AC to DC or keep on DC power

[LockdownJoe]

Hi,
As we move into loadsheding season I’m looking for options to power 3 laptops, a PC and fiber router.

I can go the inverter route and charge a 24V battery when ESKOM generously provide power then convert this back to AC as needed.

BUT, this just seems wasteful of energy as all the devices need to power either require 19, 12 or 5V

looking for recommendations:
1) Just accept the AC -> DC -> AC -> DC
Or
2) Find someone who can provide solution to AC -> DC then voltage adjustments as needed.

views??

 

[chickenbeef]

#2 obviously.

2) Find someone who can provide solution to AC -> DC then voltage adjustments as needed.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

the Mecer 1200 for single 12v battery and 2400 for 2 batteries in series inverters work very well, glad i made this investment
you never know when you wanna add more stuff, like lighting for night etc

Mecer 2400VA Inverter (Community Support)

This Thread is for the Mecer Inverter only. My personal opinion on the unit: Seeing that there are lots of question and in lots if threads, here is my review/input on the Mecer Inverter. Instead of reposting I'll just reference here. I'll add more info soon. This should give you an idea what...

mybroadband.co.za

 

[ShakeSpeer]

I did this a year ago... Use 2x 12v7.2A batteries in parallel for the routers, WiFi, Raspberry Pi & Fibre (last about 7 hours)

Got a couple of these DFR0379 to adjust the voltage from 12v to 9v and another from 12v to 5v.

 

[john2017]

I am busy building the same setup at the moment, hopefully my last hardware will arrive tomorrow. Happy to share the info once finished(don't want to give info now and then you blow your stuff up)
No inverter needed. Laptops, wifi, phone charger (and house lights) on 12v battery circuit with a seperate dc-dc boost(adjustable) to 19v for laptop. Automatic battery charger. Cigarette lighter socket and usb charging point. Digital Volt and Amp indicators. All the house lights (and outside spotlights) going to 12v. Transformer(adjustable, can supply 2 x 12v circuits) with change over relay to supply 12v in case escom is working.
Looks like the whole lot is going to cost me about R3 500 - R4k. Battery included.
Spend 3 weeks cussing and pulling my hair out and looking at products and info(*&!!!), takes a bit of research.
DIY though for that price, but pretty easy once you know which road to take.

 

[TheChamp]

I am busy building the same setup at the moment, hopefully my last hardware will arrive tomorrow. Happy to share the info once finished(don't want to give info now and then you blow your stuff up)
No inverter needed. Laptops, wifi, phone charger (and house lights) on 12v battery circuit with a seperate dc-dc boost(adjustable) to 19v for laptop. Automatic battery charger. Cigarette lighter socket and usb charging point. Digital Volt and Amp indicators. All the house lights (and outside spotlights) going to 12v. Transformer(adjustable, can supply 2 x 12v circuits) with change over relay to supply 12v in case escom is working.
Looks like the whole lot is going to cost me about R3 500 - R4k. Battery included.
Spend 3 weeks cussing and pulling my hair out and looking at products and info(*&!!!), takes a bit of research.
DIY though for that price, but pretty easy once you know which road to take.

I take it you will be building a proper fuse box for all the circuits, I am slightly nervous about such a complex 12V system.