GoPlug - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rthorntn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2014, 11:58:04 pm
content: This sounds nuts, battery, inverter and mains voltage built in to a backpack:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1075774055/goplug-powering-mobility-0$180,095 pledged of $20,000966 backers13 hours to go

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2014, 12:06:29 am
content: Dunno about "nuts". But it isn't particularly ground-breaking, either. It is a derivative re-packaging of existing ideas.They mention a couple times about a computer sleeve that makes it easier to get through TSA, etc.But I'm wondering about their luggage itself with a built-in battery. Is THAT going to be universally-accepted by TSA? I wouldn't bet on it.The concept of using an inverter and generating mains voltage/frequency just seems antithetical to efficiency.Why boost the battery voltage up to mains-level, only to have your charger knock it back down to LVDC?Now, a DC outlet with switchable voltage would seem like a more practical feature to me. Maybe I'll make one for myself....

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2014, 09:33:49 am
content: They want to be able to charge laptops. So the y must boost it. Although it doesn't have to be ac.Alexander.

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2014, 11:22:29 am
content: Quote from: firewalker on July 06, 2014, 09:33:49 amthey don't have to boost to mains to charge a laptop... as Richard mentioned - just a selectable DC voltage output and a set of DC cables for the major laptop manufacturers.

author: Noise Floor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2014, 08:37:19 pm
content: Sometimes you just want to be able to run a regular incadecent bulb, thus the 120V.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2014, 09:40:10 pm
content: Quote from: rob77 on July 06, 2014, 11:22:29 amThey don't have to. But then they have to deal with all the different input jacks (as noted), the laptops that "talks" to the PSU brick via 1-wire and may refuse to charge the battery, etc.If it was only for a laptop/mobile, you could have just an 150 volts DC output. Then you should take under account active PFCs, rectifiers overheating, resonant smps etc.It's a trade off.The only way to be sure it will fit all is pure sine AC.Alexander.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2014, 03:14:05 pm
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on July 06, 2014, 12:06:29 amhttp://safetravel.dot.gov/larger_batt.htmlYou can carry 2 "large" lithium batteries with 25 grams equivalent of lithium, or ~300WH, even the large size unit would be acceptable. The small unit is < 100WH so thats fine too.Now... if the minimum wage earning, poorly trained person that might not be employable in any other situation, but is in charge of 'security' now is going to know the rules and be able to not freak out about it? Cant say.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2014, 06:46:14 pm
content: I can buy a second battery for my laptop for about 30 dollars. Also a battery for the useless DVD drive's space for about the same. I think they sell all the backpack to this guy: