Fitting LCD TV options

[bongodonkey]

I'm contemplating fitting a small (21 to 23in) TV into t'bongo.

Purchasing a 'tesco special' is a much cheaper option than a 12V TV.

What I'm after is information and advice as to what is best. I reckon I can run a normal 240V through an inverter from the cigarette lighter that is spliced into the leisure battery. Or pay the extra and get a 12V one. The main consideration will be the drain on batteries using one or other.

Also any recommendations on a good Aerial to use.

Cheers now

oz

[nigelgibson]

i bought one of these in link below, 16 inch screen is more than adequate in my GMC safari which is bigger than the bongo. it is 12 or 240 v, has integrated dvd player and freeview and the picture quality is astonishing for such a cheap set.

mine came with 240 lead but no 12v so i bought one on ebay for £9.99.

it uses around 20 watt i think which is not going to drain the battery [ 20 watts is less than 2 amps ]

inverters drain batteries ! the previous owner had a 240v tv with inverter and it was dreadful.i removed it and fitted the 12v below







http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALBA-LED16911 ... 1e6b184154

[Simon Jones]

I bought a 19" LED TV from Morrisons for £90 and it comes with mains and 12v leads. Be careful not to run it off 12v while the engine is running as it may not respond well to having just over 14v supplied to it. You can get proper 12v to 12v regulators from places like RoadPro, but they can set you back about £40.

[bongodonkey]

Brilliant, response. I'll defo keep me peeps out for these combination voltage sets.

[turbodave]

Hi, Another consideration is placement. I bought a flat lcd from Richer sounds (£140)which has the leads coming out parallel to the tv rather than at 90 degrees. Makes it easier to fit on bracket in ceiling. Dave

[nigelgibson]

Simon is right about the 12v supply. Most 12v tvs it seems are not keen on irregular voltage. Apparently they are mostly manufactured in China [ what isn't ? ] and it's cheaper to make them as 12v and then the country that supplies them adds their own AC regulated supply lead which effectively transforms it from AC to 12v dc. These , when run on 12v like a steady 12v and as Simon says when the engine runs the alternator is putting 14+ v in. I have mine fed with a straight 12v lead but linked to leisure battery only and this is not linked to the alternator. So far , no problems.

[winchman]

Heres my £80 tv from richer sounds

Heres the home made bracket

[bongodonkey]

Sorted

Thanks for the tips - going to work out cheaper now I'm in the know.

Oz