DIY_EFI Digest V2 #111

[Paul Messinger]

FJB203 at aol.com wrote:
> 
> > Power supply?? Call me a simple idiot, but when I got my laptop I made sure
> 
> >  to get one that the power supply for running the thing off batterypower
> >  power was (tada) 12V!!! Any good reasons why I can't hook the laptop
> >  to the vehicle system and go?? Why not??
> 
> Generally, your logic in your purchase makes perfect sense.  However there
> are issues with analog monitoring equipment combined with automotive
> electronics that sometimes interfere with the readings, typically caused by
> ground loops, similar to why larger automotive audio amplifiers are sometimes
> sensitive to vehicle electrical noise.
> 
> Fred


The bigger issue is the voltage transients present in auto electrical systems. They can 
go to over 50 volts. There is a spec for designing equipment for autos that goes into 
this. You need to protect against these potential surges.

Paul