Martin Fraser

Hi,
I used a power inverter in my 2002 Oddessey - a Vector brand, 400 Watt - and
had no problem with it for a year or so. Then a couple months ago my
accessory plugs (cigarette lighters) went out, along with my radio.
I checked the fuse (took a while to figure WHICH fuse box it was ! ) and
thought it was OK. When I took it in to the dealer for the 30K service I
asked them to fix it and when I picked it up they said the tech just changed
the fuse and it was fine - but that I had an AC inverter plugged in and I
shouldn't - that was the problem.

Question: Does anyone have any related experience? is there a type of
inverter or AC power supply that WILL work?
I use it for plugging in a laptop (usually for the kids watching DVD's on
long trips) and occasionally for plugging in Phone adaptors (Only because I
run out of Acc outlets with the GPS and the power inverter plugged in to the
two of them)

Thanks for any feedback or suggestions

Martin

Maggot

"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in
news:7f54c$400a9af7$4286da03$20955@msgid.meganewss ervers.com:

> Hi,
> I used a power inverter in my 2002 Oddessey - a Vector brand, 400 Watt -
> and had no problem with it for a year or so. Then a couple months ago my
> accessory plugs (cigarette lighters) went out, along with my radio.
> I checked the fuse (took a while to figure WHICH fuse box it was ! ) and
> thought it was OK. When I took it in to the dealer for the 30K service I
> asked them to fix it and when I picked it up they said the tech just
> changed the fuse and it was fine - but that I had an AC inverter plugged
> in and I shouldn't - that was the problem.
>
> Question: Does anyone have any related experience? is there a type of
> inverter or AC power supply that WILL work?
> I use it for plugging in a laptop (usually for the kids watching DVD's
> on long trips) and occasionally for plugging in Phone adaptors (Only
> because I run out of Acc outlets with the GPS and the power inverter
> plugged in to the two of them)
>
> Thanks for any feedback or suggestions
>
> Martin
>
>
>

Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I don't
know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.

Mike


--
"All my friends can't be wrong!"
Remember, stupidity runs in herds.

Maggot

"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in
news:7f54c$400a9af7$4286da03$20955@msgid.meganewss ervers.com:

> Hi,
> I used a power inverter in my 2002 Oddessey - a Vector brand, 400 Watt -
> and had no problem with it for a year or so. Then a couple months ago my
> accessory plugs (cigarette lighters) went out, along with my radio.
> I checked the fuse (took a while to figure WHICH fuse box it was ! ) and
> thought it was OK. When I took it in to the dealer for the 30K service I
> asked them to fix it and when I picked it up they said the tech just
> changed the fuse and it was fine - but that I had an AC inverter plugged
> in and I shouldn't - that was the problem.
>
> Question: Does anyone have any related experience? is there a type of
> inverter or AC power supply that WILL work?
> I use it for plugging in a laptop (usually for the kids watching DVD's
> on long trips) and occasionally for plugging in Phone adaptors (Only
> because I run out of Acc outlets with the GPS and the power inverter
> plugged in to the two of them)
>
> Thanks for any feedback or suggestions
>
> Martin
>
>
>

Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I don't
know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.

Mike


--
"All my friends can't be wrong!"
Remember, stupidity runs in herds.

Maggot

"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in
news:7f54c$400a9af7$4286da03$20955@msgid.meganewss ervers.com:

> Hi,
> I used a power inverter in my 2002 Oddessey - a Vector brand, 400 Watt -
> and had no problem with it for a year or so. Then a couple months ago my
> accessory plugs (cigarette lighters) went out, along with my radio.
> I checked the fuse (took a while to figure WHICH fuse box it was ! ) and
> thought it was OK. When I took it in to the dealer for the 30K service I
> asked them to fix it and when I picked it up they said the tech just
> changed the fuse and it was fine - but that I had an AC inverter plugged
> in and I shouldn't - that was the problem.
>
> Question: Does anyone have any related experience? is there a type of
> inverter or AC power supply that WILL work?
> I use it for plugging in a laptop (usually for the kids watching DVD's
> on long trips) and occasionally for plugging in Phone adaptors (Only
> because I run out of Acc outlets with the GPS and the power inverter
> plugged in to the two of them)
>
> Thanks for any feedback or suggestions
>
> Martin
>
>
>

Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I don't
know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.

Mike


--
"All my friends can't be wrong!"
Remember, stupidity runs in herds.

Maggot

"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in
news:7f54c$400a9af7$4286da03$20955@msgid.meganewss ervers.com:

> Hi,
> I used a power inverter in my 2002 Oddessey - a Vector brand, 400 Watt -
> and had no problem with it for a year or so. Then a couple months ago my
> accessory plugs (cigarette lighters) went out, along with my radio.
> I checked the fuse (took a while to figure WHICH fuse box it was ! ) and
> thought it was OK. When I took it in to the dealer for the 30K service I
> asked them to fix it and when I picked it up they said the tech just
> changed the fuse and it was fine - but that I had an AC inverter plugged
> in and I shouldn't - that was the problem.
>
> Question: Does anyone have any related experience? is there a type of
> inverter or AC power supply that WILL work?
> I use it for plugging in a laptop (usually for the kids watching DVD's
> on long trips) and occasionally for plugging in Phone adaptors (Only
> because I run out of Acc outlets with the GPS and the power inverter
> plugged in to the two of them)
>
> Thanks for any feedback or suggestions
>
> Martin
>
>
>

Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I don't
know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.

Mike


--
"All my friends can't be wrong!"
Remember, stupidity runs in herds.

Martin Fraser

>
> Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
don't
> know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
> efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
>
> Mike

Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year or
so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
battery?

I appreciate the suggestion
Martin

Martin Fraser

>
> Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
don't
> know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
> efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
>
> Mike

Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year or
so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
battery?

I appreciate the suggestion
Martin

Martin Fraser

>
> Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
don't
> know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
> efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
>
> Mike

Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year or
so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
battery?

I appreciate the suggestion
Martin

Martin Fraser

>
> Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
don't
> know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if 100%
> efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
>
> Mike

Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year or
so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
battery?

I appreciate the suggestion
Martin

Woody

The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the unit
may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post said
a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that it
worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
$30............


"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> >
> > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> don't
> > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
100%
> > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year
or
> so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> battery?
>
> I appreciate the suggestion
> Martin
>
>

Woody

The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the unit
may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post said
a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that it
worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
$30............


"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> >
> > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> don't
> > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
100%
> > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year
or
> so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> battery?
>
> I appreciate the suggestion
> Martin
>
>

Woody

The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the unit
may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post said
a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that it
worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
$30............


"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> >
> > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> don't
> > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
100%
> > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year
or
> so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> battery?
>
> I appreciate the suggestion
> Martin
>
>

Woody

The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the unit
may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post said
a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that it
worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
$30............


"Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> >
> > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> don't
> > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
100%
> > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a year
or
> so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> battery?
>
> I appreciate the suggestion
> Martin
>
>

Martin Fraser

OK, Thanks!
I don't think that a 150 W unit will run a laptop playing a DVD - do you?
If the Laptop will run on 150 W (i.e. it's only drawing 1.25 amps) then
whether I have a 150 or a 400 W unit wouldn't matter, right?

Is it the case that the Laptop will trip the fuse in the 150W unit where it
would have blown the Honda #9 fuse if the 400 W unit was used?

Thanks VERY much for your most helpful response

Martin

"Woody" <TheDuck@pond.net> wrote in message
news:IGCOb.31796$P%1.25319360@newssvr28.news.prodi gy.com...
> The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
> under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
> 7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
> indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the
unit
> may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post
said
> a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that
it
> worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
> connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
> meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
> 150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
> $30............
>
>
> "Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
> news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> > >
> > > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> > don't
> > > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
> 100%
> > > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> > >
> > > Mike
> >
> > Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a
year
> or
> > so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> > battery?
> >
> > I appreciate the suggestion
> > Martin
> >
> >
>
>

Martin Fraser

OK, Thanks!
I don't think that a 150 W unit will run a laptop playing a DVD - do you?
If the Laptop will run on 150 W (i.e. it's only drawing 1.25 amps) then
whether I have a 150 or a 400 W unit wouldn't matter, right?

Is it the case that the Laptop will trip the fuse in the 150W unit where it
would have blown the Honda #9 fuse if the 400 W unit was used?

Thanks VERY much for your most helpful response

Martin

"Woody" <TheDuck@pond.net> wrote in message
news:IGCOb.31796$P%1.25319360@newssvr28.news.prodi gy.com...
> The accessories sockets are fused with a 15 amp fuse 9 in the passenger
> under dash fuse panel. The accessory power socket relay is controlled by a
> 7.5a fuse 8. The 15 amp also feeds the audio unit, A/t gear position
> indicator, dvd unit and rear controller. While the idle current on the
unit
> may not be enough to blow the fuse surge current can. As the other post
said
> a 400 watt inverter is way too much for that circuit. You were lucky that
it
> worked that long. The idle current may have been high enough to melt the
> connections in the fuse over time. Also the only to check a fuse is with a
> meter or replace it. Looking at it doesn't always work. Look for a 100 or
> 150 watt inverter to use. They are cheap. I got one for about
> $30............
>
>
> "Martin Fraser" <mfraserx@chem-center.com> wrote in message
> news:c9bbd$400ab727$4286da03$22330@msgid.meganewss ervers.com...
> > >
> > > Isn't there a low amp rating on the accessory plugs, like 10 amps? I
> > don't
> > > know what the inverter draws (400 WTS is over 30 amps at 12.6 VDC if
> 100%
> > > efficient and at full load). My guess this is where the "problem" is.
> > > Probably shoud connect the inverter directly to the battery.
> > >
> > > Mike
> >
> > Thanks, I'll check on that. It's just a bit odd that it worked for a
year
> or
> > so before quitting. perhaps a current draw spike from an aging laptop
> > battery?
> >
> > I appreciate the suggestion
> > Martin
> >
> >
>
>