External mac Mini power supply

[thehighwaystar]

Hi ! First post here , this forum is an amazing technical resource .
Last year I had an opportunity to buy - here in Brazil - a brand new (yes) 2012 2,3 mini. Original idea was to install Windows due some exclusive software plataform and share the Imac screen until I discover the mirroring is not possible straight on Windows partition. So , I had to find out an use for the computer and , off hand, one possibility (due its processor and 4 USBs which are great ) is to use on capturing audio/video on outside, remote jobs (where there is no AC power) inside a van or a car when recording ou backing up works. I believe keyboard , mouse setup is ok and mirroring the monitor is now possible via app on an Ipad or Iphone, I think . Do anyone have an advice/experience set up where I can use the mini with external power supply (3 hours or so of autonomy) via power chord ? Is a nobreak the ideal solution or there is something safer (inside an small ambience ) and smaller ?
I know it would be more suitable a 13" macbook but they are a lot expensive here and I already have the Mini new and stack it seems to be safe on wired usb conections for these purposes.
Thanks, all the best
Jose

 

[Boyd01]

What is a 2012 2,3 mini? I assume you mean the 2.3ghz quad core i7 mini? For starters you need to figure out the power requirements. Apple says that model draws a maximum of 85 watts, and if you are doing video that could hit the max.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201897

You will have to check what the requirements of your screen and any other peripherals are. Just guessing... let's say you are using an average of 150 watts to run everything. There's a company called Goal Zero that makes some really nice portable power supplies with very clean output. I have their Yeti 400:

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/power-stations/goal-zero-yeti-400-portable-power-station/

It has a 400 watt-hour capacity, so (theoretically) it could provide 150 watts of power for two hours and forty minutes. Their Yeti 150 could give you about one hour of run time:

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/power-stations/goal-zero-yeti-150-portable-power-station/

They can be charged with a wall outlet, cigarette lighter power cord in a car or even a solar panel. They are big and heavy though, my Yeti 400 weighs about 30 pounds (~13kg) and the Yeti 150 is 12 pounds (~5kg). There are other companies that make similar products. Another possibility would be to use an inverter connected to your vehicle, if it can be running when you are using the computer.

 

[thehighwaystar]

Boyd01, thank you very much for your time and words . Very good tips. I think the monitor can be mirrored in an Ipad - I read this somewhere. Yes, its the i7 2.3 - seems to be an amazing machine. I decided it will be much more for recorded audio where I can mix for a demo for a start guidance or a following take for another scene setup. It s a shame this wonderful machine kept on the box for an year and half specially when you think its so great power processing and perfect inputs - For sure this mac mini will be a proper important part of my setup.

I will research a little more but your information is a lot valuable.

Again Boyd01, thank you very much
All the best