12V-powered TFT screen

westhinder

westhinder

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I am looking for a TFT computer screen that will run directly from the boat's 12V supply. Any recommendations?
And will I need to install a 12V-12V converter to iron out power fluctuations?
 
Many TFT screens actually run at 12 volts or so, have a look PC world or wherever and you will see units with a power converter, look at the label and find one that is 12vdc and away you go. you might find one of a different voltage and your DC-DC idea could then solve that to as there are converters for many voltages around.

Generally you will not need a dc-dc unless you have a noisy alternator or charger if you are on shore supply.
 
As hightec says 12v DC seems to be what most of them want. Be aware that they can be quite 'thirsty' items. Check the DC current specification as well as the voltage. If you're thinking of a reasonably large one and expecting to keep it on for considerable periods of time then be prepared for it to make quite a dent in your battery reserves.
 
Geoff,

All the monitors I find seem to have 220-240V AC power supplies. Does that mean the adapter is inside and could it be removed or bridged as a diy job?
 
Hello Johan I think your concern is right in that while a monitor may run on 12volts happily it may die with 14volts which you get when the engine is running and battery is charging. If you find one claimed to be OK for car use then it should be OK for 14volts. But if you assume that because the power untit gives 12v then it should be OK you may be wrong. Modern power units give a very precise 12v. ie you need a 12v to 12v power converter. an input of 10 to 15volts and an output of precisely 12v.
Look for a small TV with facility for computer input that is OK for car use. I have a friend who has one in his boat that seems oK.
good luck olewill
 
We've found that the ones with a 12V supply are significantly more expensive than the 240V versions... like £300 vs £100.... so we've gone down the route of the 240V version, reckoning that firstly we'll mainly use it when on shore power, and secondly, the additional savings will go substantially towards the cost of a decent invertor, which will be useful for other items on board too.... worth doing the sums....
 
Morgana, you're absolutely right about doing the sums. It would be a real boon not to have to buy anything with the 'marine' prefix on the label.
The other sum of course being the consumption of power: I'm afraid an inverter is going to be too thirsty, as I will be using the pc as a chartplotter while underway. Of course we will need to make sure monitor and pc go into power save mode as often as possible.
 
Olewill, thanks, I had indeed been considering a 12V TV with pc-input. But as I go sailing to get away from the TV (I work for TV) it does seem a waste to pay for features I won't be needing anyway.
 
I bought a 12 volt 15in TFL TV from Sainsburys last year (about £120) has an external 240 volt transformer. i used it on my 12v caravan curcuit.
 
You have to hunt for the few on the market with an external power supply. Bad news is they are rare. Good news is if they have it it will be 12V most likely. Now the catch. Most need 12V sharp since they rely on the power supply to give them the correct voltage. So, to be on the save side you may want to add a 12V regulator for it to keep it happy. I am using an Akira monitor which is happy even without it. But I heard of other ones which make a "bling" sound and go blank /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
I have been using a Beko 15" tv/monitor for the last 3 years, uses 2.7 amps so they say at 12 volts and I use an Ambassador voltage stabilizer from Vasari Technology to keep the voltage spot on all the time. This connected to one of Vasari's mini PCs cover all our nav, weather and entertainment needs.
 
Another useful supplier is www.roadpro.co.uk
They have a number of useful 12v tv's, I bought a 10" one a year agoand it's designed for computer, analgogue / digital tv, monitor for video or dvd, the lot. It uses about 1.5 amps so really economical, and a good picture too.

Screen size is big enough to be clear but small enough not to dominate the whole boat with its presence.

Good luck
 
I've tested several makes of display for use on the boat. My recommendation would be look for one that says 14 V. Some models stamped "12v" have a limiter circuit, and work on your battery alone, but quit the job if the engine is running or the battery charger is active. Some 14/15 V models work with as little as 10 V (but not that bright..).
 
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