12volt computer/TV/Radio.?

[Rincewind]

Has anyone come across a 12volt computer /LED screen in one unit.
I quite fancy this for navigation/entertainment purposes, bolted to the Saloon wall.
Is this a practical proposition, a big screen would be a bonus as my eyes/brain don’t
assimilate detail from small screens.

I am not into IT/technology so the answer may be obvious to you but not to me.!

 

[srm]

I run a laptop on board using an appropriate 12v to computer voltage adapter. Voltages and computer plugs vary between manufacturers so you need to be model specific when purchasing. Bear in mind that most domestic computer equipment is not weather and shock proof so may have a short life afloat.

I have used pre-owned Panasonic Toughbooks for my nav software.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Get a usb stick pc and plug it into the screen of your choice.

 

[Graham376]

We use small 11.6" screen computers on board through 12v power brick (or 350w inverter) and connect to 24" TV for streaming films or live UK TV via HDMI cable.

 

[greeny]

I bought a 12/240 volt tv in Portugal last year that I run from a raspberry pi via hdmi lead. You could do it that way from a laptop using the hdmi output. Screen quality is perfectly ok to read when used on the Pi output. Also doubles as the entertainment screen through a firestick and IPTV. Unfortunately I'm not there at the moment so can't give you the exact make/model. They are out there but sometimes difficult to find with the 12 v.
edit: I'm pretty sure this was the one I ordered.
LED TV 16'' HD Ready (12/220V) Black - NEVIR

 

[Blueboatman]

No but I drilled a hole in my old iMac base and bolted it to the chart table running off a non-pure sine wave inverter . Proper screen and wireless keyboard and battery printer n usb scanner for biznis stuff
and turned round , one big screen movie night ??
@ sea I undid the wingnut and shoved the ‘puter under a duvet at the bottom of the quarter berth. Worked beautifully

 

[Richard10002]

Many TVs have a DC input, with an external adapter to convert AC to DC. I have 2 x Samsungs that use 15V DC, and have had an LG that used a 19V input.

With the first Samsung, I just plugged the boat "12V" supply into it, and it worked fine for a couple of years until I found an adapter which converted 12V to 15V, (with the right sized plug). It was easier to find a 12V to 19V adapter for the LG.

I recall seeing some Sony 40" TVs which had 19V DC inputs, although this was a number of years ago.

I think most TVs/Monitors operate on DC internally, with some doing the adapting externally, and some doing it internally.

With a decent inverter, (with a low acquiescent current draw), there is no reason not to use a 240V TV/monitor, just like some people use 240V fridges via an inverter.

 

[Refueler]

Most Notebook (that's actually the correct term for what people call Laptops !! Laptops were 240v predecessors of todays Notebooks !! ) ..... can run fine of 12V direct ..........

The power supply - yes they are anywhere from 15 to 19V .... the extra voltage is based on their job to not only power the PC and its added functions - but also to charge the battery.

The trick is to disconnect the battery, best to leave battery in its bay so unit is still balanced ..... then the 12V will run it OK - just do not expect to start running DVD's / Speakers etc.

OK - there are dedicated 12V Computers ... I actually have one that is designed as a PoS (Point of Sale) unit for mobile shop units. It is just like a small Desktop unit ..... you plug in normal keyboard / monitor etc. It has DVD drive as well as USB etc.

For those unbelievers ....... you can buy 12v to xx volt DC to DC adaptors specifically for PC's .... just make sure you get the high watts rated and not the cheapo low watts items ... otherwise the PC will be running partly from battery and it will shut down once battery is drained.

Me ? I have stopped using PC's for general onboard .... just carry for email and Nav working .... I've changed to a decent Android tablet .... far more convenient ....

 

[LiftyK]

I used to have a regular HP laptop with an optional 12V power supply for use on aircraft or in cars. the plug was for a usual 12V socket as found in cars. I'm not sure they have them on planes any more. When in use on a plane in airplane mode, it would supply enough power to run the laptop but not to charge it. This might be useful afloat to only take what you need from your boat batteries. This setting was to comply with aircraft regulations. When in a car it would run the laptop and charge it at the same time.

If you already have a laptop computer, see if the manufacturer offers a 12V power brick. To watch television on a laptop, I can recommend EyeTV. Mine is ancient and still performs well.

 

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the useful info

 

[coopec]

I run a laptop on board using an appropriate 12v to computer voltage adapter. Voltages and computer plugs vary between manufacturers so you need to be model specific when purchasing. Bear in mind that most domestic computer equipment is not weather and shock proof so may have a short life afloat.

I have used pre-owned Panasonic Toughbooks for my nav software.

I bought a Panasonic Toughbook on the recommendation of the local computer expert/repairman who services the fishing fleet computers. He pointed out they are "water resistant" (not "water proof"- no such computer), they are built for outdoor use (engineers, geologists etc) and the screen is readable in daylight.

 

[LadyInBed]

You should be clear on what you might want a 'PC' for, if it's just for apps that will run on an Android device then maybe you should think about a smart TV.
With a WiFi dongle you can
"Stream on-demand content, instantly. ...
Access Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. ...
Browse the web. ...
Watch videos on YouTube. ...
Listen to music. ...
Scroll on social media. ...
Play fun smart TV games. ...."
On mine, without using WiFi, I have plugged in a gps dongle and run OpenCPN, controlled by a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.
With the appropriate Android apps loaded
I can read and edit MS Office files and run other offline apps as I would on my tablet.

 

[Sandy]

I find that not having a PC on the boat is a great way of having a 'digital detox' allowing me to catch up on reading and do some writing, not quite a quill pen. I can sit and watch sunsets/rises and immerse myself in the beauty around me.

My smartphone is there for telephone calls, the weather forecast and messaging.

 

[simonfraser]

I run my 18V laptop using one of these

 

[coopec]

About this item

• [DC to DC Boost Converter]: 1500W high power booster module, wide voltage input: 10V- 60V, 12V- 90V adjustable wide voltage output; output current can be adjusted
• [High Quality]: The power supply module uses double sendust magnets winded with 1.2mm copper wires
• [Better Heat Dissipation]: Thickened heatsink and intelligent temperature control cooling fan dissipate heat better
• [High efficiency]: 100V/210A low resistance MOS with big power and current input, suitable for big power LED, motors; Support reverse input protection with MOS so there is no worry about wrong input wire and burn out power supply
• [Protection]: Low voltage protection will protect module and battery against damage from over-discharge when use a storage battery as input

https://www.amazon.com/Yosoo-Health-Gear-Converter-Step-up/dp/B08HSFM9LG