[Elecraft] Mobile from 117 VAC

[Dauer, Edward]

Previous threads provided a great deal of info about arranging automobile electrical systems to power HF rigs.  But as I recall, it all focused on using the battery / alternator supply for the 13 VDC.  Though I wanted to go mobile and still do, for a number of reasons I could not configure my car to do it properly.  I am now thinking of buying a new SUV which has 117 VAC outlets in its rear cargo space.  That makes me wonder – could I just use an ordinary 117 VAC to 13 VDC power supply, exactly as I do at home, just plug it in and – staying within the car’s rated current draw – operate without worrying about where the ground goes vis-à-vis the battery, what-all needs to be bonded with what-all-else, how everything needs to be mummified in ferrite, etc?  Or are the problems all the same even though different?  My objective is simple.  I want to be able to drive to a rare county, set up my buddipole in a parking lot, and use either a XX3/KXPA or a K2/100 to knock out some CW QSOs.  I do NOT want to take an electric drill or a rivet gun to a new car.

Has anyone gone mobile using a car’s 117 VAC outlets?  Any thoughts to share?  Any thoughts from anyone who for any reason hasn’t done it?

Ted, KN1CBR  (operating this week as N0A in the NAQCC anniversary event.  Give a call if you hear me.  Mostly 20 or 40 CW)

Tnx.