[Frick]

Originally Posted by PVTCaboose1337

Sad. You guys seem to have little electronics background.

I actually RUN my computer on a car battery (rather 2) when the power goes out. I have 2 car batteries, one from my father's Camaro, and one from my car, both are somewhat in working order. Anyway, I have a transformer that converts the 12 volts (DC) to 120v (AC). How did I accomplish such a feat? Well I pretty much had one of those 12v to 120v converters built into a car I found in the junk yard. I took it. Works fine, rated to 700w. My computer and monitor together draw 600+w, so it is about right!

When I actually ended up using these batteries hooked up, fully charged, they lasted 2.5 hours (in parallel mind you) before I was out. Also, warning everyone, you cannot die from the car battery as is, you can touch your hands across the leads, but once you use a transformer like I did, you can die. Lets just say 1 hand behind your back is a good idea so the amps don't cross your heart.

After I finish my paper I can do some sweet calculations (theoretical, remember efficiency is more like 50% than 100%).

Solaris might be able to tell you more in the meantime... he is pretty good with electronics as well!

That's pretty much what people are saying. it works, but for a limited amount of time.

BTW, those converter things could be had for pretty cheap.