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voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:53 am
by twidds
Help please.
I want to buy a 12v tv/dvd player. The bongo has the 2*12v battery set up for north japan.
I have noticed the tv either seem to consume 15w or 25w.
My question is would the bongo power these tv when the engine is off and for how long?
I tried to use my laptop with a tv dongle via a 300w inverter and it just kept flickering. laptop transformer had 80w written on it.
Any advice welcome
nb have tried the search.
thank you. :?

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:00 am
by wonkanoby
would the bongo power these tv when the engine is off yes

second bit no one can answer

as size state and age of batteries would be a guess

junk the 2nd starter battery

and install a leisure battery and willmington kit to charge it

then you can watch till that goes flat


and still have a battery to start her

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:39 am
by twidds
I purchased one of those battery protectors that switches power off at 11.6v. so hopefully this will work and not leave me broken down.
thanks for the advice will now purchase Meos tv

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:48 am
by MAZABON
i wouldnt put too much faith in that battery protector, when my alternator recently failed and the bongo wouldnt start but the battery still had output of 12.20volts

also i had the battery tested by a local battery supplier just incase it wasnt holding current correctly but it tested fine.

i think the winter pack starter motor takes alot more starting current than a standard one

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:56 am
by twidds
oh boooger !
:shock:

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:18 pm
by g8dhe
It will protect you, its only the off load voltage that will usually remain at 12.6v, as soon as you put a load on it will drop, however I would suggest that 11.6v is a bit on the high side for a leisure battery, mine is set for 10.8v or a fraction higher. Do make sure it is attached at the battery terminals not next to the equipment as well!

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:37 pm
by twidds
It plugs into the cig lighter socket then has two outlets.

Basically, i don't really want the expense of a leisure battery set up ( Looks about £200 and then someone to fit it) and now reading the previous reply i need me second battery for the starter, so there is no room for the L battery.
#-o

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:59 pm
by MAZABON
my van had the twin batts but converted to 1 start batt and 1 leisure batt, your van will start from 1 battery fine as mine does too.

i was just letting you know that the starter motor in a twin battery vehicle is a bit more of a beast so perhaps a little more current will draw on start up.

i agree with g8dhe (geoff), it will protect you if you use it for a leisure battery but i wouldnt use/trust it for the starter battery set up ( single or twin )

it might cost a few quid to go for the leisure set up but it's well worth doing and takes away the worry of affecting your starter battery

you could fit it yourself its not too complicated and you already have the second battery tray in place, loads of help on here if you get stuck

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:42 pm
by westonwarrior
For now disconnect the power cable to the 2nd battery and insulate it, test starting the car, if you are happy get one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-100-A ... 4aabfef3c0

It is very easy to fit and will turn your 2nd battery into a leisure battery (not the correct battery for the job but will do)

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:53 pm
by twidds
This might be a silly question but when in situ, where is the power outlet. Does it still come out of the cig lighter sockets ? :?:

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:13 pm
by westonwarrior
the willinton kit?

it sends wires in to the cabin which you plug into the fuse box thus transfering the power source of some circuits from the main battery to the leisure battery cigarette socket is one of those as is as is the power blinds, internal lights, radio etc

Or you can use the supplied wires to connect anything directly

Re: voltage and watts?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:28 pm
by Alison01326
This doesn't really answer any of your questions, but if it's one of these http://www.wedodigital.co.uk/product/20 ... s-dvd123b/ we watch it from battery and charge it up via the 12v while we are driving around. I've never actually watched it plugged into the 12v so can't say how much power it consumes.