Lesson Learned with Cheap Inverter Today-Fried TV

[CoralReefer]

Running my TV setup today on my Jump Box inverter, the TV screen went green and it made a very loud screeching noise. Now the TV won't power on (LED won't even light up). I checked the power cord with my multimeter and it's good so must have fried something on the circuit board. Crap!! Money down the toilet. It was a cheap TV but I hate throwing cash down the drain. I've read about inverters not being very stable but didn't listen. Lesson learned. :smt021

I think I'm going to stick with TV dockside only and not messing with the 12v system or inverters. Listening to the radio while out on the water is just fine with me.

 

[Voldad]

Buy a TV with 12V input.

 

[CoralReefer]

This TV was both AC and DC. Not sure what happened but it's dead.

 

[fc3]

This is a repeat, but it's been a few years so.....

Lookie here. The images are too large for this site's software. Note particularly photos 2 and 3. You can click a photo to enlarge it. This is the output from a fairly decent modified sine wave (MSW) inverter. The bottom photo is utility power.

Note that while the inverter's RMS voltage is a slightly low from utility, the peak to peak is slightly higher. Between the spikes and the higher P2P voltage, that's probably what did in your TV.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[JimG]

Is the TV under warranty? If so I would take it back or send it off. There is no reason it should have a problem running on a properly working inverter.

The scope pictures Frank refers to are typical for inverters... not unlike the output of most UPS systems you would have on your computer. Power supplies in todays electronics can handle a wide range of AC input voltages.

 

[CoralReefer]

Unfortunately I bought it cheap off eBay. It appeared new and in good shape and did work fine. As for warranty, I'm afraid I'm out of luck. It was cheap. I may just go with LED vs. LCD and just chalk it up on this one.

 

[dpmulvey]

I was at Harbor Freight the other day and happened by some inverters that said on the box; "Not For Marine Use".

Don't know why. I have read that not all inverters are good for boats.

 

[SCORPIO]

I was at Harbor Freight the other day and happened by some inverters that said on the box; "Not For Marine Use".

Don't know why. I have read that not all inverters are good for boats.

Probablly has to do with not being ignition protected for an enclosed environment like a bilge, could go BOOM!

Coralreefer, before you junk the set, take the back off, there may be a fuse inside that is fried. I had this happen years ago to a CRT set. I called a repairman who came out with a big set of nut drivers and took the back off and replaced the fuse (I didn't know it was a fuse at that point). That 20 cent fuse cost me $75 to have it "professionally" installed. If it doesn't have a fuse, well then you can trash it.

 

[CoralReefer]

Scorpio,

I was just thinking about taking it apart. I've been researching a bit and I've read some posts about fuses as well as some sort of "reset" feature on some TV's. (holding down menu button and power etc. etc.). I figured I'd tinker with it a bit to see if I can come up with anything. I'll keep you posted after I get it apart.

 

[CoralReefer]

Well, pulled the TV from the boat today and took apart. No fuses. Can't see any obvious damage. Guess I'm definitely shopping for new TV.

 

[Bugsy24]

Coral, a lot of Mother Boards will have a Electronic Fuse on the board itself... I forget what it's called but it works the same way! Too bad Man!