How to connect TV to 12 V battery.
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 17:11
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Member - barry F (NSW)
Afternoon all. It's great to get some sunshine here in
Newcastle to day after so much rain last week.
Anyway, we are about to start looking around for a telly that can run off both 12 & 240 V & that can fit in the place we want it to go in our van.
Our van is fitted with a sealed 95 amp hour battery which runs lights, water pump & an exhaust fan. We have no provision for charging the battery other than if we are on a site with 240 power.
So, assuming we can find a telly that fits in
the spot & has a big enough screen to satisfy SWMBI what do I need to do/buy to connect it up to the 12v supply?
Also what can you buy that you can
check how much power is left in the battery.
Reply By: Member - Tony W (VIC) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:20
Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:20
Look for a LCD Television that has an external plug pack / adapter. Make sure it is powered by 12v DC or lower. It will have + and - marked somewhere to indicate DC. You can usually
check this on the power pack or on the TV or in the specs. Also
check the current rating ( probably 2 - 3 A)
Then go to Jaycar / Dick Smith etc and get a 12v regualtor from 13.8V with the same or higher current rating. Don't try to power a LCD from the car "12 volts" unless it specifically states it is for car use. It can blow the TV if it gets too high.
Also make sure you have the polarity right. Usually the + is the middle part of the power plug.
AnswerID:
300788
Reply By: Notso - Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:24
Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:24
I've got a 17inch widescreen Telly that runs off 12/240. It uses a power supply somewhat like a laptop computer. It cost about $500 about three 7ears ago.
All I did was to make up a lead with a plug from Dick Smith and a cigaratte light plug and socket.
Fitted the Lighter socket into the fridge cavity.
You can also buy a fairly cheap volt meter from jaycar or probably Dick Smith. This will give you a reasonable idea of where your battery is at.
You will need to understand a bit about battery voltages
You might be better to talk to a good auto electrician or 12 volt
shop
AnswerID:
300790
Follow Up By: Member - barry F (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:27
Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 18:27
Thanks fellows for that info. Much appreciated. Cheers.
FollowupID:
566910
Reply By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 22:07
Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 at 22:07
Hi Barry
I suggest you follow Tony's advice & get a voltage reducer unless your tv comes with a cigarette lighter plug.[means it is designed for vehicle use]
It would be safe to use your tv @ night off the battery AS long you are not charging batteries.
When charging battery,either by solar or genny, volts could rise to 14.5v/15v [25% OVER VOLTAGE] IF IT IS NOT DESIGNEDTO COPE WITH THIS HIGHER VOLTAGE YOU COULD DO PERMANENT DAMAGE TO IT.
12v means just that12v ,some may have a voltage range marked ie 12/14v these would be ok.
It is true many work with no trouble,up to you if you take the risk.
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