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120VAC to 12VDC transformer to power AV??

dbr549

dbr549

PM 2020
Full Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Messages
171
Location
Missouri
Hmmmm.......not sure where to post this?

Anyway.....we go camping a lot using the AV tent, usually at state parks, where you have the option of getting a campsite with electric. Is there a way to ?switch over? and bypass the AV?s battery and use the 120v plug at the campground through a 12V transformer?? I thought it would be nice to switch on the av?s accessories (video, stereo, etc.) without worrying about draining the battery or the expense of a dual battery setup.  How do RV?s hook-up??

I was thinking along the line of having a 3-prong plug coming out of the 12V transformer that?s mounted under the hood that runs through a switch. Then all you need to do is use a heavy duty extension cord to plug into the campsites duplex receptacle and flip the switch. Voila! Unlimited 12V power! Does such a device exist??
 
Yeah..its called a battery charger  :laugh:

Just kidding..I am guessing you want something with higher output than a typical charger that only puts out 10 amps  ??? More like a 12V power supply. I am sure they exist but you need a water proof unit..Sounds more expensive than dual batteries to me.
 
cadboy1 said:
Yeah..its called a battery charger? :laugh:

Just kidding..I am guessing you want something with higher output than a typical charger that only puts out 10 amps? ??? More like a 12V power supply. I am sure they exist but you need a water proof unit..Sounds more expensive than dual batteries to me.
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Just out of curiosity, what would the total costs be for a dual battery system using Optima Red tops?
 
trAVelingman said:
Just out of curiosity, what would the total costs be for a dual battery system using Optima Red tops?
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I guess it depends on options/methods chosen. I just looked up the Wrangler NW kit and its now $534.73  :eek: I remember getting it for around $275 on the group buy. I guess cheapest route would be Painless wiring kit with switch and solenoid for $109 from Summit and then getting a battery tray from GM and then you would need to buy some cable and ends and maybe you are now at $200-$250 and you still need the batteries of your choice. Optima red tops are $159 each at Summit. Maybe a marine power supply at $600 not to far out of line  :D
 
Battery charger would work as they are just big 12VDC power supplies with various amp output set points...

also most 12VDC bench top power supplies are not rated for much..

BUT if you are serious...

Look at marine supply websites as boats will have this...

They can get $$$$
 
A battery charger would work only if he did not exceed the chargers rating with amps draw while he is camping and running electronics. I think its pretty easy to exceed your typical 10 amp charger with video and amps. Then if you run a bigger charger you risk over charging. Most batteries do not like being discharged and recharged for to many cycles. Maybe if he ran an Optima Yellow top it could work with 10 amp charger.
 
Smart charger...

or
100 amp = $1700 does come in other sizes
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50 amp max for $700
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They don't look under hood mountable  :D
 
cadboy1 said:
They don't look under hood mountable :D
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in bed somewhere...
 
Don't mount it. Just carry it with you and hook it up when you have hookups.

(Hmmm... this thread just created an idea for my AVpc project...)
 
Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Sounds like the battery charger is going to be the cheapest. Although I'm not sure what a rectifier is....I'll have to look into it. But, are you saying you could plug the charger in and leave the keyed accessory switch on and it would be ok? My stock battery is already weak from draining it completely on a camping trip.  :beating:
 
What ya need to do is measure your amp draw when you will be plugged in with engine off...

then find battery charger slightly larger... and ensure it is a smart one that charges based on battery condition..

so as you use battery power the charger keeps battery charged... and when you turn things off it goes to trickle mode...
 
ygmn said:
What ya need to do is measure your amp draw when you will be plugged in with engine off...
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Hmmm......how does one go about measuring the amp draw?  :dunno: I have a multimeter.
 
Most battery chargers, even high quality units, don't reccommend being used as a power supply though. They might not like the spikes and just shut down  :D
 
cadboy1 said:
Most battery chargers, even high quality units, don't reccommend being used as a power supply though. They might not like the spikes and just shut down :D
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Marine ones do not mind as they know sail boats do nt have generators and run off the battery and need the battery charged...

So you are not running off charger but battery... charger replaces juice in battery...

I cannot see where one would a problem with that
 
ygmn said:
Marine ones do not mind as they know sail boats do nt have generators and run off the battery and need the battery charged...

So you are not running off charger but battery... charger replaces juice in battery...

I cannot see where one would a problem with that
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That also requires a deep cycle battery..Last I checked Delcos are not  :D
 
cadboy1 said:
That also requires a deep cycle battery..Last I checked Delcos are not :D
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no.... because the charger is on keeping the battery charged..

deep cycle is for when you use battery untildead then charge it like trolling motpr batteries...
 
ygmn said:
no.... because the charger is on keeping the battery charged..

deep cycle is for when you use battery untildead then charge it like trolling motpr batteries...
Click to expand...

But if his draw exceeds the rate of charge, the battery is being discharged..Batteries don't like that  :D Regular batteries are for starting, not running accessories all day at a camp site  :D

And deep cycles don't necessarily have to be run down to dead.
 
Hence why I say to get charger bigger then his anticipated load....

 
a charger i would recommend , 40 amp capacity,settings for AGM batteries(optima and odyssey),and 110 amp engine start in case you go to far. AGM's don't like voltage above 14.7  at wally world for 90 bucks.....http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15580
 
jimbo53188 said:
a charger i would recommend , 40 amp capacity,settings for AGM batteries(optima and odyssey),and 110 amp engine start in case you go to far. AGM's don't like voltage above 14.7  at wally world for 90 bucks.....http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15580
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Thank you very much for the link!  (y) I'll give this a try.
 
I used this power supply for a home theater to power a 12v car amplifier.      http://www.cascadeaudio.com/power_converters/power_converters.htm


I did the APS-100 and was powering a 5000 watt audiobahn and 2 15" L7's with only this, no battery or anything, they pack a punch, but are reasonable priced too
 
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