We need to know how to keep a Toughbook laptop, digitial camera,
signature capture pad and a fingerprint scanner powered up during
extended field operations away from
regular office type power sources.  The assignment is to enroll people
into a
database with photo and fingerprint scans and to keep the equipment
operational for several hours.  The units will need to be recharged in
the field.  Field units are sometimes days of travel away
from the office.  Military Humvees are used to transport the
enrollment staff and equipment. I need sources portable battery
consoles that can be
recharged from a vehicle or by a portable generator.  The in country
voltage is 240Volts although this should not be an issue.  Varied
operating temperatures including cold weather.

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Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 12 Aug 2003 12:35 PDT

Greetings John316:

A couple of clarifications, if possible.  Do you want the power source
to be used to run the equipment as you use it or do you want the power
source to be able to recharge detatchable power units from the
equipment, say, overnight or during field travel to the next location?

If the specs on the field equipment (laptop, scanner, etc) show the
voltage/amps needed to run the equipment, could you share those here? 
For instance, I found a unit with the following specifications that is
designed for wildnerness use:

Specifications:
Battery:
Sealed, Rechargeable Lead-Acid Battery
12VDC, 95 Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate
Rugged Glass-Mat Construction
No Liquid; No Corrosion, No Spills
Power Inverter:
Runs 110 Volt AC (VAC) Equipment Anywhere
750 Watt Continuous AC Power
1500 Watt Peak Surge Capacity
Dual 20 Amp Automotive-Type Fuses
Warning: Alarm at loss to 10.5 Volts
Auto Shutdown at loss to 10.0 Volts (to Protect Battery; Must
Recharge)
Auto-Resetable Overload Protection
2 Grounded AC 110V Outlets
Accessories/Extras:
1 RV-Style DC 12V Outlet/Access Plug
Comes with Male/Male Automotive DC Charger

Do the specs of this type of unit meet your current needs?  If so, I
am able to answer your question and provide the link.  I await your
clarification.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by ewang-ga on 12 Aug 2003 13:04 PDT

Can you be a little more specific as to how long you would be in the
field, and what types of options you are willing to look at?

For example, if you are going to be in a fairly sunny region there are
a number of options at this site that may be worth considering:
http://www.cetsolar.com/ppslap.htm

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Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 12 Aug 2003 18:32 PDT

Ewang makes a valid point.  I discovered solar sources, too, and one
of those might prove to be the best choice for you.  However, the
amp/voltage information is essential to finding you the required power
source.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

There are several ac/dc adapters available for the laptops where the
adapter can be plugged into the Car power outlet. These work very well
with various equipment cos they provide regular socket where the
various equipment can be plugged in.

I have included a sample link for a latop adapter (since you did not
mention what  type of latop it is)
http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/departments/department001.asp?DepartmentName=Laptop+Mains%2FAC+adapters&DepartmentID=112

Hope this helps.

be careful about using a computer-type UPS on a generator--
I've seen them jump into battery mode when plugged into generators,
the generatated power being too dirty.