best way to wire AC flatscreen for on the hook

QT1

Active Member
Oct 20, 2016
644
Belair, MD
Boat Info
1990 350 Sundancer, "Quality Time II".
Engines
454 Mercruisers, performance parts modified by PO.
will add flat screen but want to be able to use it while we are on the hook without using generator. Is a converter the best way to use it at 12 volts?
 
Even a lot of "120 " volt TV's actually have power transformers that come with the tv that drop down regular a/c to 12 volt dc, then they plug into tv, you can eliminate the transformer and wire directly to a fused 12 volt source.
 
I looked at some of the tv's in Walmart which are so reasonably priced I could add 2
 
If you do wire it to a 12V battery source you may want to make sure that you have a voltage regulator in place to keep the voltage where you want it. It will help keep and surges and drops coming from the alternator when running from affecting the electronics.

-Kevin
 
I am planning on doing this with my Samsung 32" that I installed. The power supply comes from a brick that puts out 19V. I plan on installing a 19V step-up regulator to power it.

-Kevin
 
It depends on the TV size these days. I just purchased a Samsung 24" 4500 series. It is 120 AC strait into the back of the TV, no brick. However the 32" 5300 series is 19 VDC, so these can be wired with a step up transformer, 12VDC to 19VDC. You can get those on Amazon or Ebay for $25.
 
Don’t watch all that much TV away from the dock. Mostly just when I take my kids and their friends out for the day when we drop the hook and my wife and I are the only adults aboard and want to stay out of their way.
Thought about a 12 volt TV for the salon, but decided to get 3 new regular 110 tv’s and keep a small inverter aboard. Much better choice of TV’s at much lower prices. Wound up with 24” Vizio smart TV’s.
Took the little inverter off the boat last week when I realized I never used it and it was just taking up space.
There were times we spent the day on the hook in the cabin watching TV and I had the generator running so I could also enjoy the air conditioning.
Sometimes I just run the AC off the genny because it’s too hot and humid out. Ran it for heat this past Sunday morning when we were out on the boat.
Kept closer track of fuel usage for my generator this summer. With both AC units, TV, 2 fridges, etc., it only uses about half a gallon an hour. That works out to be about 1.60 an hour for all the creature comforts. I think I put about 30 or 40 hours (have to check hourmeter) on the generator this summer for a total of $48.00 - $64.00 in fuel.
If you really want a dual voltage TV for a cheap price take a look at the smaller Insignia brand at Best Buy. I spoke to someone last year who told me he put 2 of their 24” models in his RV and they will run off of 12 volt with the right cord.
 
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We have a 750watt inverter wired into the electrical system. Added by PO. Powers the TVs and other small appliances. Nice because it is wired in to all the 110 outlets, TVs, and shuts down if shore power or Genny is hooked up. Will run crock pots, blenders, phone chargers, fan, etc. Nice and quiet. Have a 3 battery house bank it pulls from.
 
Go to your local TV appliance store and look around. I found 2 TV sizes (20" /32") , that both that has a 12v brick adapter. The smaller had a built in DVD player too.

This is one area that you dont need to break the bank for any "marine" level equipment!
 
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You could buy a Majestic tv. They are 12 volts and made for the express purpose of being installed in RVs and boats. No inverter needed, just a fused connection to the DC panel.
 
View attachment 61944 You could buy a Majestic tv. They are 12 volts and made for the express purpose of being installed in RVs and boats. No inverter needed, just a fused connection to the DC panel.
That sounds like a viable solution. I guess me thread should have also addressed the scenario of possibly using the same tv when at the dock....
 

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