Car inverter to power Apple TV?

[audi321]

Hi all, does anyone know if there's any way to convert a car's usb port, which I assume outputs 12v, into powering an Apple TV? I would use the cig lighter into an inverter normally, but it would be really neat if I could power it from a USB socket as there's one in the centre console whereas the cig lighter is not close.

Any ideas? TIA.

[marshalla]

USB ports should produce 5V, not 12.

Using an inverter to power a switch mode supply which produces DC again is wasteful.

Have a look at this : https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/74359/DC-DC+re... for an idea of how to run your Apple TV directly from a USB socket.

[boxst]

Most of the USB ports in cars are woefully underpowered and only just about charge a phone so I doubt you will be able to do anything.

Edit: Mmmm. Just saw the above post that appeared. I would still say that a car output is maximum 1A draw so wouldn't work, but creating that cable is cool and worth a go.

Edited by boxst on Wednesday 29th June 22:11

[audi321]

I've just seen this on youtube. So is it possible then?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfqfA7VipLQ

[megaphone]

Out of interest, why do you want to use an ATV in the car?

[Dodsy]

Do you have a 12V accessory socket in the boot ? I used to have a wifi router and media server in the boot running from a 12V socket for the kids/passengers so they could watch movies etc on their tablets/phones on long journeys.

[Craikeybaby]

At work we have modified Apple AirPort Express routers for use on car 12v electrics. I think we had to step the voltage down to 3.3v or 5v, but it is better than going 12v DC -> 240v AC -> 3.3v/5v DC.

[Puggit]

megaphone said:

Out of interest, why do you want to use an ATV in the car?

This!

[audi321]

Puggit said:

megaphone said:

Out of interest, why do you want to use an ATV in the car?

This!

Obviously you haven't got kids and tv screens in the headrests.

Apparently it is do'able with a mod, but the easiest option is an inverter so I'm just going to buy a cheap one and see if it works. Any idea if a 300 watt one is going to be enough?

[Troubleatmill]

audi321 said:

Puggit said:

megaphone said:

Out of interest, why do you want to use an ATV in the car?

This!

Obviously you haven't got kids and tv screens in the headrests.

Apparently it is do'able with a mod, but the easiest option is an inverter so I'm just going to buy a cheap one and see if it works. Any idea if a 300 watt one is going to be enough?

http://www.howtogeek.com/234222/why-you-never-need-to-put-your-apple-tv-or-other-modern-devices-to-sleep/


Just google Apple TV power consumption.

If it is less than 300W ( and it is just by a nads hair ).... it will work.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Troubleatmill said:

http://www.howtogeek.com/234222/why-you-never-need...


Just google Apple TV power consumption.

If it is less than 300W ( and it is just by a nads hair ).... it will work.

AppleTV 2 & 3 uses 6W and 4 uses 11W - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_TV

[X5TUU]

Why don't you just run the media through Plex and then have Plex apps running on the iPads/tablets/phones of the people wanting to watch them ... All whatever wifi source you are planning to use already ... Plex pass is only £3.99 and allows full account streaming to 'portable devices' ?!

[5678]

I've looked at something similar to this before.

Are you using an original Apple TV with the HD? If not, how are you going to store the movies?

[audi321]

5678 said:

I've looked at something similar to this before.

Are you using an original Apple TV with the HD? If not, how are you going to store the movies?

Stream tv/videos/etc from iphone.

Edited by audi321 on Friday 1st July 12:34

[Who me ?]

marshalla said:

USB ports should produce 5V, not 12.

Apart from the voltage limitations, from memory, I think that the USB spec limits current to 0.2 Amp, limiting power out of inverter to 1W ( assuming inverter is 100% efficient, which not even the best design cannot achieve) . In electronics /electrics as in life there's no such thing as a free lunch. So something that takes 1 amp at 240 volts would need 12A ( plus losses in inverter)from the 12v supply to up the voltage to 240 v.

[audi321]

Well it was much easier than I imagined. Basically, I stripped a usb power lead to expose 2 wires, soldered them to 2 of the cables in side the ATV (googled the correct pins) and all done!

Works at treat from the USB ports in the car.

[Troubleatmill]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

Troubleatmill said:

http://www.howtogeek.com/234222/why-you-never-need...


Just google Apple TV power consumption.

If it is less than 300W ( and it is just by a nads hair ).... it will work.

AppleTV 2 & 3 uses 6W and 4 uses 11W - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_TV

I know ... a failed attempt at humour.

[blank]

How good are you at soldering?

Have a look on RS components for DC-DC converters.

Plenty of 3.3v output ones for not much money.

You're probably better running off a 12v socket or power source as the USB port is likely to be borderline as to whether it can provide enough power.