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Thread: Do not connect FlashScan between a vehicle and a laptop powered by a power inverter

  1. #1
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    Default Do not connect FlashScan between a vehicle and a laptop powered by a power inverter

    Hi, i don't know if my question is being asked in the proper place???
    It's about that orange notice i received with my new flashscan v2: it says :do not connect flashscan between a vehicle and a personal computer or a laptop if that computer is being powered from the vehicle's 12 volt system through a power inverter.Doing so will almost certainly damage your flashscan device and possibly your laptop/computer.

    My question is: What are my option to power my laptop? Is my DC/DC laptop charger connected to the vehicle's 12 volt system a proper way to keep my laptop alive?

    I dont want to screw up any of my devices, i realy want to know what i'm doing before i make any mistakes!
    Thanks folks!

  2. #2
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    I run my Notebook computer strictly on its own internal battery power. I purchased an extended battery for my Notebook, and now get about 6 to 8 hours use (versus 2 to 3 hours use with the original battery).

    An extended battery is a good investment if you plan using your Notebook to log / tune on a frequent basis.


    Regards,
    Taz

  3. #3
    Joe (Moderator) joecar's Avatar
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    With an inverter powering the laptop, there are two ground paths:
    vehicle->inverter->laptop->V2
    vehicle->V2

    it can be guaranteed that there will be a voltage difference between the two ground paths, this causes current to flow around the loop formed by these two ground paths; current flowing in this loop is very large (because there is very little resistance on each ground path); this large current causes two things: creates large voltage offsets and finds the shortest/easiest path (most certainly thru any semiconductor circuit, such as is found in V2).

    So the safe thing to do is this:
    - fully charge your laptop battery from inverter (or other source);
    - remove inverter and fully charge vehicle battery;
    - connect laptop/V2 to vehicle (with inverter absent).

    The same situation applies when charging the vehicle battery using a charger powered from a wall outlet: do not power the laptop from a wall outlet.

    The key point is: laptop has to be powered from an isolated source, it's internal battery is appropriate.

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    Thanks Joecar, your explanation is very good! So good, in fact, that it makes me think about finding myself a way to eliminate the problem... Here is my first plan:Hardwire the ground wire coming into my laptop to the one at the OBD2 data connector to protect FlashScan and my laptop (14 gauge wire). That way, in my opinion, the worse thing that can happen is my laptop charger getting fried

    Is that sounds like a good plan to you Joecar?

    Just to let everybody know: If the way i put words together sounds funny, it's 'cause i'm french and by no mean an ace with english languageSo if you can't understand what i'm writing: Dont be affraid to ask for clarification! Thanks folks

  5. #5
    Joe (Moderator) joecar's Avatar
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    If you wire the laptop ground to the OBD2 port ground then your laptop charger may become unhappy and possibly fry itself.

    Edit: Oh, I see that this is what you said; I was reading too quickly
    Last edited by joecar; January 12th, 2011 at 03:20 PM.

  6. #6
    Lifetime Member ChipsByAl's Avatar
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    That way, in my opinion, the worse thing that can happen is my laptop charger getting fried
    I think a new battery would be a better option!
    "Trash that carb and get Injected!"

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    My battery is fairly new, but i don't get lots of time out of it...

  8. #8
    Senior Member Wolfie's Avatar
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    You could check this out...
    http://www.circuitsathome.com/produc...sb-interfaces/

    Cost is $48.00 and & $2.00 shipping to the states.

    It sounds like it would do the trick.
    I have my laptop tied to a 2500watt inverter, and fried EFILive once.
    Have had it hooked up again the same way for the past year or so (about 150,000 miles) with no problems,
    but am now looking at this device as I can not keep a laptop battery running because I leave my computer
    on for days on end.

    * I will let you know how it works.
    Last edited by Wolfie; January 16th, 2011 at 03:06 AM. Reason: update
    Wolfie
    LS1B 2007 Express 6.0 /w 470,000+ miles (parked as of 01April2011)

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    I thought that all you had to do is make sure that there was no floating voltage on the the grounds between your vehicle and laptop. If there is none your good to go, I've been using a IGO for years with no trouble.
    04 LB7
    2010 LMM
    2015 LML

  10. #10
    Senior Member Wolfie's Avatar
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    I personally have my laptop, usb buss, EFILive box, and my serial converters grounded.
    Maybe that's why I lasted this time around.
    Wolfie
    LS1B 2007 Express 6.0 /w 470,000+ miles (parked as of 01April2011)

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