power for the shanty?

[dollartrifecta]

whats the best way to get power to the shanty? a couple of car batteries? if this is the case how do u run wires for an outlet or a light off the battery? and how long will a battery last....say if you were running a light a tv and maybe a playstation     would this inverter do the trick?   

http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?CartId={EVEREST6769DDC2-C02B-4165-A606-C1DC22B63CC0}&ic=PBI200-12

[grumpymoe]

I've used car batteries for the shanty the last few years....once one has completely run dead, then its off to the trickle charger...I stack them one on top the other in a corner under a bunk.....(alligator clips for the quick connect).....power invertors are the cats meow if you dont want to spend the money on a generator and playstation keeps the young ones busy if they don't care to fish......the more toys you want to run, then the more $$$ you need to spend on your invertor.....Grump

[dollartrifecta]

what type of inverter would i need for what i plan on?   

[grumpymoe]

I think the link you had (no longer shows the pic) was for a 200 watt invertor....depends on how much power your electronics require.....in some cases you might be better off getting a generator....Grump

[beeverfishing]

This question is difficult to answer as it all depends on what you plan to run, and the efficiency of the inverter. I could (almost) write a book in trying to give you an answer !!!

Obviously a 100 watt light bulb will require more current draw than a 25 watt bulb, a newer refrigerator will require less amperage than an older one of equal size. and so on and so forth.

You need to find the amperage draw of each device, this may be found on the appliance or better yet purchase a good ampmeter and find the "actual" amperage draw if each appliance you plan to run off of your converter.

remember: V (voltage) multiplied by A (amperage)= W (wattage),   W/A=V,   W/V=A

You then need to realize that no converter is totally 100% efficient, there will be a loss of power.  How much depends on the inverter you purchase.  There will also be a loss due to resistance in connections, wiring, ect.

You might also concider that you may want to add or upgrade something later, which might increase your power requirements.  Also, some electronic devices will only operate on true sine wave.  (most of the lesser expensive inverters are modified sine wave).

There are many places on the web to help you decide on the correct inverter for your needs.  Check out the many solar power sites, they usually have a ton of great information on inverters.