AE power question

[lang]

So I read somewhere that on the Super Duty Cigarette lighter/Power port and the OBD11 port share the same fused circuit. So if I'm understanding this correctly using a Inverter to power the laptop off the Power Port will cause ground loops through the Laptop. Anyone with greater knowledge than me could verify this and if it is true what is needed to safely power up the Laptop?

[big sig]

When it comes to electricity im illiterate, but im installing a cb tonight and I was looking in the owners manual and they do share the same fuse.

[POWERED SPARKLESS]

I've got a cigarette lighter port and another power source up buy the radio, and those are on a diffrent fuse. Let me see if I can pull photobucket at work.

[CSIPSD]

Originally Posted by lang

So I read somewhere that on the Super Duty Cigarette lighter/Power port and the OBD11 port share the same fused circuit. So if I'm understanding this correctly using a Inverter to power the laptop off the Power Port will cause ground loops through the Laptop. Anyone with greater knowledge than me could verify this and if it is true what is needed to safely power up the Laptop?

I have never had an issue with it... One of those warnings like "hot coffee"

[lang]

I've always used the inverter with my laptop but never tried yet with the OBD11 plugged in for AE for live. Just don't wanna fry anything. Laptop battery only lasts 30 min.
Thanks guys keep the replies coming.

[Evil Eye]

I have used my inverter MANY times while datalogging, but they warn you not to do it because it can fry your OBD-II connector. These pics are from their site.

[diablos30]

my larger inverter has aligator clips to use on the battery and that is what i use since my laptop battery sucks.

[lang]

Good post Evil Eye, thats what i'm afraid of. Now is there a grounded inverter or something so as not to have a possibilty of it melting the AE wiring or frying the PC. I want to be able to monitor live driving conditions. for longer than my PC battery will allow? I'm thinking of running another Power Port off another power source with an inline fuse. Hoping an electrical Guru will chime in.

[NoRalPh]

I use my Starter Pack, which contains a cigarette socket, to power the inverter when I've logged with my AE. The separate battery ground is isolated from the trucks system so as to avoid the issue..

[Jarrod B]

How long is your battery's life? On my trip from tx to nc my 14" lasted the whole way from being suspended to on off cycles. But it wasnt running nonstop tho.