Portable AC Power Solutions - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Caerus · 09-13-2009, 07:24 PM

So, I'm looking to power some speakers near a beach-volleyball outside my dorm. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure how to get speakers out there. I have a decent pair of speakers that I would love to use, but they need AC power to run. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know I can purchase a "Power Pack" for pretty expensive, but I am a poor college student after-all! Haha. Anyone have any suggestions short of running an extremely long extension cord?

Thanks!

PulpMind · 09-13-2009, 09:39 PM

I do "renegade" sound quite frequently and, unfortunately, power is always a shitty issue.
You have a few options...
1) find a nearby power outlet. you might be surprised at how close one is to where you need it - maintenance workers use power outlets all the time, often drawn from a lamp post.
2) run off car batteries. I won't get into it but you can find info on how to do it through google. it's kinda sketchy and batteries are an expensive investment, but I've seen people run some decent sized system at burningman off of car batteries.
3) Rent a generator. My favorite option, after finding public power. Specifically, a Honda Whisper Watt. They are super quiet, very fuel efficient, and come in 1, 2, 3, or 4.5 Kw (thousands of watts) sizes. Can be rented from most any construction rantal place, like Star Rentals or Hertz, usually for $30-50/day. DO NOT use any other kind of generator other than a whisper watt... they will be FUCKING LOUD and ruin your good time.

If none of these are an option... buy a boombox that runs off batteries.

Caerus · 09-15-2009, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately, a generator is pretty much out of the question. I'll do some snooping for some outlets. Haha. Thanks!

The_Jazz · 09-16-2009, 05:13 AM

Try a marine battery. It's easier to recharge than a car battery and can power most of what you'll probably be using for at least 3 or 4 hours. When I tailgate with friends in the South, that's what we use to power the TV and DirecTV system (in order to watch GameDay, etc.). The last time I looked, they were about $75, but it's been a while since I looked.

09-13-2009, 07:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Caerus Upright Location: Seattle, WA	Portable AC Power Solutions So, I'm looking to power some speakers near a beach-volleyball outside my dorm. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure how to get speakers out there. I have a decent pair of speakers that I would love to use, but they need AC power to run. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know I can purchase a "Power Pack" for pretty expensive, but I am a poor college student after-all! Haha. Anyone have any suggestions short of running an extremely long extension cord? Thanks!

09-15-2009, 06:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Caerus Upright Location: Seattle, WA	Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately, a generator is pretty much out of the question. I'll do some snooping for some outlets. Haha. Thanks! __________________ "I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions."

09-16-2009, 05:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Try a marine battery. It's easier to recharge than a car battery and can power most of what you'll probably be using for at least 3 or 4 hours. When I tailgate with friends in the South, that's what we use to power the TV and DirecTV system (in order to watch GameDay, etc.). The last time I looked, they were about $75, but it's been a while since I looked. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

09-13-2009, 09:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
PulpMind Addict Location: Portland	I do "renegade" sound quite frequently and, unfortunately, power is always a shitty issue. You have a few options... 1) find a nearby power outlet. you might be surprised at how close one is to where you need it - maintenance workers use power outlets all the time, often drawn from a lamp post. 2) run off car batteries. I won't get into it but you can find info on how to do it through google. it's kinda sketchy and batteries are an expensive investment, but I've seen people run some decent sized system at burningman off of car batteries. 3) Rent a generator. My favorite option, after finding public power. Specifically, a Honda Whisper Watt. They are super quiet, very fuel efficient, and come in 1, 2, 3, or 4.5 Kw (thousands of watts) sizes. Can be rented from most any construction rantal place, like Star Rentals or Hertz, usually for $30-50/day. DO NOT use any other kind of generator other than a whisper watt... they will be FUCKING LOUD and ruin your good time. If none of these are an option... buy a boombox that runs off batteries.