have used mine for Hope's (TRDVibe) laptop, digicam charger, cell phone charger when I forgot my car one and had to buy one.

[Vettephil]

HEATED DRIVER'S SEAT!Owning a 2005 Base, nothing comes with the car except the CD player and cruise control... lol. Since my gauge thermometer has been reading in the negative every morning this week, I decided to warm up my morning commute. Slapped a standard heating pad (55W) on the driver's seat, sat down, plugged in, and heated up. Love my Vibe!-PHIL

[ColonelPanic]

I've used a heating pad in mine before too when the ol' back was killing me. Worked great.

[jasonvibe]

I have a DC power supply for my laptop. I also have a 1 to 2 output cig converter. That gives me an extra 12v source. I just don't know what the 12 volt output is rated at?