Hi,
I have a Magnavox 15" TV in my 11' Lance. It was installed when I bought it and plugged into the AC Outlet. So, when boondocking (or Walmarting), I ran the generator to watch DVDs. I'm a retired EE and love tinkering, so I followed the power cord from the plug to the transformer bulge to the output to the TV. The transformer bulge says Input 120VAC" and "Output 12VDC"!! So, I just built a new power cord with the appropriate coaxial power connector and now can run the TV (for awhile at least) without the generator.
I would like to be able to watch over-the-air TV when signals are available. I know there are "12 Volt" TVs, but they seem to command a premium.
So, the question: Have any of you found a 15" - 19" digital ready LCD flat screen with the same set up as my Magnavox? It is spec'ed as 120VAC, but the input to the TV really is 12 Volt.
I would think that you should still be able to watch a nights worth of television with the TV plugged into 110VAC inverter. You would probably need two batteries, if you want it all night, with other lighting.
As to your question, I would suggest when you pull into Walmart to overnight, that you walk inside and look at the back side of the TVs on the wall.....you should be able to see how they are powered.
Take care, Happy Camping
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
Paul
Extra Class Ham Radio operator - K9ERG (since 1956)
Retired Electronics Engineer and Antenna Designer
Was a campground host at IBSP (2006-2010) - now retired.
Single - Full-timer
2005 Four Winds 29Q
1982 6.2L Diesel Suburban 1500
PapPappy wrote: I would think that you should still be able to watch a nights worth of television with the TV plugged into 110VAC inverter. You would probably need two batteries, if you want it all night, with other lighting.
But, you lose a lot of efficiency in the DC -> AC (inverter)conversion only to burn up more electricity as heat changing it back to DC. I save battery running on 12 Volts.
So your saying we might not need an inverter?
we have a new 26" Vizio LED, I'll have to check on the input. But in case it is 12v, could you show me a pic of what you did?
We'd like a way for the kids to watch TV on the road or boondocking without running the generator all the time. I Suppose this is a cheaper alternative also, over the inverter?
1rosario wrote: So your saying we might not need an inverter?
we have a new 26" Vizio LED, I'll have to check on the input. But in case it is 12v, could you show me a pic of what you did?
We'd like a way for the kids to watch TV on the road or boondocking without running the generator all the time. I Suppose this is a cheaper alternative also, over the inverter?
I just found the same style connector that plugs power into the back of the TV at a local electronics store. They are usually Coaxial Power Connectors Wiki about Coaxial Power Connectors (Radio Shack has them, but theirs get poor reviews). The little drawing on your transformer - the one with the partial circle around the dot - will show you how to connect the + and -. I just used some doorbell wire and soldered one end to the power connector. NOTE: with a 26" LED TV, you may need to use thicker wire - check the current output on the transformer. It should say something like 5.0 DCA (DC Amps). Use heavy enough wire for the current. I connected the other end of the wires into the same 12V circuit as my stereo (so it is on the same fuse) and plugged it into the TV. Voila - inverter free TV.
Try to find a brand called "Naxa". I found one at my local Fred Meyers store for around $200 on sale. It works as you describe, native it's a 12V DC system but uses a 120V AC to 12V DC rectifier "Brick" if you are using it at your house.
What is nice is the TV actually came with the cables for both the 12v direct to a standard car / RV outlet or 120V AC Plug.
Our TV is a 23" with a built in DVD player.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0, 3.73, Firestone Air Bags, CCSB LTZ
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!! So, I just built a new power cord with the appropriate coaxial power connector and now can run the TV (for awhile at least) without the generator.
FMCA# F407293
