low power 12vdc lcd monitor

[BB.]

Yes and no...

Yes, your math and basic assumptions are correct.

No, in the sense that many devices do not use their name plate ratings...

For example, many ratings have maximum current and maximum voltage listed... However, for many devices, they are "constant power" devices (many electronics and motors)--So, at minimum voltage (of say 10.5 volts) it will use maximum current (example: 10.5v*4amps=42 watts). At the other end, of the limits, high voltage--the current may be less (example: 42w/15v=2.8amps, but nameplate may look like; 4a*15v=60w vs 42 watts actual).

Other examples are devices that use power in cycles (like a refrigerator), or use at different levels (fridge in hot weather vs fridge in cold weather, monitor back-light on high vs low, washer mostly empty vs mostly full).

In the end, you usually will have to measure the actual current/voltage/time profile for your needs and plug those into the equations.

And, the amount of sun you gather can easily vary by 10%-20% over time (weather patterns, pollution, etc.). So, getting "too accurate" does not help much either.

-Bill

[cizzi]

In my search so far I found a viewsonic 15.6" monitor that uses 15 watts.. thats pretty good no?

[mike95490]

Mines a 19" GEM LCD, 12V 4A power brick Brick is just barely warm, so I doubt it's pulling more than 2.5A @ 12V

[cizzi]

Allright this is the monitor I've been telling you guys about.

http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/UK/Pr...616w.htm#Specs

Look under power consumption in the specs, 15W typical / 20 w max.. only problem is I cannot find it in north america, only europe area. Any of you know of a similar or lower power consumption lcd monitor comparable to this one available locally?

[niel]

cizzi,
i don't think that will meet your needs when it says, input voltage: ac 100-240 50/60hz.

[cizzi]

Pure sine wave inverter will be used as suggested by someone earlier.

[niel]

ok, my mistake. it will be higher power consumption overall due to the inverter requirements just to be sure you're are aware.

[n3qik]

Dumb question, do you have the computer yet???

If not, look at a cheap laptop.

[cizzi]

No I don't yet, just looking to see if I want to go ahead with this right now. The motherboard I'd use would be this one : http://www.winmate.com.tw/PPc/PPcSpe...&Typeid=050301

using only 0.5A @ 12VDC.. so I want to combine this motherboard with the lowest possible LCD monitor.

[niel]

i totally agree with ken because after you have gone through all of the trouble putting together a system that the premade package afforded by the laptops along with it's performances (including power draw) would be hard to beat. unless you have a specific need of hardware not typically found on a laptop, i'd say go with the laptop.