Hello,

I purchased a 5V USB to 12V DC step up converter cable from Amazon. My intention was to use a USB power bank to power a 12V DC monitor, but I’m running into a bit of a problem.

When testing the cable with another device (video transmission receiver) it works fine. My USB power bank outputs 5V 2A which is what the manufacturer of the converter cable recommends. The transmission receiver has a power consumption rating of <6W. The cable has a max output current of 0.6A. All works fine, no problems.

However, when trying to power my monitor it doesn’t seem happy. It powered up but made quite a worrying buzzing sound, so I turned it off straight away. The monitor has a 12V DC input and a power consumption rating of ≤18W.

Is it too high of a power consumption to work with the converter cable. Is there a workaround?

Hope someone can help.

Thanks!

 

Your USB power bank is good for 10 watts and it makes noise when you try to drive a load rated at less than 18 watts. Sounds reasonable to me. (humorously: the converter will not be 180% efficient, probably not even 80% efficient.

 

That would be over 3A from the power bank which may be too much?

 

That would be over 3A from the power bank which may be too much?

3A @ 5V = 15 watts and you need 18 for the monitor.
You need 4A @ 5V or 20 watts and maybe more to get it started.