Anyone use a 12v TV / computer monitor?

[TMG51]

This isn't *quite* communication-related, but it seems closer than the solar/electric forum.

I need to spend a lot of time computing in the van for work. I've pretty much resigned myself to working from a laptop, but that presents limitations, and mainly in terms of screen real estate. The reason I don't run a desktop system is because of power consumption and especially running an inverter all day.

But what about an axillary 12v display? It could be plugged right into my house battery and turned on when I need more display room. Anyone use something like this? Experiences?
http://www.amazon.com/SuperSonic-22-Inch-Widescreen-Compatible-SC-2211/dp/B0066AE4M8/

 

[greybeard23]

I picked up a 19" 12 volt TV from the 12 volt store online some years ago.  It has a plugin for connecting to my laptop.  So I occasionally use it as my monitor, great for watching movies I might have on my laptop.

It also has two spots for a USB stick, an SD card and for an HDMI cable to my camera for watching videos or pics.  Also has DVD/CD player.

Around $150, probably more now.

Much less electricity used over plugging into an inverter.

 

[corky52]

I run a 32" flat screen for both computer and entertainment, off an inverter.  Power loss isn't that much, neither is power draw for both the computer and monitor, I use a 400 watt inverter to runboth.

You have to put a video card with a DVI output in your computer if you really want to do it right.

DVI to HDMI cables are cheap if you look around.

Corky

 

[jimindenver]

I use to use a 15 inch Toshiba flat screen/ DVD combo that i replaced the 120V power brick with a 12v cord. Then we got Satellite and had to have 120v anyways. So now both TV and the receiver are run on a 150w inverter. Newer TV's use really, really low amounts of power.

 

[TMG51]

I use to use a 15 inch Toshiba flat screen/ DVD combo that i replaced the 120V power brick with a 12v cord.

Could you explain how you do that? Replace the 120v "brick" with a 12v cord. There are appliances I'd like to hack that way!

 

[jimindenver]

Some 120v TV's have a power brick like your laptop does, others convert the power internally. Check the brick for the output voltage and if it's around 12v you can unplug it and replace it with a 12v cord that fits.

 

[wayne49]

If the monitor requires 19VDC input, is there any value to finding a 12VDC to 19VDC power supply over using the 120VAC to 19VAC with an inverter on a newer model monitor?

Monitor is VX2370SMH-LED. I bought it before van dwelling became an option.

Thanks.

 

[MikeRuth]

If the monitor requires 19VDC input, is there any value to finding a 12VDC to 19VDC power supply over using the 120VAC to 19VAC with an inverter  on a newer model monitor?

Monitor is VX2370SMH-LED. I bought it before van dwelling became an option.

Thanks.

Just double checking, you last line reads VAC at the end. IMHO it would be more efficient to convert the 12VDC to 19VDC.

Mike

 

[LeeRevell]

I have the 12VDC to 19VDC adapter for my laptop, and it works fine. Should be fine for the TV. Just google it, or check Amazon (a truly amazing source for all sorts of vanning goodness!), and see if they have it.

 

[StarEcho]

I have an Element 19" LED I got from Walmart to use as my laptop screen (since my laptop screen died). It came with an AC adapter that says Output: 12V DC 2.5A. I did just use a 12V cord I had lying around and it turns on and all, but I notice that the picture sometimes flickers. Kinda like it's not getting enough power.

Is there a special 12V cord I'd need?

 

[wayne49]

I have the 12VDC to 19VDC adapter for my laptop, and it works fine.  Should be fine for the TV.  Just google it, or check Amazon (a truly amazing source for all sorts of vanning goodness!), and see if they have it.

I amazoned and googled before posting. No luck. I did see 12VDC to 19VDC converter modules that would require wiring and installing in a box. Seemed like a lot of bother if it wouldn't make a big difference.

I typoed the 19VAC. S/b 19VDC.

Thanks.

 

[MikeRuth]

I have an Element 19" LED I got from Walmart to use as my laptop screen (since my laptop screen died).  It came with an AC adapter that says Output: 12V DC 2.5A.  I did just use a 12V cord I had lying around and it turns on and all, but I notice that the picture sometimes flickers. Kinda like it's not getting enough power.

Is there a special 12V cord I'd need?

No, your good with that.

 

[MikeRuth]

I amazoned and googled before posting. No luck. I did see 12VDC to 19VDC converter modules that would require wiring and installing in a box. Seemed like a lot of bother if it wouldn't make a big difference.

I typoed the 19VAC. S/b 19VDC.

Thanks.

No building anything here,,,http://www.batteryspace.com/DC-DC-A...lection.aspx?gclid=CM-ywbCAl8YCFU-TfgodpF0Aqw

 

[B and C]

I have an Element 19" LED I got from Walmart to use as my laptop screen (since my laptop screen died).  It came with an AC adapter that says Output: 12V DC 2.5A.  I did just use a 12V cord I had lying around and it turns on and all, but I notice that the picture sometimes flickers. Kinda like it's not getting enough power.

Is there a special 12V cord I'd need?

I bought the same element 19" TV at Walmart and replaced the 120VAC brick with a 12VDC power cord.  I have no flicker and it works well as a monitor and TV.  I use a VGA cable and HDMI cable (depending on device connected).  I have not experienced any flickering.  The power cable may not be making a good connection in the TV end.  Those barrel shaped power connectors come with different outside and inside dimensions.  I would suggest taking the original brick cable to a store and matching the power end there.  I lucked out when I bought my 12VDC power cable off ebay....  3.5mm I think, don't remember the inside size.  (I don't remember a whole lot any more) :huh: