Hi, I got a monitor with a power inverter and a n64 in my car. I was wondering how long could I run this set up before my battery runs out.
Is there any safe ways of wiring up the system to where the battery gets low, the components shut off, but theres enough juice to start the car??
What do you say?

 

put a second battery in your trunk for your "fun-features" and disconnect the second batt from the front one with the painless relay kit 40102

 

How do two batteries work??
How do they charge??
Do you know how long a battery would last if I was using my stuff through the lighter??

 

You would need an isolator of some sort so if one battery drained, it wouldn't pull the second one down with it. (Both batteries would charge off the alternator.)
Some have used a solenoid to perform the isolation, I believe.
I cant remember why this is preferable right now, but I will investigate.
With our third-gen cars... I have read theat GM's TSB say we could expect about 23 days of sitting on a fully charged battery before the average car won't start.
Tuck

 

so it works: (sorry for the german descriptions in the image, but i think you can understand it even by only looking at the picture )



the deal is: the 2nd batt is only connected to the alternator as long as the engine is running. so both batteries will be charged from the alt. If the engine is off, the relay disconnects the 2nd batt from the 1st, so you can run your toys from the 2nd batt, without the risk the car couldn't start anymore - if you plan to use power from the second batt often and long, you should use any deep cycle batt, like the Optima yellow Top

 

I am guessing you don't have very much money...

Watch your voltage either with the stock guage or install another near your gaming station. I would say if it gets below 9-10 volts you should start up your car and recharge it.

Also, you should really invest in a jump pack or just buy another battery to have to jump from.

Good Luck

 

you're right, I am a poor college student. I got the whole tv, the converter, and 64 for 70 bucks.
However, I can get another battery and the relay. I am also rebuilding a 350 as well.
So I guess I got enough money, but always better to go cheaper.