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sherpa27 · 07-26-2018, 04:51 PM

Hi all. We'd like to be able to occasionally watch TV (or at least AV movies) when not hooked to shore power. Of course, there are no 12 volt outlets in our 2015 Bambi. Short of a generator, is there a simple solution?

Shacksman · 07-26-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherpa27

Hi all. We'd like to be able to occasionally watch TV (or at least AV movies) when not hooked to shore power. Of course, there are no 12 volt outlets in our 2015 Bambi. Short of a generator, is there a simple solution?

I keep the TV plugged into a small inverter, 175 watts, and wired into the connection for the fridge so we always can use it. Works from the 12 volt all the time.

OTRA15 · 07-26-2018, 06:56 PM

Just add a "12 volt cigarette lighter outlet" per these search results using the new search function above in the blue box, which works great!

https://www.google.com/search?q=12+v...com&gws_rd=ssl

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...al-156844.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ug-142406.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317...-v-156449.html

"12 volt TV": https://www.google.com/search?q=12+v...=airforums.com

You will have to find a source of 12-volts near where you want the outlet, and splice into that feed. Will need to make sure the wattage of the new TV is not too much for that feed wire.

Good luck,

Peter

Wayne&Sam · 07-26-2018, 07:17 PM

Do you have a 12v TV? Most are 110v with voltage reduction inside the TV. Some use a wall wart to drop to 12v. If that is the case, you can wire it to a cigarette plug.

uncle_bob · 07-26-2018, 07:30 PM

Hi

If the target really *is* movies ( and maybe streaming video), get a computer monitor rather than a TV. Drive it with a tiny PC. Finding a setup like that all able to run off of 12V is not an insane mission.

Bob

tojimmiller · 07-27-2018, 09:11 AM

Yup these laptop �� computers are great for movies �� and my apple �� usually will run for hours without even plugging it in
Jm

1973Argosy · 07-27-2018, 10:12 AM

I have one normal 110 volt flat screen mounted in my midship and a second "portable television" that we use for the front living area. The portable television is a 12" flat screen and has the digital tuner so it can hook up to my king jack antenna. It also has its own 12 volt battery built in so it can be watched anywhere. It does require 110 volt to charge but a simple 200 watt inverter can fully charge it in about two hours. Viewing time is about 10 hours from its internal battery. In the time it takes running the genny to charge the coach bateries the television is more than charged and ready. Plus it does not pull any power from the coach batteries. I tend to reserve all of the coach batteries power for water pump and furnace usage.

xyzabe · 07-27-2018, 11:04 AM

Jensen makes 12v HD televisions. Have had one for several years. To use it on AC, you do need to purchase an adapter from Jensen.

rnelson · 07-27-2018, 11:53 AM

I also have a 2015 Sport 16. I replaced the antenna booster with an antenna booster/12 plug. I purchased a small inverter that plugs into the 12V and run my Television from that. Simple and works great.

davidz71 · 07-27-2018, 04:26 PM

I have a Jensen TV that has been perfect for the job. Their circuit boards are coated for use in marine environments. I wired straight to the refrigerator 12 volt source in the outside compartment. I keep it unplugged from the back of the TV to prevent an electrical draw then plug it in when I want to watch it.

Fair_Enough · 07-28-2018, 09:57 AM

Samlex 300W Pure Sine Wave - would be a bit over size for just TV, but its a good one for the money. I don't think at half capacity the cooling fan would be running. I used this in a truck camper. Should be fused at 40 amps to get full capacity (500W peak) and wire size depends on length of run. To run on #14 AWG via cigarette plug, just limit load to under 150W.
WW

WhereStream · 07-29-2018, 03:14 AM

I have a small Sharp television that runs on 12 volts.

Have to use a step-down converter to use it in the house, so one should be able to wire it to 12 volts (if one could find an accessible source in the Airstream) and catch up on some "Mannix" reruns.

sherpa27 · 07-29-2018, 03:13 PM

Thanks, everyone. I've got a couple of recommended gadgets on the way. I also ordered this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Expense little sucker, but if it works as advertised, should be useful.

Tom