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Conversion of AC devices to DC
Was about to plug my Blu Ray player into a 120 outlet when I looked at the back of AC adapter.   If I’m reading this correctly, the player is a 12V DC device.  So I should be able to snip the cord and wire it up to a 12V car adapter plug.

Pretty sure I got this right, just looking for confirmation that I’m not about to do something really dumb.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #1 –
Yes.

I was in a similar situation with my TV, and found a 12v adapter at Radio Shack (obviously a few years ago) instead of cutting the original.

Rich



2003 MB
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #2 –
Correct. Just a matter of finding the plug on the adapter to fit the jack on the device.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #3 –
I created a "computer room" in both the LD and Class A. I powered the devices in it from a nearby, unswitched fused 12V circuit, instead of a "cigarette lighter" adapter. The design worked well.

You can buy connectors and use common 14 AWG stranded wire, plus splitter and switches with connectors to match.

Easy-peasy, and no cable surgery required.

I've also modified "cigarette lighter" adapters in cases where that was needed.

Details provided on request.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #4 –
Great question!
I did the same thing TEN YEARS ago in my LD, read the back of the electric adapter, then just cut the cord of my old electric VHS player and wired on a 12volt plug, it worked perfectly for many years. No adapter necessary.
Kristin in Alaska
p.s. Of course things are even easier now.
1997 MB
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #5 –
The voltage on a 12 volt RV circuit varies from 10v to 16v+ plus voltage spikes when you start the generator. You should use a voltage stabilizer in between. A generator start will still knock everything off line.

One item I choose not to run on 12 volts is the heated mattress pad. For that I run on 120 volt  through an inverter. It is just too far away from the battery for a 12 volt line.

Just an opinion.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #6 –
Another note... after Larry said that the new flat screen televisions only take about 25 watts of power, I hooked mine to a flash drive capable DVD player and can carry dozens of videos on a tiny drive and use them together on a  (silent 350w) inverter. This works perfectly, with just moderate solar power.  I am usually completely disconnected from all services for over a month at a time.  All I need is a place to park.  The mifi in my pocket gives me all the internet (100-plus gigs a month) that I can use almost everywhere in North America, and other places.
1997 MB
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #7 –
Quote from: hbn7hj  - 
The voltage on a 12 volt RV circuit varies from 10v to 16v+ plus voltage spikes when you start the generator. You should use a voltage stabilizer in between. A generator start will still knock everything off line.
Good to know.  With my setup, running the generator is only for exercising.  Can’t ever see running it and the blu ray player. :-)
Dave

2017 TK
 
Re: Conversion of AC devices to DC
Reply #9 –
My only thought in this situation is the 'cost' of energy.    The is always a 'cost' in changing AC to DC or DC to AC.    It may be cheaper, I don't know or have any idea, to use an inverter or a converter in a single application.  A person would just have to do the 'numbers' for each situation.

glen


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2014 Twin King