Bongo Fury

hope someone can help . just bought 19" tv dvd combo from aldi it uses a 12v dc adapter to convert from mains in the house how can i run this in our bongo can it be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket or do i need an inverter to suply me with 240 then use the same dc adaptor that is used in the house .

next problem will be how to mount it in the back of a standard bongo .

sorry another question what ariel do you recomend

If it runs on 12v, then you should be able to wire directly to a 12v supply.

Going from 12v through an inverter to 240v, then back to 12v again in the supplied adaptor will just add losses, and ultimately waste battery power.

Make sure you get the polarity right though. If you are not sure - get someone who is to help!

Also -

With the engine running your Bongo will be supplying 13-14v, not 12v, and it won't be smooth dc, it will be fluctuating a bit. The TV may not be so happy on this.

With the engine off, you will be running on a nice smooth 12v dc supply from the battery (or batteries). As this decays away, the TV will eventually cut off. Possibly as soon as 11v, possibly way down at 9v. You'd just have to try it and see. This shouldn't harm the TV though - but usual disclaimers apply!

Just read the bit about ariels.

I have tried the short 'stick' type ariels which you get with the USB TV Receivers - they don't work unless you are very close to the transmitter. I did see a photo on here a while ago where someone had a short Yagi antenna (house TV aerial type) mounted under the front edge of the AFT (when raised!) on a swivel. Looked just the job.

D n D & K wrote:hope someone can help . just bought 19" tv dvd combo from aldi it uses a 12v dc adapter to convert from mains in the house how can i run this in our bongo can it be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket or do i need an inverter to suply me with 240 then use the same dc adaptor that is used in the house .

next problem will be how to mount it in the back of a standard bongo .

sorry another question what ariel do you recomend

It depends on the power supply, it might be a direct to DC plug in which case you can probably buy a lead to connect it up or it might be a switched mode power supply, may carry +/- voltages as well as standard 12v in which case you will need an inverter to run it. If its the only all your planning on running and depending on what wattage it draws you can pick up an inverter for as little as £10/15.

As for aerials I'm trying to work out what is best for me at the moment, so can't help you i'm afraid

Scott

thanks to replies so far this is what is used in the home to power it

In that case, you can power the unit without this converter directly from the battery.

What I would do is:

1. If you can find an identical plug to the one on the TV end, (Maplin?) get one and wire it to a car cig lighter plug. Your TV is expecting 12v on the centre of the plug. Car cig lighter plugs are also centre positive.

2. If you can't find a suitable plug (unlikely), get a car cig lighter plug and socket, and wire these in line to allow you to disconnect the cig plug from this adaptor and transfer it into the car cig socket. I'd cut the cable fairly close to the 240v adaptor, wire the socket in there (centre positive) and use the remaining wire with a cig plug to run the TV in the bongo.

Question for those in the know - will the Bongo rear cig socket be OK at 1.5a?
This ac adaptor can only kick out 1.5a, so the TV must only draw an amp or so in normal operation.

...a 19in Telly in a Bongo! Wow I'm impressed. That must be the equivalent of having a 120in telly at home.

Agree with dave_aber, you should have no problem running this from your bongo.

I would invest in this - Maplins Cigarette Lighter to 12v 1.5amp regulated supply for two reasons, one it is fused and will add a bit of protection, and two it comes with a selection of tips (I would think one would fit no problem)

PS. just remember to get the tip polarity right (at least you have the polarity on the mains supply)

Good Luck

Scott,

It looks like 12 volts at 5 amps not 1.5 out of the adapter.

I would be looking at powering it off a leisure battery unless I could promise myself to use it for short periods when the engine is not running.

Cheers,

Tim

Good spot Tim,

1.5a @ 240v, 5a @ 12v, so the cig socket needs to be capable of running at 5a.

I would invest in this - Maplins Cigarette Lighter to 12v 1.5amp regulated supply for two reasons

- unfortunately won't do as it is only 1.5a output. There is a 3a version which might do if you are lucky.

dave_aber wrote:Good spot Tim,

1.5a @ 240v, 5a @ 12v, so the cig socket needs to be capable of running at 5a.

I would invest in this - Maplins Cigarette Lighter to 12v 1.5amp regulated supply for two reasons

- unfortunately won't do as it is only 1.5a output. There is a 3a version which might do if you are lucky.

Ah, I should have read it properly, that wont do (well it might if you can get past the initial current drain , I would try it but I have blown up loads of things in the name of science ) and would find a more powerful one or go direct.

Also to note then that if you are using an inverter you will need at least a 350w one, I think Argos do a black and decker 400w inverter just shy of £30. but I would use your leisure battery (if you have one) to power it no matter what way you decide.

Scott