[Elecraft] Mobile from 117 VAC

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Although when using our travel trailer, I operate the radio from the 12V 
battery system,  I do have installed a 12 volt to 120 volt pure sine 
wave inverter.  This takes care of things such as computer, microwave, 
TV's and of course the all required "hair dryer" and etc.    The unit is 
rated at 2KW.   I've located it very near the battery using #4AWG copper 
for battery connections.    I've made provisions to switch the entire 
trailer over between "external" power and "internal" power.    We often 
camp where there is no electric service and may not be able to run the 
generator due to "quiet hours".  Overall the unit works well, seems to 
be about 85% efficient based on load,  and is reasonably RF noise 
free.   As to 120 VAC provided in vehicles........I don't have any 
history or knowledge.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/9/2017 12:48 AM, Erik Basilier wrote:
> The 117V  AC may be produced by the vehicle using an inverter similar to those sold as separate devices. Years ago I was using one of those and found out that they would not allow the ground pin on the AC outlet to be connected to the 12V minus connection. If that is the case, you would have to be careful hooking things up.
>
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dauer, Edward
> Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2017 8:19 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] Mobile from 117 VAC
>
> 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.
>