. I have a question about computer power. How do those of you
who run computers for navigation power your computer. Do you use an
inverter/converter, (not sure which is correct) or generator
It is not recommended to power your computer directly from a genset and I'll
go way out on a limb by claiming to know a little bit about this.
Computers are sensitive to:
Spikes: Jumps in the power up above 118 volts. As you can imagine,
computers have votage sensitive components which could easily be damaged.
Sags: Drops in power below 118 volts. These are particularly hard on
transformers and motors.
Transient Noise: High frequency signals carried on the 118 volt line. TN
can cause the breakdown of silicon and we all know that's how these gadgets
work.
Highly recommended that you provide a proper computer UPS which filters
noise, backs up the sags and reacts quick enough to protect you from spikes.
Some ups units will allow a small sag before jumping in and others just
ensure that you get the full 118 volts all the time.
PS: A lot of today's ups units rely on internal 12 volt gel cell batteries
which you should be able to support with your own massive house bank thereby
greatly increasing how long your ups will provide reliable power before
failing.
PPS: UPS units can be guilty of providing VERY ugly power as their battery
backups die after a steady draw brought on by the loss of their 118 power
feeds.
OK Arild and Joe.... how did I do??
Shaun aboard Rana III
. I have a question about computer power. How do those of you
> who run computers for navigation power your computer. Do you use an
> inverter/converter, (not sure which is correct) or generator
It is not recommended to power your computer directly from a genset and I'll
go way out on a limb by claiming to know a little bit about this.
Computers are sensitive to:
Spikes: Jumps in the power up above 118 volts. As you can imagine,
computers have votage sensitive components which could easily be damaged.
Sags: Drops in power below 118 volts. These are particularly hard on
transformers and motors.
Transient Noise: High frequency signals carried on the 118 volt line. TN
can cause the breakdown of silicon and we all know that's how these gadgets
work.
Highly recommended that you provide a proper computer UPS which filters
noise, backs up the sags and reacts quick enough to protect you from spikes.
Some ups units will allow a small sag before jumping in and others just
ensure that you get the full 118 volts all the time.
PS: A lot of today's ups units rely on internal 12 volt gel cell batteries
which you should be able to support with your own massive house bank thereby
greatly increasing how long your ups will provide reliable power before
failing.
PPS: UPS units can be guilty of providing VERY ugly power as their battery
backups die after a steady draw brought on by the loss of their 118 power
feeds.
OK Arild and Joe.... how did I do??
Shaun aboard Rana III
