Any idea's how to Power Computer Equipment Outdoors???

al_2006

Hi Folks,

Not really sure where to post this one but I’m just wondering if anyone can help me with a problem I have.

I have to power a some computer gear at an outdoor event for the day where there will be no power. Specifically i need to power:

- 1 Lexmark printer
- 2 Dell Laptops
- 1 19" Flat screen monitor

Anyone any ideas on how i can do this?

At the moment I can only think of two ways.

1. A Generator
I can rent a standard 3000 watt generator however I have been advised not use it to power computer as it provides a fluctuating current which can damage sensitive computer equipment. Just wondering if anyone has ever powered computers from a generator and had any problems or would a bog standard surge protector protect the equipment enough?

2. 2nd idea is to use 300 watt power inverter (see link) from a car cigarette lighter.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=48723&criteria=power%20invert&doy=31m8
However I’ve no idea if this will give me enough power to power all this gear and how long it would last.

So does anyone know of anywhere that leases specialized generators for powering such equipment?
Or will a standard surge protector protect the equipment from a normal generator?

Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated as i have to do this over the weekend.

Thanks,

Alan

themole

300 watts would be touch and go for powering all that.

Or will a standard surge protector protect the equipment from a normal generator?

A surge protector will only stop power spikes from affecting the equipment. It will not help for fluctuating voltage. Hmm, the two laptops will have their own power supplies which can take varying voltage input, so on second thoughts a surge protector should be all you need to protect these.

That leaves the monitor and printer, maybe you could run these from an inverter powered from a car?

Failing that you may be able to get a UPS which smooths the voltage.

Cuddlesworth

A good 3 phase generater should so you fine.

al_2006

Thanks Guy's for the quick response.

themole - do you have any estimation on the amount of power id need?
Ah yes clearly i know very little about all of this! ;-)

Krazy_8s any idea where i'd get a 3 phase generater??
Would a normal plant hire place do? Any suggested place in Dublin would be great.

I take it this will be enough to run all the gear?

Thanks!

Alan

Cuddlesworth

The best people to answer those questions are the people in the lan partys forum in the games section.

Inspector Gadget

Could you also rent a UPS and put that between the generator and your equipment? (I have no idea whether such things can be rented, but it would fix your fluctuating power problem - most of them have line conditioning, don't they?)

Gadget

ScumLord

You can plus the monitor and keyboard into the UPS aswell just as long as they have the the same plug thingie as the computers. batterys are not an option you wont get more than 15-30minutes out of them and their big and heavy. It must be some sort of generator which means it's going to cost allot in fuel. There are Jennys made from what look like lawnmower engines I think these are most common find your nearest plant hire and rent one it shouldn't be too expensive.

Most the new ones make sure the power going to your computer is perfect especially Belkin as they will pay for up to 10000 worth of damage if they fail to protect.

As a cheeper less bulky option you could get a flock of birds and tie them to the front of a wind turbine as they try to fly away they will create a consistant air flow behind them thus powering your computer. I recomend seaguls or crows however these do turn vicious.

Laptops????

Cuddlesworth

ScumLord wrote:

You can plus the monitor and keyboard into the UPS aswell just as long as they have the the same plug thingie as the computers. batterys are not an option you wont get more than 15-30minutes out of them and their big and heavy. It must be some sort of generator which means it's going to cost allot in fuel. There are Jennys made from what look like lawnmower engines I think these are most common find your nearest plant hire and rent one it shouldn't be too expensive.

Most the new ones make sure the power going to your computer is perfect especially Belkin as they will pay for up to 10000 worth of damage if they fail to protect.

As a cheeper less bulky option you could get a flock of birds and tie them to the front of a wind turbine as they try to fly away they will create a consistant air flow behind them thus powering your computer. I recomend seaguls or crows however these do turn vicious.

Laptops????

Are you allright? Normal generaters supply on demand, 3 phase generaters dont. they are expensive though. It might be more worth your while to use laptops.

Capt'n Midnight

What type of printer ?
Inkjets use far less power.
Lasers would easily take 1000W necessitating a larger generator and large voltage swings when the fuser unit comes on and off.

How long do you want them to run for ??

Laptops have a multivoltage powersupply so should get away with a gererator , for desktops or the LCD monitors you try and borrow a UPS to clean up the voltage. If you go with the belkin thing check the small print in case it doesn't apply to off the mains power.

ScumLord

Are you allright?

No I'm half left, wah wah. Had to be done..:D

What do you mean on demand? I just figured you turn them on they make power, end of storey.

al_2006

Thanks for the responses folks!

Just to keep you posted i rented a 3.5Kva generator. Produces about 3000 watts i believe. I put a surge protector between it and the ran all the gear without any probs!