powering a MacBook Pro from a car battery

I use a MacBook Pro from a remote location where my only source of power is a GoalZero solar kit (Sherpa 100 + Nomad 20). This is totally inadequate for a full day's work, which is what I'd like to be able to do from this secluded place without having to make the hour-long trek into town with all my gear on my back to work from a noisy internet café.


I'm looking into buying a small wind turbine to hook up to a car battery, since it's very windy here. The car battery trick is a favorite in developing countries and I hear they're pretty cheap, but I have no idea how to safely power my mac from that. I have the possibility of storing all this in a small lockable shed when I'm not here, but it does have to be portable (from wherever I use it to the shed and back).


Also, would I need an inverter of some sort?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Sep 17, 2015 11:51 PM

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2 replies

Sep 18, 2015 3:24 AM in response to little shiva

I would avoid a car (starting) battery, rather opt for a DEEP CYCLE battery. It will last much longer. There are no direct 12v to Apple chargers made so you will need an inverter connected to the battery. A pure sine wave inverter will be best but a modified sine will will do. An inverter with a minimum output of 200w should be sufficient.


Note that a voltage regulator to the battery from the wind generator should be installed.


Ciao.

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powering a MacBook Pro from a car battery

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