A4 in Car

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
#1

hello i want to turn on my a4 in my car and is it safe to use this invertor or somthint like this https://www.amazon.com/RYOBI-800-Watt-Automotive-Power-Inverter/dp/B09SY6K83M?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A11P7DRDAPU3UA ? Does anyone has any experience?

#2

There are two different types of inverters. Modified sine wave and pure sine wave. You want a pure sine wave inverter as they are designed for sensitive electronics. Modified sine wave inverters will generally give you noise as well. I could not find in the specs of the Ryobi one you linked if it is pure sine wave or not.

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#3

Thanks for response :heart: i didnt knew that. Can u recommend those inverter ?

#4

One like this should work… BESTEK 300Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter DC 12V to AC 110V with 4.2A Dual Smart USB Ports (Red) https://a.co/d/h7G3ZY0
I checked the reviews and it looks like someone tested it to see if it is a true pure sine wave inverter and it checked out. 300 watts should be plenty for the A4.

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#5

Thank u man :heart::heart:

#6

A battery pack and maybe even some headphones may be better.

It’s not always very fun or productive trying to do sound design or composition in a running car, because it’s difficult to hear well over the sound of the running motor. When using the car speakers for extended periods of time without the car running, then the car battery will die and you’ll need a jump - reason being that car batteries are not typically deep cycle (like marine trolling motor batteries are)… they’re mainly just for starting the car and they’re only going to drain sooner when using a power inverter (which can be inefficient).

Also, since pure sine inverters are generally pricey, I would just recommend that you get a battery pack.

Edit: The product linked above by @PearTreeCraft does seem to be a pretty decent value though. I was under the impression that the pure-sine type were all upwards of $250.

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#7

Thanks for advice . About draining battery its very bad for me 🥲 i like battery idea but I will not able to charge it 🥲 im in trip in nature so i thought car and inverter would be great idea but i dont want to kill my cars battery

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#8

In that case, I would recommend a battery bank with a high capacity, which features a configurable DC output in addition to a DC input, so that you may connect a solar panel to charge it up when it’s not in use.

I would recommend the Omnicharge Ultimate (or even the Omnicharge 20+ may be ample). Your A4 could draw power from the DC barrel, configured to the same specification as the original Elektron charger. Then you would need a cable with the appropriate barrel connector size, (5.5 mm outer diameter, 2.5 mm inner diameter). Or you could use the AC output with the Elektron adapter, yet that’s less efficient due to the conversion.

I am, however, not sure about which solar panels are appropriate to use with them, as I’ve never needed to go that route myself.

Edit: Alternatively, you could feasibly re-charge the battery bank using the car lighter plug, yet it would obviously be better to do that while the car is moving.

1 Like
#9

I use one of these for my Digitakt…
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160, 167Wh Lithium Battery Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) Backup Power Supply with 110V/100W(Peak 150W) AC Outlet for Outdoors Camping Fishing Emergency https://a.co/d/hAJSdfg

#10

I was just asked about battery packs, and seeing as you’re a traveller you could try this one: https://www.amazon.ca/65Watts-Portable-Charger-Battery-Notebooks/dp/B07P87JTVT/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=SinKeu&qid=1684125081&sr=8-3

It comes with a car charger, so you can charge the battery while driving and then use it to power your A4. I use this one for my Octatrack and get a hours of life out of it, so I imagine your results should be similar.

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#11

I agree with the battery pack + car charger.
I am not sure power from the car is very safe, plus you will most likely want to use the synth once you’re outside the car, in the nature… Which, as you may already know, is pure bliss.
Doesn’t prevent to charge the battery while using it.
Best solution IMO.

#12

https://www.belkin.com/uk/20w-usb-c-pd-car-charger/P-F7U099-S.html

Also, get a 240 watt cable.

Job done

#13

I don’t know how long your trip is going to be but in an ideal situation I would install solar of the roof.