pessimist
Active member
I would like to replace the TV on the boat. I believe it would be more efficient to step up the boat's 12v supply than to use the inverter. Can anyone point me in the direction of a make with an external transformer?
TV with external transformer
- Thread starter pessimist
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mjcoon
Active member
You can't use a "transformer" with a DC supply; it has to be an inverter (or rotary!). So I don't understand the question...
Davy_S
Active member
I may be wrong here, but some TVs are plugged into a 240v socket but the plug itself steps the voltage down to 12 volts, i think he wants to know the brands of TVs that run on 12volt (so he can connect one direct to his batteries by simply chopping the plug off, i have a router that plugs into the mains because it uses a step down plug, but i could chop it off and connect to a battery if we had a powercut.because the router is 12 volts.
i think that's what he means
i think that's what he means
chris-s
Active member
Probably simpler to buy a 12v tv. Check out the cello range, lots of options.
ProDave
Active member
I think what the OP wants is a tv that will work from 12v dc. Go and buy one that is actually designed for that.
Many, particularly small tv's do indeed have a 240v ac to (sometimes) 12V dc power supply built into the mains lead. but even if the power supply says "12v dc" output, it does not mean the tv will be happy with it connected to your battery. And very unlikely the warranty would be valid.
To work from "12v dc" as you describe requires it to work, at least not go bang, with anything from about 11.5v (flat battery) to about 14V (fully charged battery still on charge)
I recall back in the day the Sky mini box was like that and caravanners liked them because at the time they were about the only dc powered satellite receiver. But they did indeed go bang if you applied much above 13V to it. So such enterprising users had to remember to unplug it before putting the battery on charge, or in the case of a motorhome, before starting the engine.
Many, particularly small tv's do indeed have a 240v ac to (sometimes) 12V dc power supply built into the mains lead. but even if the power supply says "12v dc" output, it does not mean the tv will be happy with it connected to your battery. And very unlikely the warranty would be valid.
To work from "12v dc" as you describe requires it to work, at least not go bang, with anything from about 11.5v (flat battery) to about 14V (fully charged battery still on charge)
I recall back in the day the Sky mini box was like that and caravanners liked them because at the time they were about the only dc powered satellite receiver. But they did indeed go bang if you applied much above 13V to it. So such enterprising users had to remember to unplug it before putting the battery on charge, or in the case of a motorhome, before starting the engine.
pessimist
Active member
I may be wrong here, but some TVs are plugged into a 240v socket but the plug itself steps the voltage down to 12 volts, i think he wants to know the brands of TVs that run on 12volt (so he can connect one direct to his batteries by simply chopping the plug off, i have a router that plugs into the mains because it uses a step down plug, but i could chop it off and connect to a battery if we had a powercut.because the router is 12 volts.
i think that's what he means
I'm talking about a 240v TV which would normally be plugged into the inverter. I believe that most then 'transform' the 240v AC to a 12-19v DC supply. I would like to replace this with a 12v step up
chris-s
Active member
The cello 12v tv’s come with a ‘black box’ that regulates the voltage from typical charging systems down to 12v.
mjcoon
Active member
I should have guessed...I may be wrong here, but some TVs are plugged into a 240v socket but the plug itself steps the voltage down to 12 volts, i think he wants to know the brands of TVs that run on 12volt (so he can connect one direct to his batteries by simply chopping the plug off, i have a router that plugs into the mains because it uses a step down plug, but i could chop it off and connect to a battery if we had a power-cut because the router is 12 volts.
i think that's what he means
SaltyC
Active member
I previously bought a TV from a supermarket that had a 240V plug to 12V transformer. Cut the lead and fitted a 12V plug - worked well if small aerial had signal. Now installed ,mast head 'powered' Aerial? and a dedicated 12V TV --Absolutely brilliant.
davidaprice
Member
I have a Finlux 24 M7 (FINLUX 24" M7 ANDROID SMART TV 12V tuella (2025) - Finlux), it is a 24" Android TV which comes with a normal 230V cable with the usual black box in the middle (which I've used at home), and a 12V cable with a standard cigarette lighter plug and no black box (which works fine on the boat). I don't know if they're sold outside Finland, but there must be equivalent products in the UK. It might be best to check out caravanning suppliers?
samfieldhouse
Active member
Cello is the ‘go to’ 12v TV brand.
However if you walk around Curry’s or John Lewis and look at the back of the display units you’ll see that many are 12v or 19v.
19v is will run find from a ‘buck converter’.
Also worth considering a smart PC monitor (who watches actually terrestrial tv nowadays?) or a USB C powered screen that will plug direct into an iPad or laptop.
However if you walk around Curry’s or John Lewis and look at the back of the display units you’ll see that many are 12v or 19v.
19v is will run find from a ‘buck converter’.
Also worth considering a smart PC monitor (who watches actually terrestrial tv nowadays?) or a USB C powered screen that will plug direct into an iPad or laptop.
mickywillis
Active member
Look out for Avtex TV' s as well. A good UK brand designed for campervans and motorhomes.
Also, the cheaper Alba, Bush, Grundig, etc units use a 240 to 12v DC External PSU, you can then use a regulated 12v DC supply off the boat batteries, its what I do.
Also, the cheaper Alba, Bush, Grundig, etc units use a 240 to 12v DC External PSU, you can then use a regulated 12v DC supply off the boat batteries, its what I do.
mickywillis
Active member
mickywillis
Active member
Or loads for sale on FB Marketplace, for instance:
Bei Facebook anmelden
Bei Facebook anmelden
ylop
Active member
If you do go down the monitor route - make sure you check it has speakers, many of the 12V ones don’t, read the specs don’t just look at the side Some use the same moulding for different models - don’t ask how I learned this.
mjcoon
Active member
Co-incidentally I received a catalogue from cpc.co.uk which mentions "12V Traveller TVs". So you could mount one on your gypsy (ho, ho)...
Marsali_1
Member
Not sure I want a TV getting in the way of my main sheet plus the glare from the sun would make it devilishly hard to see anything
SaltyC
Active member
I had a supermarket 240 / 12v TV cut transformer off and put 12v plug on, little stubby aerial and worked reasonably well - in some harbours unable to get signal, particularly at LW.
Last season got pre loved Avtex and put a powered aerial at top of mast. The Avtex powers the aerial (in settings, needed son to explain) now have brilliant reception and mote channels than at home.
Last season got pre loved Avtex and put a powered aerial at top of mast. The Avtex powers the aerial (in settings, needed son to explain) now have brilliant reception and mote channels than at home.
mrangry
Active member
I bought a 12v to 19v step up module to run an LG smart tv and it works flawlessly. Dont buy one of those 12v camping tvs just because they are 12v because they are rubbish quality.
Pardon our interruption...
Pardon our interruption...
AndyDavies
New member
Post #20 and still no "You don't need a TV on a boat!" Disappointing.
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