12v cigarette lighter help

hi, i want to extend the 12v socket to the back of my minibus for use with a slimline ps2. i bought a cheap extender and when i plug the ps2 into it, it flicks on and off rapidly. whats going on? is it a dodgey cable?? cheers guys n gals:major

 

Check your connections to the battery? You need the PS2 to be earthed otherwise it will constantly flicker.

 

Plug the PS2 into the socket directly and see if it works. If it does it's likely the cable. Is it just a straight cable or is there circuitry involved with it.

Are you guys still positive ground over in the UK for automotive electrical?

 

i've tried the ps2 on its own and it works fine, i also have a 4 way splitter that converts the 12v into 4 sockets but that will only allow me to run either the lcd screen, or the ps2 but not both. i'm thinking the 4 way adapter is cutting the voltage?? anyway i will try a new extension, i dont think there is any circuitry involved, just a straight lead. and to the other question, i have no idea sorry!! cheers for the help guys

 

Yes we still use the positive ground in the UK afaik.

A 4 way splitter will cut the voltage for more demanding electrical items, such as the PS2 and therefore won't work. You will need a direct voltage input to make it function properly so either run it directly off the battery with a step down transformer or make the LCD screen do this.

 

Not sure how the differences between UK and US will affect this, but here on the Yank side of the pond, if I were to install something like that, I would rig an inverter directly to the battery, wired into where I was installing the unit. Also, I would want to install a BatteryBuddy or some such that kills the circuit before the battery is so low the car won't start.

Just my $.02 (or is that €.02?)


~C

 

nope! still 2p!!

i'm going to wire a 12v socket straight to the battery and see if that works. i dont need a step down transformer do i??

 

No it should do it automatically, check the output on your battery first and check the limit that the PS2 can take (I can't remember off the top of my head!)